computer hardware & peripherals (objective 1.1) ic 3 gs3 standard computing fundamentals module
TRANSCRIPT
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
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