Computer Hardware: is a collection of the physical external and internal components of a computer system.
Most computers are based upon the primary functions of receiving input, processing information, storing data, and giving output.
Every internal component of the computer system is specified for a certain task.
Hardware Components USB: Universal Serial Bus is an defines the connectors and communications protocols used for connection, communication, and power supply between computers and electronic devices. FSB: A front-side bus (FSB) was a computer communication interface often used in Intel-chip-based computers during the 1990's and 2000's. IEEE: The IEEE 1394 interface is a serial bus interface standard for high-speed communications and isochronous real-time data transfer, frequently used by personal computers, as well as in digital audio, digital video, automotive, and aeronautics applications. Speed measurements: the most basic measure of computer performance is the speed of the microprocessor. Measured in kilohertz, megahertz, and now gigahertz, the clock speed determines the rate at which instructions are processed. 1 GHz= 1 billion clock ticks per second 1 MHz= 1 million clock ticks per second 1 KHz= 1 thousand clock ticks per second Size Measurements: Memory on HP computers is measured in bits, bytes, words, pages, sectors, megabytes and gigabytes, among other units of measure. 8 bits= 1 byte 8 bytes= 1 KB 1024 KB= 1 MB 1024 MB= 1 GB Functions of Internal Hardware Components CPU: Central Processing Unit, and part of the microprocessor. The CPU interprets the commands from the programs which are running on the computer. The CPU performs calculations, moves data between components, and decides which information to display. RAM: Random Access Memory, contains information, or data, which is currently in use by programs running on the computer. when a program is finished with some data, it may not be lost right away, but it will be replaced if another program needs the space. ROM: Read Only Memory, retains its contents even when the computer is turned off. ROM is referred to as being non-volatile, whereas RAM is volatile. Cache: every microprocessor has a small amount of RAM built right into the chip. this memory is used to store short- term data, and is know as cache. Hard Drive: provides a more permanent storage for data. is much slower, so not good for immediate use of data. data persists even if the power is turned off. Motherboard: all of the various parts of the computer can communicate because they are plugged into the motherboard. thus, data and information can flow back and forth between the CPU and other components. Power Supply: A power supply unit (PSU) converts mains AC to low-voltage regulated DC power for the internal components of a computer. Modern personal computers universally use a switched-mode power supply. Video Card: a printed circuit board controlling output to a display screen Sound Card: a device that can be slotted into a computer to allow the use of audio components for multimedia applications. Functions of Computer Peripheral Devices Printer: a machine for printing text or pictures onto paper, especially one linked to a computer. Monitor: an instrument or device used for observing, checking, or keeping a continuous record of a process or quantity. Scanner: a device that scans documents and converts them into digital data. Keyboard: a panel of keys that operate a computer or typewriter. Mouse: an input device that is most often used with a personal computer. Moving a mouse along a flat surface can move the on-screen cursor to different items on the screen. Speakers: A device that converts analogue audio signals into the equivalent air vibrations in order to make audible sound. USB Flash Drive: an external flash drive, small enough to carry on a key ring, that can be used with any computer that has a USB port. Which Computer System is Right for You? Student on a fixed budget: If you are on a tight budget and care about upgrading your desktop computer system, the Acer Aspire AXC-603-UR12 can be found for as little as $300. The system will provide enough performance for those that just want something to browse the web, stream media and do productivity applications like Word or Excel. Home business user: When buying a business desktop, look for a system with an Intel Core i3 CPU or AMD A4 Series APU. It's also good to have at least 4GB of memory, and a minimum 300GB of hard drive space (500GB would be ideal for most companies). Gaming Enthusiast: If gaming is your thing, an ordinary computer just won’t cut it when speed and performance are crucial to your victory. A gaming computer is equipped with higher-end specs that make your games look better and run more smoothly than they would on a standard computer. For your favorite FPS, RPG or MMO, a gaming PC with an Intel or AMD processor, dedicated graphics card, and over clocking capability can get you to the top of your game. Photographer: Digital cameras have fast become the norm for photographers all around the world. With the technological innovations that have enhanced the picture quality and the options available with digital cameras, the old-school film-based cameras hardly find any use in the market. Home Video Enthusiast: PC processors, operating systems, and hardware are becoming more capable of sustaining the needs for video editors, and sometimes even surpass the performance of Macs. Graphics/Video Card- If possible, get something with a 128 megabyte (MB), DirectX 9-capable graphics card. A good video card (also called a graphics card) will help you view videos for class. - See more at: http://www.elearners.com/online-education-resources/online-learning/how-to-choose-a-pc-or-laptop-for-online-learning/#sthash.Rd8PX5uI.dpuf Distance Education User: Processors- Look to see if it has an AMD Turion 64, AMD Turion 64 X2, Intel Core Duo, or Intel Core 2 Duo. These are names for different processors. The better the processor, the faster your computer can process your data. Hard Drive- When comparing laptops, ask about the amount of space it has on its drive. A hard drive, or hard disk drive, refers to the place where data is saved. Think of it like this: your hard drive is like a book shelf. It's the place where you store all of your books. When you need a book, you take it off of the shelf. A hard drive is where you permanently store your data, and you can "pull it off the shelf" whenever you need it. Human Resources Manager: Zenefits gives you, your managers, and your employees a single place to manage all your HR payroll, benefits, compliance, and more all online, in one beautiful dashboard. Accountant: choose laptops boasting Windows compatibility, powerful processors, screens large enough to accommodate Excel spreadsheets and even numeric keypads. |