Hardware and Software Basics

Computer Hardware

Central Processing Unit - also called “The Chip”, a CPU, a processor, or a microprocessor

Memory (RAM) Storage Devices Input Devices Output Devices

Computer Hardware

Central Processing Unit - also called “The Chip”, a CPU, a processor or a microprocessor

Memory (RAM) Storage Devices Input Devices Output Devices

Computer Hardware

Central Processing Unit - also called “The Chip”, a CPU, a processor or a microprocessor

Memory (RAM) Storage Devices Input Devices Output Devices

Computer Hardware

Central Processing Unit - also called “The Chip”, a CPU, a processor or a microprocessor

Memory (RAM) Storage Devices Input Devices Output Devices

CPU Types

CPU or microprocessor is often described as the brain of a computer.

CPU is an integrated circuit or “chip” which processes instructions and data.

CPU types. Intel Pentium II, III, IV Intel Celeron AMD Athlon

Memory (RAM)

RAM or Random Access Memory “Waiting room” for computer’s CPU. Holds instructions for processing

data, processed data, and raw data. Ram is measured by:

Capacity (in Megabytes or Gigabytes) Speed (in Nanoseconds)

Storage Technology

Electronic devices that store, retrieve, and save instructions and data.

Today’s microcomputers or PCs include several types of storage devices.

Capacity and speed are important considerations when selecting a new storage device for a PC.

Storage Technology

Magnetic storage devices store data by magnetizing particles on a disk or tape. They have a limited life-span of 1 to 5 years, depending on the device.

Optical storage devices store data as light and dark spots on the disk surface. They have an unlimited life-span.

Storage Devices

Hard Disk Drives Capacity is measured in gigabytes

(GB or billions of bytes). Typically permanently installed. Used to store operating system,

application software, utilities and data.

Magnetic storage device.Learn more about how a hard disk drive Learn more about how a hard disk drive

works from works from How Stuff Works website.website.

Storage Devices

Floppy Disk Drives Capacity is 1.44 to 2.0

megabytes (MB or millions of bytes). Storage device with the

smallest capacity Most portable storage

media Magnetic storage device.

Storage Devices

CD-ROM Drives Typically installed on all new

computer systems. (Were add-on device until the mid 1990’s).

Capacity is 600 to 750 megabytes (MB or millions of bytes).

Most mass-produced commercial software is packaged on a CD.

Storage Devices

CD-ROM Drives Used more often now for backup

storage as CD-RW (read/write) technology has become less expensive.

Data is read from CD by a laser. Optical storage device.

Storage Devices

Other Types of Drives Zip Drives – Several different capacities

are available. Tape Drives – Generally used for system

backups, becoming less common. DVD drives – Can also read CDs, now

more common as a standard device on new computer systems.

Input Devices

Input is all information put into a computer. Input can be supplied from a variety of sources: A person A storage device on computer Another computer A peripheral device Another piece of equipment, such as a

musical instrument or thermometer

Input Devices

Input devices gather and translate data into a form the computer understands.

Primary input device: Keyboard - Most common input device;

used to type in commands and data. Mouse or trackball enhances user’s

ability to input commands, manipulate text, images.

Joystick useful in education as an adaptive or assistive input device.

Input Devices

Scanners are peripheral input devices which allow users to import: Text Graphics Images

Specialized software aids in translating information into a format the computer can understand and manipulate.

Input Devices

Digital Cameras are peripheral input devices that allow users to create pictures and/or movies in a digital format. Some require specialized

software to import images into the computer.

Some record digital images directly to a disk that can be read by the computer.

Output Devices

Monitors are the most commonly used output device.

Most monitors use a bitmap display. Allows user to resize the display. Divides the screen into a matrix of tiny

square “dots” called pixels. The more “dots” a screen can display,

the higher the resolution of the monitor.

Output Devices

Monitors are connected to a computer system via a port integrated on the video adapter or graphics card.

Graphics cards convert digital data output from software to analog data for display on monitors.

Typically have additional memory chips on card, 4MB to 64MB.

Output Devices

Printers Dot matrix

Seldom used in a classroom. Still frequently used in business.

Bubble or ink jet Laser

Output Devices

Projection systems or classroom TVs can display information from a computer system on a larger screen for whole-class instruction.

Networks

A collection of computers and other devices that communicate to share data, hardware, and software.

A stand-alone computer is called a workstation on a network.

A workstation provides access to: Your computer’s local resources Network resources

Networks

Network nodes includeworkstations, printers, and servers.

Networks

A server is a computer connected to a network that distributes and stores resources for other network users.

With proper licensing, many network users can use the same applications and data files simultaneously and share other resources, such as storage space or a printer.

Networks

Local Area Network (LAN) – a network located in a limited area. LANs are found in most businesses. Many campuses use LANs.

A network interface card (NIC) – a key hardware component. Connects a workstation to the network. A circuit board that sends data between

the workstation and the network.

Networks

The Internet - largest of all networks. Communication standards called protocols

allow for global exchange of information. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) Internet Protocol (IP)

Intranets are LANs or WANs that use these communication standards or TCP/IP.

Special hardware (modem) and software (browser) are required.

The End