Computer Components Overview

Computer Components

• A computer processes data and produces information, like a cash register receipt.
• Key components of a computer include input devices, the processor, memory, output devices, storage devices, and communication devices.
• The processor, also known as the CPU, is responsible for executing instructions and processing data.
• The processor, memory, and storage devices are located within the system unit.
• A peripheral device connects to the system unit and is controlled by the processor.
• Peripherals can include input, output, storage, or communication devices.

Processor and Memory

• The processor communicates with other devices to carry out tasks.
• When a program starts, its instructions are transferred from a storage device to memory.

Input Devices

• A variety of options are available for typing on a smart phone, including on-screen keyboards, stylus pens, mini-keyboards, and keypads.

Mice and Pointing Devices

• A mouse is a pointing device used to control the movement of the pointer on the screen.
• The pointer's location and shape change as the user moves the mouse.
• Mouse buttons are used to perform actions associated with objects on the screen, such as clicking buttons or opening links.
• Mice use different mechanisms to detect movement: ball, optical sensor, or laser sensor.

Output Devices

• Commonly used output devices include display devices, printers, speakers, headphones, earbuds, data projectors, and interactive whiteboards.
• Printers produce text and graphics on a physical medium like paper.

Printers

• Ink-jet printers produce text and graphics in both black and white and color on various paper types.
• Some ink-jet printers, called photo printers, produce high-quality pictures, ideal for home or small-business use.
• The speed of an ink-jet printer is measured by the number of pages per minute (ppm) it can print.
• Laser printers are high-speed, high-quality printers that operate similar to copy machines.
• Laser printers use a laser beam and powdered ink, called toner, to create images on a special drum inside the printer.
• Multifunction peripherals, also known as all-in-one devices, combine the functionality of a printer, scanner, copy machine, and potentially a fax machine.

Hard Disk Drives

• A hard disk drive stores data on platters, which are circular disks with a magnetic coating.
• Each platter has two read/write heads, one for each side.
• Tracks are narrow recording bands that circle the surface of the disk.
• Sectors are pie-shaped sections that break the tracks into small arcs.
• A sector typically stores up to 512 bytes of data.
• The storage capacity of internal hard drives ranges from 160 GB to more than 2 TB.
• The read/write heads are moved by arms to the proper location on the platter.
• Platters spin at a high rate of speed, typically 5,400 to 15,000 revolutions per minute.

DVD and Blu-ray Drives

• DVD-R, DVD+R, and BD-R enable users to write on the disc once and read it many times.
• DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD+RAM are rewritable DVD formats.
• BD-RE is a rewritable Blu-ray format.
• To write on these discs, a compatible drive or recorder is required.

Cloud Storage

• Cloud storage is an internet service that provides hard disk storage to computer users.
• Fee arrangements for cloud storage services vary.
• Cloud storage services offer a variety of storage options, including backup, additional storage for files, digital photos, digital videos, emails, and documents.

Communications Devices

• A communication device enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information to and from other computers or devices.
• A modem is a commonly used communication device.
• Communications occur over different transmission media like cables, telephone lines, cellular networks, and satellites.

This quiz covers essential computer components, including input devices, processors, memory, output devices, and storage options. It explains how these components interact to process data and produce information. Test your understanding of how computers function and their key parts.