1. IC3 GS3 Standard Computing Fundamentals Module
COMPUTER HARDWARE & PERIPHERALS
(OBJECTIVE 1.1)

2. Objectives Identify different types of computer devices
Identify the role of the CPU including how the speed of a microprocessor is measured
Identify concepts related to computer memory (measurement of memory, RAM, ROM)
Identify the features and benefits (storage capacity, shelf-life, etc.) of different storage media
Identify the types and purposes of standard input and output devices on desktop or laptop computers
Identify how hardware devices are connected to and installed on a computer system.

3. PROCESS OF COMPUTING
Input: Some device or method to input data so it can be processed
Process: Circuits and programs to process the data
Output: the result of its processing
Storage: Some mechanism for storing data

4. The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
tiny silicon chip-BRAINS of computer
System clock- an electronic pulse that controls the speed of the CPU
The rate of the pulse is measured in megahertz (MHz).

5. Communicating with the CPU (cont.)
ASCII code and binary code
series of 1s and 0s - every 1 or 0 is a bit of information.
Data is stored in a series of 8-bit combinations (byte)called a byte. Every character, such as a letter, number, or punctuation mark, is a byte created from a unique combination of ones and zeros.
8 bits = 1 byte
Today most personal computers have processors that use 32-bit and 64 bit numbers

6. Computer Memory
Data being processed by a CPU is stored in SYSTEM MEMORY.
Not permanent—if power fails, everything in memory is lost.
Must be stored on a disk or some other device for PERMANENT MEMORY--so it is not lost each time the computer shuts down

7. Types of Computer Memory
There are two types of memory found on a motherboard:
RAM: Random Access Memory
ROM: Read-Only Memory
RAM chip

8. Random Access Memory (RAM)
short-term memory where data is processed while a program is running
can be accessed and modified as needed
loses any data it holds if the computer is shut down-”volatile”.
RAM is also called main memory

9. Read-Only Memory (ROM)
memory placed on the motherboard by the manufacturer and contains instructions, such as BIOS ROM, that tell the computer how to start itself
cannot be accessed or modified by application programs
contents of this memory are not lost when the computer is shut down

10. Storage Devices PERMANENT:
Hard disks – Permanent, large capacity, not removable
Network drive- “the I drive”
REMOVABLE:
Magnetic Media - floppy disks
CD’s/DVD’S—Optical Media
Flash Memory - Flash memory sticks or cards
Virtual or Internet Storage - not a physical part of the computer (dropbox.com)

11. Removable Types of Storage
CD-Roms can store up to 680MB and are used to store data, music, and graphics. Can be read by a digital device.
CD-R –after recording, it cannot be changed.
CD-RW – A type of CD disk that can be recorded, and erased
DVD used to store digital video. Many computers now have a CD/DVD drive that can read both types of optical media.

12. Input and Output Devices
INPUT devices: enable user to enter data and commands to the computer to be processed
OUTPUT devices: enable the computer to give or show results of its processing
Some devices, such as a modem, can perform both input and output operations.

13. Input Devices Keyboard Mouse Voice Recognition (microphones) Scanners
Joystick/controller
Trackball
Graphics tablet
Touch display screen
Digital cameras
Robotic controls

14. Output Devices — Monitors
used to display video output to a user
Factors that influence the quality of a monitor:
Screen size: The diagonal measurement in inches of the display area
Resolution: The number of pixels that can be displayed in the display area
Dot pitch: The distance between each pixel in the display area

15. Output Devices — Printers
Used to create a hard copy of a document or image
Vary by speed, quality, and price.
The most popular types:
Laser: Produce images using the same techniques as copier machines
Ink-Jet: Use fine nozzles to spray ink onto the page as the paper passes through

16. Other Output Devices
Plotters
Projectors
Speakers
Voice synthesizers

17. The Motherboard
A circuit board that mounts inside the microcomputer’s plastic case. It contains:
The central processing unit or CPU
Basic controllers
Expansion ports and slots
Memory

18. Diagram of a Simplified Motherboard

19. Expansion Ports and Slots
Ports are specialized plugs that connect peripheral devices to the computer’s motherboard.
Expansion slots are openings on the motherboard where a circuit board or memory chip can be added.