COMPUTER HARDWARE & PERIPHERALS

(OBJECTIVE 1.1)

IC3 GS3 StandardComputing Fundamentals Module

Objectives

Identify different types of computer devicesIdentify the role of the CPU including how the

speed of a microprocessor is measuredIdentify concepts related to computer memory

(measurement of memory, RAM, ROM)Identify the features and benefits (storage capacity,

shelf-life, etc.) of different storage mediaIdentify the types and purposes of standard input

and output devices on desktop or laptop computersIdentify how hardware devices are connected to

and installed on a computer system.

PROCESS OF COMPUTING

Input: Some device or method to input data so it can be processed

Process: Circuits and programs to process the data

Output: the result of its processingStorage: Some mechanism for storing data

The Central Processing Unit (CPU)

tiny silicon chip-BRAINS of computer System clock- an electronic pulse that

controls the speed of the CPUThe rate of the pulse is measured in

megahertz (MHz).

Communicating with the CPU (cont.)

ASCII code and binary codeseries of 1s and 0s - every 1 or 0 is a bit of

information.Data is stored in a series of 8-bit combinations

(byte)called a byte. Every character, such as a letter, number, or punctuation mark, is a byte created from a unique combination of ones and zeros.

8 bits = 1 byteToday most personal computers have

processors that use 32-bit and 64 bit numbers

Computer Memory

Data being processed by a CPU is stored in SYSTEM MEMORY.

Not permanent—if power fails, everything in memory is lost.

Must be stored on a disk or some other device for PERMANENT MEMORY--so it is not lost each time the computer shuts down

Types of Computer Memory

There are two types of memory found on a motherboard:

RAM: Random Access Memory

ROM: Read-Only Memory

RAM chip

Random Access Memory (RAM)

short-term memory where data is processed while a program is running

can be accessed and modified as neededloses any data it holds if the computer is shut

down-”volatile”.RAM is also called main memory

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

memory placed on the motherboard by the manufacturer and contains instructions, such as BIOS ROM, that tell the computer how to start itself

cannot be accessed or modified by application programs

contents of this memory are not lost when the computer is shut down

Storage Devices

PERMANENT:Hard disks – Permanent, large capacity, not

removableNetwork drive- “the I drive”REMOVABLE:Magnetic Media - floppy disksCD’s/DVD’S—Optical MediaFlash Memory - Flash memory sticks or

cardsVirtual or Internet Storage - not a physical

part of the computer (dropbox.com)

Removable Types of Storage

CD-Roms can store up to 680MB and are used to store data, music, and graphics. Can be read by a digital device. CD-R –after recording, it cannot be changed. CD-RW – A type of CD disk that can be recorded,

and erased

DVD used to store digital video. Many computers now have a CD/DVD drive that can read both types of optical media.

Input and Output Devices

INPUT devices: enable user to enter data and commands to the computer to be processed

OUTPUT devices: enable the computer to give or show results of its processing

Some devices, such as a modem, can perform both input and output operations.

Input Devices

KeyboardMouseVoice Recognition (microphones)ScannersJoystick/controllerTrackballGraphics tabletTouch display screenDigital camerasRobotic controls

Output Devices — Monitors

used to display video output to a user

Factors that influence the quality of a monitor:– Screen size: The diagonal measurement in

inches of the display area– Resolution: The number of pixels that can

be displayed in the display area– Dot pitch: The distance between each

pixel in the display area

Output Devices — Printers

Used to create a hard copy of a document or image

Vary by speed, quality, and price.The most popular types:

Laser: Produce images using the same techniques as copier machines

Ink-Jet: Use fine nozzles to spray ink onto the page as the paper passes through

Other Output Devices

PlottersProjectorsSpeakersVoice synthesizers

The Motherboard

A circuit board that mounts inside the microcomputer’s plastic case. It contains:The central processing unit or CPUBasic controllersExpansion ports and slotsMemory

Diagram of aSimplified Motherboard

Expansion Ports and Slots

Ports are specialized plugs that connect peripheral devices to the computer’s motherboard.

Expansion slots are openings on the motherboard where a circuit board or memory chip can be added.