CIS 101 Module 3: Hardware & Processors

hardware

the physical components that allow your device to operate properly, often having more than one purpose.

input device

Communicates instructions and commands to a computer. Common input devices are keyboard, mouse, stylus, scanner, microphone, and game controller.

touchscreen

a display that lets you touch areas of the screen to interact with software, most common input device for a mobile device

output device

Conveys information from the computer to the user. Common output devices include displays, speakers, headphones, projectors, and printers.

binary system

A number system that has two digits, 0 and 1. The digit 0 indicates the absence of an electronic charge, and a 1 indicates the presence of an electronic charge.

bit

(Short for binary digit), the smallest unit of data a computer can process (a 0 or 1)

byte

In Computer Concepts, when 8 bits are grouped together, they form a byte. A byte can represent a single character in the computer or mobile device.

text coding scheme

how a computer translates a character into bits and bytes

ASCII

In Computer Concepts, an 8-bit coding scheme, which means that 8 bits are used to represent uppercase and lowercase letters, mathematical operators, and logical operations.

Unicode

A 16-bit coding scheme that is an extension of ASCII and can support more than 65,000 symbols and characters, including Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and other pictorial characters.

mobile device

A portable or handheld computing device, such as a smartphone or a tablet, with a screen size of 10.1 inches or smaller.

laptop

A thin, lightweight mobile computer with a screen in its lid and a keyboard in its base. also called a notebook

desktop computer

Computer that typically consists of the system unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. not very portable, but more powerful and have more storage than laptops and mobile devices

all-in-one computer

Similar to a desktop computer, but the monitor and system unit are housed together. takes up less space than desktop computers and more portable, but hard to service or upgrade.

tablet

A small, flat computer with a touch-sensitive screen that accepts input from a digital pen, stylus, or your fingertip. often less powerful than other types of computers, but easy to transport. often not possible to upgrade a tablet

slate tablet

resembles a letter-sized pad and does not contain a physical keyboard.

convertible tablet

a tablet that has a screen in its lid and a keyboard in its base, with the lid and base connected by a swivel-type hinge.

smartphone

An Internet-capable phone that usually also includes a calendar, an address book, and games, in addition to apps.

peripheral device

A device such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, or speakers that can connected to and extend the capability of a computer. also called an add-on device. may only be compatible with a certain device or operating system, or certain ports.

port

A slot on the computer or device where you can attach a peripheral device.

USB hub

an external device that contains many USB port

hard drive

The most common storage medium on a computer; can be magnetic or solid state.

solid state drive (SSD)

A hard drive without moving parts, and is faster and more durable than magnetic drives.

hard disk drives (HDDs)

typically have greater storage capacity and are less expensive than their solid state equivalents, but have several moving parts, making it inadvisable to move the computer while they are running

external hard drives

Storage drive housed in a separate case, and typically connected to your computer using a USB cable. can be in magnetic or solid state, and can be connected to a different computer

Cloud storage

storing electronic files on the Internet, not on a local computer. typically requires only a computer or mobile device with an Internet connection. you might not require as much storage on your computer because you can store your files remotely.

flash memory

A type of nonvolatile memory that can be erased electronically and rewritten. typically is less expensive than most types of RAM, and can retain its contents in the absence of power.

memory card

a removable flash memory storage device, usually no bigger than 1.5 inches in height or width, that you insert and remove from a slot in a computer, digital camera, mobile device, or card reader/writer. enable mobile uses to easily transport files to and from devices.

USB flash drive

a removable storage device that you plug into a USB port on your computer, making it easy to transport files and folders to other computers or devices. also known as a flash drive, pen drive, jump drive, or thumb drive

optical media

CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs (BDs), use laser technology for storage and playback. While optical media is easy to transport, if the discs get damaged, you might not be able to access your stored files.

central processing unit (CPU)

A complex integrated circuit consisting of millions of electronic parts and is primarily responsible for converting input (data) into meaningful output (information). location varies per device

bus

the collective embedded wires on which data travels in and out of the CPU

processor core

a unit on the processor with the circuitry necessary to execute instructions.

multi-core processor

Processor with multiple cores. Processors with more cores typically perform better and are more expensive than processors with fewer cores.

processor cachee

Stores frequently used data next to the processor so that it can easily and quickly be retrieved.

arithmetic logic unit (ALU)

Responsible for performing arithmetic operations in the CPU. performs executing and storing.

control unit

Manages the flow of instructions within the processor. used by the CPU to execute instructions. performs fetching and decoding.

machine cycle

a four step process for executing instructions by the CPU including: fetching, decoding, executing, storing. also called an instruction cycle

memory

responsible for holding data and programs as they are being processed by the CPU.

Random access memory (RAM)

the storage location that is part of every computer and that temporarily stores open apps and document data while a computer is on, requiring a certain amount per system/app. more apps equals more RAM needed. temporarily stores data needed by the operating system and apps you use on one or more chips connected to the motherboard. volatile memory

motherboard

the main circuit board containing the microprocessor, the computer memory, and other internal devices.

volatile memory

Memory that loses its contents when power is removed

nonvolatile memory

memory that does not lose its contents when power is removed.

Read-only memory (ROM)

Permanently installed memory on your computer attached to the motherboard. The ROM chip contains the BIOS and provides the means of communication between the operating system and hardware devices. nonvolatile memory

power-on self test (POST)

At startup, a sequence that tests all computer components for proper operation. performed by the BIOS.

basic input/output system (BIOS)

tells your computer how to start

firmware

The instructions on the ROM chip, often updated by manufacturers.

why do manufacturers updated the firmware?

updated instructions, or firmware version, can enable your computer to perform additional tasks or fine-tune how your computer communicates with other devices.

virtual memory

In Computer Concepts, the capability of an operating system to temporarily store data on a storage medium until it can be “swapped” into RAM. may decrease computer performance depending on type of hard drive in the computer.

swap file

Data that cannot fit in RAM and uses an area of the hard disk called virtual memory. Also called a paging file.

dynamic RAM (DRAM)

volatile memory needs to be constantly recharged or contents will be erased

static RAM (SRAM)

volatile memory can be recharged less frequently than DRAM, but can be more expensive than DRAM

magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM)

nonvolatile memory uses magnetic charges to store contents, and can retain its contents in the absence of power

what factors should you consider when buying a computer?

platform, hardware, hardware specifications, form factor, add-on devices

platform

The software, or operating system, a device uses. It typically is easier to transfer files between computers and devices that use the same platform.

hardware specifications

detailed, technical descriptions of the physical components, capabilities, and requirements of a computer system or device. found on the computer’s packaging, on signage next to the computer’s display in a store, or on the manufacturer’s or retailer’s website

what is a common way to determine required hardware specifications?

evaluate the minimum hardware requirements, also called system requirements, for the software you plan to use

how long should you expect a computer to last you?

3 to 5 years

form factor

The shape and size of a computer. certain form factors support certain hardware specs, and can support different modes of use.

keyboard

Input device that contains not only characters such as letters, numbers, and punctuation, but also keys that can issue commands.

pointing device

In Computer Concepts, a device used to point to and select specific objects on the computer screen. Examples of point devices include a mouse, touchpad, and trackball.

mouse

the most common type of pointing device used with computers that fits under your hand and can connect to your computer either with a wire or wirelessly. Moving the mouse on a flat surface, such as a desk, moves a pointer on the screen. When the pointer is positioned over an object you want to select, you can press a button on the mouse to select the object. This action is referred to as clicking the mouse.

touchpad

A flat surface that is touch-sensitive, and you move your finger around the touchpad to move the pointer on the screen.

trackball

A stationary pointing device with a ball anchored inside a casing, as well as two or more buttons.

multitouch screens

A display that can respond to multiple fingers touching the screen simultaneously.

stylus

a pen-shaped digital tool that you can use to make selections or enter information on a touchscreen, as well as draw, tap icons, or tap keys on an on-screen keyboard. often provides more precision than a finger.

digital pen

A small device, shaped like a pen, that you can use to draw, tap icons, or tap keys on an on-screen keyboard, similar to a stylus, but is more capable because it has programmable buttons.

microphone

Used to enter voice or sound data into a computer.

digital camera

A camera that creates a digital image of an object, person, or scene.

webcam

In Computer Concepts, a digital camera built-in to a computer, which is primarily used for videoconferencing, chatting, or online gaming.

scanner

an input device that converts an existing object, document, or image into an electronic file that you can open and work with on your computer.

QR code

A square-shaped graphic that corresponds to a web address or other information; QR is short for quick response. easy and free to generate.

game controller

An input device you use when playing a video game.

joystick

Game controller with a handheld vertical lever, mounted on a base, that you move in different directions to control the actions of the simulated vehicle or player.

game pade

Game controller held in both hands that controls the movement and actions of players or objects.

dance pad

Game controller that is a flat, electronic device divided into panels that users press with their feet in response to instructions from the video game.

wheel

A type of game controller that mirrors the functionality of a steering wheel in a vehicle.

motion-sensing controller

Game controller that allows users to guide on-screen elements with air gestures.

projector

Displays visual output from a computer on a large surface such as a wall or screen. often used in classroom or conference room environments where individuals give presentations. can either duplicate what is on your monitor or screen or act as an extension of the monitor

speakers

Output devices used to convey audio output, such as music, voice, sound effects, or other sounds.

headphones

Output device that consists of a pair of small listening devices that fit into a band placed over your ears.

earbuds

Speakers that are small enough to place in your ears.

headset

Includes one or more headphones for output, and a microphone for input.

voice synthesizer

Voice output that converts text to speech.

printer

Creates hard copy output on paper, film, and other media.

Ink-jet printer

Prints by spraying small dots of colored ink onto paper

Laser printer

Uses a laser beam and toner to print on paper

Multifunction device (MFD)

Also called an all-in-one printer; can serve as an input device by copying and scanning, as well as an output device by faxing and printing

Mobile printer

Small, lightweight printer that is built into or attached to a mobile device for mobile printing

Plotter

Large-format printer that uses charged wires to produce high-quality drawings for professional applications such as architectural blueprints; plotters draw continuous lines on large rolls of paper

3D printer

A printer that uses a process called additive manufacturing to create an object by adding material one horizontal layer at a time to print solid objects, such as clothing, prosthetics, eyewear, implants, toys, parts, prototypes, and more. often associated with manufacturing, scientific, medical, and industrial uses.

plug-and-play

In Computer Concepts, devices that begin functioning properly as soon as you connect them to your computer.

device driver

a program that controls a device attached to your computer, such as a printer, monitor, or video card

clock speed

In Computer Concepts, the speed at which a processor can execute instructions. Clock speed either can be measured in Megahertz (MHz, millions of cycles per sec) or gigahertz (GHz, billions of cycles per sec).

cycle

The smallest unit of time a process can measure.

how is the efficiency of a CPU measured?

instructions per cycle (IPC)