MDIA 308

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MDIA 308

• Computers

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Computers

• Most PCs are based on a standard architecture
• The computer is constructed of various subunits

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Computer architecture
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Computers

• Subunits of the computer are attached to the
  printed circuit board called the motherboard
• The CPU is the computers brain and executes
  the calculations required to perform the various
  functions
• Other subunits are attached to the motherboard as
  daughterboards

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Central Processor
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Daughtercards
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Computer memory

• Short term storage call random access memory
  (RAM) retains data only while the computer is
  operating
• Long term data storage is accomplished using
  internal hard drives, or external storage devices
  such as solid state drives (compact flash, secure
  digital, etc.)

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RAM
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Hard drives

• Hard drives use the same magnetic recording
  principles used in tape
• Hard drives are constructed by fixing oxide to a
  polished glass or aluminum platter
• Hard drives contain multiple platters attached to
  a common spindle
• The tiny recording and playback heads move across
  the disk surface without touching it

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Hard drives
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Hard drives
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Optical storage

• Compact disks (CD) and digital versatile disks
  (DVD) offer permanent external storage
• Optical storage has the advantage of being less
  volatile than magnetic storage
• Optical storage can be very high capacity

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Connecting peripherals

• Peripheral or outboard devices may be connected
  to the computer
• Various protocols exist to connect peripherals
• Parallel and Serial Buses
• Universal Serial Bus (USB)
• IEEE-1394 (FireWire)
• Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
• Sony/Philips Digital Interface (S/PDIF)

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Connecting peripherals

• Parallel and serial are older systems (legacy)
  that do not offer high enough throughput for most
  audio and video devices
• USB 2.0 provides fast data transfer
• IEEE 1394 offers high data transfer capacity and
  is hot swapable
• SCSI and S/PDIF are less common and used only for
  audio devices

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Peripherals and interfaces

• Some peripherals are designed to allow audio and
  video inputs and outputs to be easily connected
  to the computer using standard audio connectors
• Other interface devices allow the user to have
  the same tactile experience as using a mixing
  console

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USB audio interface
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User interface
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User interface
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User interface
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Software

• BIOS basic input-output system
• Permanent instructions on a chip
• Called firmware
• Instructions for organizing data flow
• Drivers small software scripts that allow the
  computer to communicate with various hardware

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Software

• Operating systems (OS) provide a consistent
  software platform for application software
• Most OS are single-user multitasking
• OS present a simple (text or graphic) system for
  the user to operate the software and hardware