Programming Foundations: Inside Computing Hardware

Explore what’s inside our servers, computers, and other devices, including what pieces are used, how they relate to each other, and more.

Introduction

• Differentiate your code by understanding the hardware

1. Understanding Basic Computer Components

• What is a computer?
• The brain: The central processing unit or CPU
• Overview of CPU specs: Cores and clock speed
• Overview of CPU specs: Cache size and power efficiency
• Temporary storage or RAM
• Dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static RAM (SRAM)
• Permanent storage
• Hard disk drive (HDD) and solid-state drive (SSD)
• The artist: Graphics processing unit or GPU
• Discrete vs. integrated GPUs
• The central hub: The motherboard

2. How Computer Hardware Components Interact

• The boot process
• Memory hierarchy
• Caching memory and speed
• Parallel processing: The CPU and GPU
• Parallel processing: Sequential vs. parallel tasks

3. Computer Performance and Making Purchasing Decisions

• Choosing the right computer: Evaluating your needs
• Hardware specs suggestions for PCs used for writing, design, and engineering
• Case scenario: Choosing a laptop for AutoCAD software

Conclusion

• Connect and extend your new knowledge