Computer Systems

Technology is involved in our every day life. The most used piece of technology are; cars, computers, telephones, WiFi etc. We use the technology around us, but do we know what the function of them are? How they work?

Over the last 3 IT lessons, we have learnt about the 6 key components and one of the few operating systems, in our case Linux (Ubuntu). We also took apart a desktop PC, and located the 6 key components, consisting of:

Motherboard
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Harddrive (HDD)/ (SSD)
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Powersupply
Case

The 6 key components are included in all computers, Macs, PC's, Desktops, Laptops, Netbooks, etc.

But computers don't just work by the 6 Key Components themselves, we use the 4 layer model to describe the system.

Hardware - The mechanism of the computer. The 6 key components of a computer.

Software - The system that it uses, the way it runs. Software coding, different applications from one another etc.

Network - Wireless LAN, WiFi, connecting from one person to another such as ping-ing

4. People - Without people the computer is useless. People create the applications, social networking sites, websites, etc.

Each of the 6 key components have their own unique jobs.

Motherboard - The job of the motherboard is to 'connect' all the wires, cables, components etc altogether. The motherboard also is a structural support system for the RAM (to hold it in place) and CPU, etc.

(The large green beef jerky)

RAM - The RAM is a temporary memory storage system. In order for the RAM to be enabled to use the memory, you have to first open some applications from the HDD or SS, and then the applications then move to the RAM. The less RAM you have, the less applications it can handle. Thus causing lag. The RAM is a much faster in-comparison to the HDD/ SSD.  

(The green beef jerky)

Harddrive - The Harddrive is the permanent computer memory. Once the computer is booted up, the Harddrive launches the OS in our case a Linux OS 'Ubuntu'. Once the laptop/ desktop is booted up, you can launch your applications from there. It passes on the information or applications that are being used to the RAM, which then get transferred to the CPU. The Harddrive is a very slow piece of equipment. Thus, we now have developed a new component called the Solid State Drive (SSD). 

(The heavy, slow, faulty Hard Disk Drive)

CPU - As the name speaks for itself, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the central area of processing data, which gets projected on your laptop/ desktop screen. The CPU also processes applications, games, etc. which then is projected onto the screen.

(Metal flap is the shield of the CPU. Little 'hook' on the left of the image)

(CPU Chip. If you flip the CPU chip over, you can see a little gold triangle in one of the corners)

The 'little golden triangle' is for you to make sure you insert the CPU back into its shield the right way.


Powersupply - Again, the name tells you all about it! The power supply supplies the main components with electric currents. 

(The large wire is the powersupply wire coming out from the powersupply unit)

Case - The function of the case is simple, to protect the internal competents, and to act as a external barrier and infrastructure. The case is built with many holes around, the 'holes' can be audio jacks, USB ports, Ethernet ports etc. 

(The case of the PC is located to the left, and has already been removed)

How to take apart a PC (Desktop)
Steps:
1. Unscrew all screws that are holding down the case.
2. Get a camera to record each step, and each process.
3. Start unplugging all the wires slowly and cautiously. If there are some wires that are hard to pull, do not forcefully pull them out. 
4. Then slowly, lift a hook-like object which holds down the CPU, and then carefully take out the CPU chip. Note - CPU looks like a SD Card, and is covered by metal. 
5. Then locate the RAM, the RAM looks like 3 long pieces of green beef jerky. There are 2 levers, after lifting the two will release the 2 / 3 pieces of RAM
6. Locate all the screws that are holding the Motherboard down, and unscrew all of them. Note - The motherboard looks like a large piece of green beef jerky. The motherboard is the component that is at the bottom. 
7. Basically, that's all to it! ... 
8. Except, after you finis taking apart your PC, and finished reassembling it. You may also consider installing an OS (Operating System), we used an Linux OS called Ubuntu. All you need to do for installing an OS, is simply click on your mouse, and wait. 
9. Enjoy the process! 


After having fun taking apart your PC and venturing through all the different components, and after you finish installing your OS. Then you can connect to an network, and start interacting with other people on the web.


Connect to a Router - "Use an RJ45 cable to connect your computer to a router."


Talk to Another Computer - 
"Open up Terminal
Find your IP Address 
Ping a friend/ colleague etc. - ping (classmate IP)"


Pinging websites - 
Open up Terminal
type in: host www.(whatever website you wish to go to).com
Terminal should then unfold 6 or more lines with numbers that read 72.14.203.106 etc. Not all of them will be the same, since the website may have multiple server locations
After that, you can simply copy '72.14.203.106' to your web browser and it should lead you to Google
That is to find the host server location
To cancel the 'requests' press Control C (On Mac) 
Then type: ping www.(whatever website you wish to go to).com and numbers should flow out again. 
You can also use them for connecting to the website you so wished for.


My Personal Experience with Computers
Being honest with you, I've never understood a computer. I've never been good at using one, and probably never will be as good as other classmates of mine. I've always been inept about how they work and how to use them. 


I only learn the primary things about them, such as how to use documents, how to save your work, how to access your e-mail and so on. 


So I have gained valuable knowledge and experiences throughout this whole entire unit, although it has not finished yet. I've learnt more in-depth about how computers work, how they are built, and how the interior looks. In fact, I've never thought once before outside of school, how does a computer connect to a network, (seriously, no joking). If I would have not been involved in this unit, I would never have acquired the knowledge about the 6 key components of a computer, and how they work. Ironically, all of those 6 key components are used in things such as mobile phones, televisions, printers, etc.