Learning Objectives

• Explain the function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• 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

Function Overview

• Hardware: Refers to the physical components of a computer.

• Processing: The responsibility of the computer to process data.

• Input, Output, Storage: Handled by peripheral devices.

Key Aspects of CPU Function

1. Clock Speed

   • Measured in gigahertz (GHz), indicative of the number of cycles per second that a CPU can execute, with billions of cycles possible.

2. Multi-Core Processor

   • Comprises two or more processing units (cores) on a single chip allowing for better multitasking and performance.

3. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

   • A specialized processor designed primarily for rendering graphics. Found on video cards.

Identify the Parts of a System Unit and Motherboard

Components of a System Unit

• Basic understanding of the structure and components that make up the system unit.

Motherboard

• BIOS: Basic Input/Output System.

  • Such as Read-Only Memory (ROM) which is non-volatile and retains information without a power source.

• CMOS: Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor.

  • A type of volatile memory that loses its contents when power is lost.

Memory Types on the Motherboard

• RAM (Random Access Memory)

  • Volatile memory used for temporary data storage while a computer is on.

  • DIMM: Dual In-line Memory Module - Form factor for desktop memory.

  • SODIMM: Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module - Used in laptops.

• Cache Memory: A smaller, faster type of volatile memory that provides high-speed data access to the CPU.

Describe Input Devices and Their Uses

Keyboard

• Layout Types:

  • QWERTY

  • Dvorak Simplified Keyboard

• Modifier Keys:

  • Ctrl, Shift, Alt.

• Toggle Keys:

  • Caps Lock, Num Lock.

Pointing Devices

• Mouse:

  • Optical Mouse: Uses LED light to detect movement.

• Touchpad: Used on laptops as a pointing device.

• Touchscreen: Allows users to interact directly with what is displayed, includes:

  • Stylus: An input device that allows for precise control.

  • Resistive Screen: A screen that responds to pressure.

  • Capacitive Screen: A screen that uses the electrical properties of the human body.

  • Interactive Whiteboard: Large display used in classrooms that detects touch.

Digital Cameras

• Types of Digital Cameras:

  • Point-and-shoot

  • Compact System Cameras (CSCs)

  • Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR)

  • Webcams

  • Digital Video Cameras

Scanners

• Types of Scanners:

  • Optical Scanners

  • QR Code: Quick Response code, a type of matrix barcode.

  • RFID: Radio Frequency Identification, which includes:

  • RFID Scanners

  • RFID Tags

  • Magnetic Strip Reader: Reads information on magnetic stripes.

  • Biometric Scanners: Employ biological data for identification.

  • NFC: Near Field Communication technology.

Other Input Devices

• Microphones: Capture sound.

• Game Controllers and Joysticks: Input devices for gaming.

• Adaptive Input Devices: Specialized devices for users with disabilities.

• Voice-Recognition Software: Converts spoken words into text.

• Wearable Technology: Devices that can be worn on the body for data collection.

Describe Output Devices and Their Uses

Monitors

• Pixels: The smallest units of a digital image.

• Resolution: The clarity of the displayed image, measured in pixels.

• Monitor Types:

  • Plasma Screen Monitors

  • OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode)

  • AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode)

Projectors

• Types of Projectors:

  • DLP (Digital Light Processing) Projector

  • LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Projector

Adapters

• Display Adapter: Often referred to as a video card.

• VRAM (Video Random Access Memory): Specialized memory for rendering images.

• DVI (Digital Visual Interface) Port: Used for digital video signals.

• HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) Port: Carries digital video and audio.

Audio Devices

• Speakers: Device that converts electrical signals into sound.

• Headphones: Personal audio devices.

• Headset: Combination of headphones and a microphone.

• Sound Card: A hardware component that enables the computer to process audio.

Adaptive Output Devices

• Devices designed to aid those with disabilities, including:

  • Magnified Screens

  • Speech Synthesis (Screen Reading Software)

  • Audio Alerts

  • Closed Captions

  • Visual Notifications

  • Braille Embosser

Compare Printer Types

Printers

• Types of Printers:

  • Inkjet Printer

  • Laser Printer

  • Photo Printer

  • Thermal Printer

  • Dye-Sublimation Printer

  • All-in-One Printer (combines printing, scanning, and more)

  • Three-Dimensional (3D) Printer

Discuss Communication Devices

Types of Communication Devices

• Network Adapter: Enables a computer to connect to a network.

• Ethernet Cards: Allow wired networking.

• Wireless Adapters: Provide wireless connectivity to networks.

• Modem: A device that modulates and demodulates signals for communication over telephone lines.

• Cable Modem: A modem that transmits data over cable television lines.

• Analog Input and Output Devices: Devices that handle signals in continuous form.

• Digital Devices: Process signals in discrete form.

• Fax Device: Used for sending documents over telephone lines.

Compare Storage Devices

Optical Discs

• Forms of Optical Discs:

  • Read-only Memory (ROM)

  • Recordable (+R/−R)

  • Rewritable (+RW/−RW)

• Types of Optical Discs:

  • CD (Compact Disc)

  • DVD (Digital Video Disc, Digital Versatile Disc)

  • Blu-Ray Disc

Solid-State Storage

• Types of Solid-State Storage:

  • Flash Memory: Used in various storage devices.

  • Flash Drives: Connect via USB ports for data transfer.

  • Memory Cards: Require a card reader, include formats like SD, CF, MS, xD.

Hard Drives

• Types of Hard Drives:

  • Internal Drives: Built into the computer.

  • External Drives: Portable, connect via USB port or Firewire port.

Summary

• The CPU acts as the brain of the computer, executing instructions and processing data.

• The motherboard serves as the circuit board within the computer, facilitating data travel and device connectivity.

• Devices connected to a computer can be categorized by their functions: input devices (for data entry), output devices (for displaying results), and storage devices (for data retention).