November 19 and 20 - Unit 2 Hardware

Intro to Computing to Computer Concept/Applications

Unit 2 -  Understanding the Parts (Hardware)

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In this unit, we will look at your computer’s hardware— the physical components of the computer.

• A computer does 4 main things: inputs data, process the data into information, outputs this information, and stores this information.
• The system unit is the box that contains the central electronic components – RAM, CPU, hard drive, power unit, etc.
• Peripheral devices—monitors, printers, keyboards, speakers, etc. Basically anything attached to the system unit.

Section 1 - Input Devices

An input device is any hardware device that sends data to the computer, without any input devices, a computer would only be a display device and not allow users to interact with it, much like a TV.

Examples:  Mouse, Keyboard....

Section 2 - Output Devices

Any hardware device that receives or displays output from a computer.  

Examples:  Monitor, Speakers...

Section 3 - Storage Devices

Alternatively referred to as storage, storage media, or storage medium, a storage device is a hardware device capable of holding information. The hard drive of the computer is referred to as the 'secondary' storage and is usually internal. The secondary storage could also be a removable or external. 

Examples....

Section 4 - What's in the Box?

The system unit is the box that contains the central electronic components

• Motherboard - The motherboard is a printed circuit board that is the foundation of a computer and allows the CPU, RAM, and all other computer hardware components to function and communicate with each other.

• RAM - Alternatively referred to as main memory, primary memory, or system memory, Random Access Memory (RAM) is a computer storage location that allows information to be stored and accessed quickly from random locations within DRAM on a memory module. Because information is accessed randomly instead of sequentially like a CD or hard drive the computer is able to access the data much faster than it would if it was only reading the hard drive. However, unlike ROM and the hard drive RAM is a volatile memory and requires power in order to keep the data accessible, if power is lost all data contained in memory lost.

• CPU - Alternatively referred to as the brain of the computer, processor, central processor, or microprocessor, the CPU is responsible for handling all instructions it receives from hardware and software running on the computer.

• Hard Drive - the computer's main storage media device that permanently stores all data on the computer.

• Power Unit - The Power Supply Unit is an internal hardware component used to supply the components in a computer with power by converting potentially lethal 110-115 or 220-230 volt alternating current (AC) into a steady low-voltage direct current (DC) usable by the computer.

• Expansion  Slots - An expansion slot is an opening located inside a computer on the motherboard that allows additional boards to be connected to it. For example, if you wanted to install a new video card in the computer you'd purchase a video expansion card and install that card into the compatible expansion slot.
• Ports  - A hardware port or peripheral port is a hole or connection found on the front or back of a computer that allows computers to access external devices such as computer printers.