Hardware and Software Basics

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

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 speedare 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 works from How Stuff Works 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 • Inputis 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 videoadapter 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 include workstations, 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) • Intranetsare LANs or WANs that use these communication standards or TCP/IP. • Special hardware (modem) and software (browser) are required.

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Hardware and Software Basics