Basics of Computer Hardware

Introduction A computer system consists of a case, motherboard, processor, RAM, storage devices, peripherals, and the monitor.

Motherboard Has slots to hook in all other parts of the computer Has slots to hook in all other parts of the computer All parts of computer talk through motherboard All parts of computer talk through motherboard Very complex Very complex

Processor The “brains” of the computer The “brains” of the computer Measured in megahertz and gigahertz Measured in megahertz and gigahertz The more gigahertz the better The more gigahertz the better Intel and AMD are the most popular processor makers Intel and AMD are the most popular processor makers

RAM Stands for Random Access Memory Stands for Random Access Memory Determines how many programs can be opened at once on a computer Determines how many programs can be opened at once on a computer More RAM = more programs opened at once More RAM = more programs opened at once

Storage Devices Hard Disk Hard Disk Not removableNot removable Currently holds most dataCurrently holds most data ExpensiveExpensive Compact Disc (CD) Compact Disc (CD) RemovableRemovable Sometimes recordableSometimes recordable CheapCheap

Storage Devices (cont). Floppy Disks Floppy Disks Really cheapReally cheap UnreliableUnreliable Doesn’t hold much dataDoesn’t hold much data Thumb drives Thumb drives PortablePortable Holds different amountsHolds different amounts Getting cheaperGetting cheaper

How RAM & Storage is Measured 1 byte = 1 character in a computer Kilobyte = KB = about 1 thousand bytes (kilo = thousand) Megabyte = MB = about 1 million bytes (mega = million) Gigabyte = GB = about 1 billion bytes (giga = billion)

How much does it hold? 3 ½ floppy disk = 1.44 MB 3 ½ floppy disk = 1.44 MB Compact Disc (CD) = 650 MB Compact Disc (CD) = 650 MB DVD Disc = 4.7 GB DVD Disc = 4.7 GB Modern hard drive = GB Modern hard drive = GB

Peripherals Keyboard Keyboard Mouse Mouse Printer Printer Scanner Scanner Speakers Speakers Anything outside the computer! Anything outside the computer!

Monitor Different sizes Different sizes 15, 17, 19, 21, 25, 30 inches15, 17, 19, 21, 25, 30 inches CRT CRT Flat Panel Flat Panel Higher resolutions look better but more expensive Higher resolutions look better but more expensive