The Application for the Use of Computer, the Processor as a Brain of Computer - Research Paper Example

Information Technology A minimal computer system requires the circuitry to process data and do the necessary computations, and a device used to permanently store the data. In addition, the system needs the necessary interfaces to drive a visual display monitor, connect universal serial devices, connect to networks, and provide additional interfaces for devices such as cameras. All of these interfaces and devices are centered around, and connected through, the main circuitry known as the motherboard. The application that the computer will be used for will determine the style and configuration of the motherboard. Their capabilities, power consumption, speed, and cost will vary widely. Attached to the motherboard will be a mass storage device. The traditional disc drive has been experiencing a transition to the solid-state drive (SSD) system, as they have become more dense and lower cost. The application and use that the computer will be used for will determine the physical layout of the motherboard as well as the technical requirements. Desktop computers are usually configured with a motherboard that accepts plug-in cards for ease of expansion and reconfiguration. This makes it possible to install more video memory, higher quality sound cards, or take advantage of newer and more current standards, as they are made available. For example, wireless network cards can be installed that allows the user to communicate with a wireless network or hub. Motherboards that are designed for laptops usually have less capability for expansion due to the limitation of space considerations. A motherboard in a laptop will have all the associated circuitry required integrated into the design of the board. Whether the board is to be used in a desktop or a laptop, certain features and circuitry will reside on the motherboard. Each board is designed to accommodate a particular microprocessor and the board will have a socket and the necessary driver circuitry for it. The board will have the appropriate crystals and clock circuits that are needed to drive the processor at the required speed. Random access memory and the electronics it takes to move data between the processor and memory will also reside on the motherboard. The mass storage device in a computer has traditionally been a disc drive, but recent innovations have seen a move towards SSDs. The technology to make highly dense memory has been able to produce drives that rival the capacity of traditional discs. In addition, they consume far less power and are highly reliable. Traditional discs that relied on rotating magnetic discs were prone to failure, and the power that they consume contributed to reduced battery life that is an important aspect of a laptop computer. In conclusion, the application that the computer will be used for will determine the style and configuration of the motherboard. It will determine the speed, power consumption, size, and upgrade capabilities of the final system. Many motherboards, especially laptops, come with a set of integrated chipsets that perform a variety of functions such as video, sound, and networking. However, many also provide a bus that accepts plug in cards for upgrading and expansion. The most modern storage units attached to the computer are SSDs, which provide a high-density medium in a smaller and lower power unit than the traditional disc drive. Processors One of the most important considerations to be made in regards to configuring a computer system is the selection of an appropriate processor. The style and model of the processor will determine the speed of the computer and the memory capability of the computer. In addition, it will dictate a major portion of the power requirements for the system. Because it is a user of a considerable amount of power, operating temperature and power dissipation requirements also are factors to be considered. The processor resides on a motherboard that has a socket, pin outs, and the required support circuitry needed to run the specific model processor. One of the main considerations of a microprocessor is the clock speed at which it can process instructions and handle data. In general, the faster the clock speed, the more power that is required. More power translates into higher temperatures and greater power supply capabilities. High operating temperatures and reduced battery life may not be desirable in a laptop computer and processors for laptops are often limited in speed for these reasons. However, in a well-ventilated desktop computer with a high current power supply, these considerations are far less important. The factors that influence a desktop's processor are more likely to be performance and cost. The performance of a microprocessor is determined by the clock speed at which it operates and the internal configuration of the processor. Companies such as Intel and AMD have competed for years to continually supply a market that is hungry for ever faster processors. One way to accomplish a faster chip is by a process known as over-clocking. This runs the chip at a rate faster than the chip was originally designed to handle. This creates excess heat within the processor and may reduce its lifespan. The chip's performance is also reliant on the internal workings within the processor. The processor contains a variety of circuitry made up of millions of microscopic solid-state junctions. These circuits provide an arithmetic logic unit (ALU). The ALU is the calculator that multiplies, adds, and divides multi-bit data that requires being manipulated by a mathematical function. In addition, the processor will have a series of registers, which are temporary storage locations to be used during the processors operations. The processor will also have a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU is the circuitry that performs the operations based on the instructions that it is given from a program. The processor also contains circuitry that is used to manage the input and output from the processor, as well as managing the data flow to and from the random access memory and SSD. In conclusion, the processor is the central brain of the computer and is the most important consideration in a computer system design. While one system may have a need for high speed, another may compromise on speed to extend the battery life or reduce the internal temperature. Additional considerations are made for the mathematical capability desired as well as the memory management capabilities. Processors come in a variety of speeds, capabilities, and costs as well as special purpose designs for specific applications. Determining the application of the processor is the first step in determining the type and model processor required. Read More