Unit 1 Chapter 3 : Hardware
Hardware Hardware : Is any part we can touch.
Computer Processor Computer hardware consists of 5 main parts: Memory Input units Output units Storage devices
1- Computer Processor Computer Processor It is hidden inside the system unit. Processor is the main part of the computer. Known as the Central Processing Unit (CPU). Responsible for data processing.
2- Computer Memory Computer Memory A RAM is a computer’s temporary storage place. The amount of RAM is very important factor in a computer’s performance. Ram loses it’s data when electricity cut off.
3- Input units Input units Entering data into computer.
Input units examples Keyboard Used to enter data . orders . select menu and enter data into applications.
Input units examples Mouse Used in Pointing , selecting , drag and drop and open drop down menu.
Input units examples Light pen Draw directly onto the screen & doing same mouse functions.
Input units examples Touch screen Similar to an ordinary computer monitor. As (ATM) in banks.
Input units examples Joystick Used mainly for playing games.
Input units examples Touchpad Used in laptops instead of mouse.
Input units examples Trackball Used instead of mouse.
Input units examples Graphics pad Using to draw pictures, as complicated lines and shapes
Input units examples Scanner Used to scan (enter) Images into a computer.
4- Output units Output units Output data from computer.
Output units examples Monitor Displays the current process or application.
Output units examples Laser Printer Large, Expensive , high quality printouts and very fast.
Output units examples Ink jet Printer Small , cheaper , slower and spray a jet of ink onto the paper
Output units examples Plotter A special type of printers that draw pictures based in commands from computers.
5- Storage Devices A PC processes data in streams of bits.
Storage Devices examples Zip disks Can store 100 to 250 (MB).
Storage Devices examples Jaz drives Can store 1 to 2 (GB).
Storage Devices examples A tap drive Create files backups.
Storage Devices examples Flash Cards Very common use in our live. Move data anywhere.
Storage Devices examples Hard disk Is the main storage device in our computers.
Storage Devices examples CD- Rom disks Can hold more than 600 (MB).
Storage Devices examples DVD Can hold more than 4.7 (GB).
Storage Devices examples Floppy Disk Can only store 1.44 (MB)
What makes a computer powerful? 1- Processor speed 2- Reliability 3- Hard disk 4- Memory