Computer Hardware Introduction What’s inside that box?
Central Processing Unit (CPU) Handles all general purpose calculations Steers special calculations to their particular processors Speed is usually expressed in Gigahertz (GHz)
Mainboard Sometimes called the motherboard Allows all internal components to connect to each other
Random Access Memory (RAM) When any piece of data is actively being used, it is stored in RAM More RAM will allow a computer to run more programs or work with more pieces of data simulataneously Capacity is now expressed in Gigabytes (GB or 2 30 Bytes) Speed is expressed in MHz.
Hard (Disk) Drive All data that is ever stored on your computer will be housed in the Hard Drive Size is usually expressed in Gigabytes (GB), or billion bytes. Speed is usually determined by the rotational speed (in RPMs) of the drive. Most drives turn at 7,200 RPMs.
Not enough memory Memory can refer to RAM or Hard drive space. When you are out of RAM, it is because too many applications are running at the same time When you are out of hard drive space, it is because too many files have been stored to the hard drive.
Optical Storage DVD-ROM or CD-ROM is the most common removable storage today. CDs hold approximately 700 MB, while DVDs hold up to 9.2GB per side. Blu-Ray discs hold 50GB Many of these drives are also capable of recording data to blank CDs or DVDs
Power Supply Unit A PSU takes AC power from your outlet and converts it to the DC power and voltage that your computer components need to operate. This is a very common point of failure in a PC
Video Card Video cards allow the computer to connect to a display device such as a monitor Most are now built onto mainboards Higher-end units include dedicated Video RAM and fast processors designed to accelerate 3D graphics
Sound Cards Sound cards allow for audio devices to interface to the computer Speakers and microphones are most commonly connected to sound cards. Most sound cards are now built onto mainboards.
Network Interface Cards (NICs) NICs allow a computer to connect to a computer network. Ethernet is the most common wired NIC, and series equipment is the most common wireless NIC Many mainboards have NICs built-in.
Dial-up Modem A Modulator / Demodulator (or Modem) allows a computer to connect to another computer over a telephone line
Monitor Displays the graphics generated by a computer Monitors display pictures by drawing thousands of colored dots, called pixels, on the screen. The more pixels, the more detailed the image The amount of pixels a monitor displays is called its “resolution”
Input Keyboards and Mice are the most common types of input devices Scanners, Digital Cameras, and drawing tablets would also be considered input devices.
Printers Printers are used to create text and images on paper. Laser and inkjet are the most common types, but dye- sublimation and thermal printers are also common.