Learning Objectives

• Explain the Function of the Central Processing Unit
• Identify the Parts of a System Unit and Motherboard
• Describe Input Devices and Their Uses
• Describe Output Devices and Their Uses
• Compare Printer Types
• Discuss Communication Devices
• Compare Storage Devices

Explain the Function of the Central Processing Unit

Overview

• Hardware: Refers to the physical components of a computer.
• Processing: The responsibility of the computer to perform operations and computations.
• Input/Output/Storage: These functions are managed by peripheral devices.

CPU Characteristics

1. Clock Speed

   • Measured in gigahertz (GHz), indicating billions of cycles per second.

2. Multi-core Processor

   • Contains two or more processor cores on a single chip, enhancing the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.

3. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

   • Specialized processor commonly found on video cards, dedicated to rendering images and video.

Identify the Parts of a System Unit and Motherboard

Overview

• The system unit houses the microprocessor, memory units, and supporting hardware.

Key Components

• BIOS (Basic Input/Output System):

  • Type: Read-only memory (ROM)
  • Characteristics: Non-volatile, retains settings and firmware even without power.

• CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor):

  • Type: Memory used for storing system settings.
  • Characteristics: Volatile, loses information when power is cut.

• Memory:

  • RAM (Random Access Memory):
    • Characteristics: Volatile, temporary storage used during computing.
    • Varieties:
    • DIMM (Dual In-Line Memory Module)
    • SODIMM (Small Outline DIMM)
  • Cache Memory:
    • Used to store frequently accessed data for faster processing.

Describe Input Devices and Their Uses

Common Input Devices

1. Keyboard:

   • QWERTY: Standard layout for English keyboards.
   • Dvorak Simplified Keyboard: Alternative layout designed for efficiency.
   • Modifier Keys: Include Ctrl, Shift, and Alt for various functions.
   • Toggle Keys: Shift the function of other keys, e.g., CapsLock and NumLock.

2. Pointing Devices:

   • Mouse:
     • Types: Optical mouse (uses LED), mechanical mouse.
   • Touchpad: Common on laptops for navigation.
   • Touchscreen: Interactive display type with stylus compatibility, including resistive and capacitive screens.
     • Stylus: Used for precision input on touchscreens.
     • Interactive Whiteboard: Special display for instructional purposes.

3. Digital Cameras:

   • Types include Point-and-shoot, Compact System Cameras (CSC), Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras, Webcams, and Digital Video Cameras.

4. Scanners:

   • Types: Optical scanners (basic document input), QR code scanners, RFID devices (includes RFID tags and scanners), Biometric scanners, and NFC devices.

5. Microphones: Used for audio input.

6. Game Controllers and Joysticks: Input devices for gaming.

7. Adaptive Input Devices: Special devices designed for accessibility.

8. Voice-recognition Software: Converts spoken words into text or commands.

9. Wearable Technology: Devices like smartwatches that collect input data.

Describe Output Devices and Their Uses

Common Output Devices

1. Monitors:

   • Pixels: The smallest element of an image displayed on the screen.
   • Resolution: Refers to the clarity of displayed images, determined by pixel density.
   • Types include Plasma, OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode), and AMOLED (Active Matrix OLED).

2. Projectors:

   • Types include DLP (Digital Light Processing) and LCD projectors.

3. Adapters:

   • Display Adapter/Video Card: Interfaces between the computer and the monitor.
   • VRAM: Video RAM dedicated for graphics processing.
   • Ports: DVI (Digital Visual Interface) and HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface).

4. Audio Output:

   • Speakers: Produce sound output.
   • Headphones: Personal audio output device.
   • Headset: Combination of headphones and microphone.
   • Sound Card: Hardware that processes audio signals.

5. Adaptive Output Devices:

   • Devices designed to assist those with disabilities, such as magnified screens, speech synthesis software, audio alerts, closed captions, and Braille embosser.

Compare Printer Types

• Printer Types:
  • Inkjet Printers: Utilize liquid ink for printing.
  • Laser Printers: Use toner and are known for high-speed and quality prints.
  • Photo Printers: Specialized for high-resolution image printing.
  • Thermal Printers: Use heat to transfer ink.
  • Dye-sublimation Printers: Known for photographic print quality.
  • All-in-One Printers: Combine printing, scanning, and copying capabilities.
  • Three-dimensional Printers: Construct three-dimensional objects layer by layer.

Discuss Communication Devices

Types of Communication Devices

1. Network Adapter: Connects a computer to a network.
2. Ethernet Cards: Facilitate wired connection to local area networks.
3. Wireless Adapters: Enable wireless connectivity to networks.
4. Modem: Converts signals for internet access.
5. Cable Modem: Allows broadband internet access via a cable network.
6. Analog Input and Output Devices: Handle traditional communication methods.
7. Digital Devices: Process digital signals for communication.
8. Fax Device: Sends and receives documents through telephone lines.

Compare Storage Devices

Optical Discs

• Types:
  • Read-only (ROM): Such as CDs or DVDs that cannot be altered.
  • Recordable (+R/-R): Allow data recording once.
  • Rewritable (+RW/-RW): Data can be recorded and erased multiple times.
  • Specific Types: CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Video Disc), Blu-ray Disc.

Solid-state Storage

• Flash Memory: Used in various digital devices for quick access to data.
• Flash Drives: Portable storage that connects via USB ports.
• Memory Cards: Used in cameras or smartphones; common types include SD (Secure Digital), CF (Compact Flash), MS (Memory Stick), and xD (Extreme Digital).

Hard Drives

• Internal Drives: Built into the computer.
• External Drives: Connect via USB or Firewire ports for additional storage capacity.

Summary

• CPU: Acts as the brain of the computer, processing instructions and managing operations.
• Motherboard: A crucial circuit board that facilitates communication between all components of the computer.
• Device Classification: Devices connected to a computer are categorized into functional areas: input, output, and storage devices.