CIS2110
Hardware and Specifications
Hardware
What is computer hardware?Computer hardware is anything that is used to make the actual computer or its peripherals. The most important hardware components include:
- MotherboardMotherboard
Also called the system board, is the most important board in the system unit. It is an integrated circuit. There are other integrated circuits in the system unit, but the mother board is the most vital one. - RAM - Random Access MemoryRandom Access Memory
This is another integrated circuit. It is where the work is stored on the computer while it is being done. It is volatile (non-permanent) as it is lost as soon as electrical power is lost to the unit. It is housed on the motherboard in a slot. - ROM - Read Only MemoryRead Only Memory
Read Only memory chips are non-volatile in nature. There are different categories of ROM chips. They are firmware. Firmware is a combination of software and hardware. Computer chips that have data or programs recorded on them are firmware. These chips commonly include the following:
* ROMs (read-only memory)
* PROMs (programmable read-only memory)
* EPROMs (erasable programmable read-only memory)
courtesy Apple - Power SupplyPower Supply
The power supply converts the alternating current (AC) line from your home to the direct current (DC) needed by the personal computer. The power supply is the box at the back of the computer that has a fan in it and space to plug in at least one power cord. - Video Display ControllerVideo Display Controller
The video display controller is responsible for displaying content on the screen. It controls video signals and the video signal access to RAM. More modern video controllers have the ability to do processing as well as control signals. The more modern types are called Advanced Graphics Architecture (AGA)s , Graphics Processing Units (GPU+s and so on. - Removable Media Removable Media
CD, DVD, floppy, flashdrives, USB , Blu-Ray Drives among others are considered removable media . - Internal StorageInternal Storage
Internal storage refers to the storage located in the system unit. Although it can be removed it is not usually interfered with. It is called secondary sstorage and is non-volatile. - Sound CardSound Card
The sound card is responsible for creating the sounds that you play on your computer. It can be extremely high quality sound. - Network Interface CardNetwork Interface Card
In todays computer world a computer is considered useless by many unless it is connected. The network interface card does this job. - What are Peripherals?Peripherals: Visit the link.
Specifications
What do we mean by "Specifications"?
Computer specifications tell us what the computer is capable of doing. We need to know the specifications of a computer before we buy so that we get the kind of computer that we want. In a business specifications are critical because the cost of hardware and software is much more of an issue since businesses typically have to purchase high end computers as well as high quality software. The main things to note when reading computer specifications are:
What do we mean by "Specifications"?
Computer specifications tell us what the computer is capable of doing. We need to know the specifications of a computer before we buy so that we get the kind of computer that we want. In a business specifications are critical because the cost of hardware and software is much more of an issue since businesses typically have to purchase high end computers as well as high quality software. The main things to note when reading computer specifications are:
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Purchasing your computer?Buying a computer?
When purchasing a computer, there are other considerations apart from simply hardware and software to bear in mind. Read about them and keep in mind when you buy your next computer. - Further reading:
Computer hardwareRead about the Components that make up the Personal Computer.(PC) - Assignment: Decide on a type of computer that you want to buy and obtain the specifications for it.Remember to look at the sample specification to see what is included, also remember you need to specify what type of usage the computer will be put to.
- Assignment
Research the following terms.
Define each pair.input input device output output device processing processing device storage storage device
Reading / Writing Assignment:
Note five (5) input devices and make notes on how they operate. Include in this list the keyboard, as well as the mouse.
Note five (5) output devices and make notes on how they operate. Include in this list the plasma monitor as well as a printer. - Further reading:
Reading Computer Specifications - Reading Assignment
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