Computer Hardware Basics

• A peripheral device is an input/output unit that feeds data into and/or receives data from the central processing unit of a digital device.
• Computer systems use peripheral devices to run smoothly.

Module Objectives

• Explain considerations when purchasing technology devices.
• Describe the characteristics and uses of input and output devices.
• Evaluate hardware.
• Prevent and troubleshoot hardware theft or failure.
• Distinguish among internal, external, and cloud-based storage.
• Describe network hardware.
• Explain the uses of cases, motherboard components, system clock, processor cooling, the arithmetic logic unit, the machine cycle, and registers.
• Discuss ways to prevent health-related injuries and disorders caused by technology use.
• Identify responsible e-waste and technology disposal techniques.

Computer Operating Systems

• Hardware refers to the device itself and components like wires, cases, switches, and electronic circuits.
• Components of computer hardware include memory, storage devices, CPU, input and output devices, and communication devices.
• A processor core has the circuitry to execute instructions.
• Processors with more cores perform better, with multi-core processors having multiple cores.
• Computer memory stores data and programs being processed by the CPU.
• An operating system and apps need a certain amount of RAM to function properly.
• More RAM is needed when more apps run simultaneously.
• The area of the hard drive used temporarily for data that cannot fit in RAM is called a swap file or paging file.
• Using virtual memory may decrease a computer's performance.

RAM vs ROM

• RAM is a temporary storage location.
• RAM is stored on chips connected to the computer's main circuit board (motherboard).
• RAM is volatile memory.
• ROM is a permanent storage location.
• ROM is stored on a chip containing BIOS connected to the computer's main circuit board (motherboard).
• ROM is non-volatile memory.
• Computer manufacturers update instructions on the ROM chip, known as firmware.

Types of RAM

• Dynamic RAM (DRAM) needs constant recharging or its contents are erased, and it is volatile.
• Static RAM is less frequently recharged than DRAM, but may be more expensive, and it is volatile.
• Magneto-resistive RAM uses magnetic charges to store content, retaining it without power, and it is non-volatile.
• Flash memory is a fast and typically less expensive memory type that can retain its contents without power, and it is non-volatile.

Factors to consider when buying a computer

• Platform considerations include whether specific software requires a specific platform, or whether the computer needs to be compatible with other devices owned using a particular platform.
• Hardware-related questions include if specific hardware is required for intended tasks and how much data/information is planned for storage on the computer.
• Hardware specifications: Tasks or software to run determining required hardware specifications.
• Form factor considerations include whether the computer will be used in one location or if mobility is needed.
• Determine what additional devices are needed for the intended tasks as add-on devices.

Evaluating System Requirements

• Different processor requirements: Identify the program or app with the greater processor requirement and select a computer with a processor that meets or exceeds the requirement.
• Different memory requirements: Identify the program or app with the greater memory requirement and select a computer with a memory type and capacity that meets or exceeds this requirement.
• 4 GB of memory is suitable for basic web browsing and productivity tasks, while 32 GB is often used for virtual reality, high-end gaming, and intensive tasks.
• Different storage requirements: Add storage needs for each program/app to determine a computer with sufficient storage that exceeds the total requirements.
• Different hardware requirements: In most cases, identify the program or app with the greater requirement and select a computer that at least meets or exceeds this requirement.
• Computers vary in shape and size of the form factor
• Computer types include desktop, all-in-one, laptops, tablets, and other mobile devices.
• Desktops include a system unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse that remain in a fixed location.
• All-in-one computers house the monitor and system unit together.

Selecting Devices

• Laptops are compact communication devices with input devices, output devices and storage.
• Input devices for laptops include a keyboard, touchpad, and webcam.
• Output devices for laptops include screens and speakers.
• Laptops include one or more storage devices, such as a hard drive.
• Ultrathin laptops are lightweight, more expensive, less powerful, thinner with fewer parts, and have longer battery life.
• Two popular tablet form factors are slate and convertible.
• A slate tablet resembles a letter-sized pad without a physical keyboard.
• A convertible tablet has a screen on its lid and a keyboard on its base.

Input and Output Devices

• A scanner is an input device that converts a paper image into an editable electronic file.
• 3-D scanners can scan three-dimensional objects.
• A printer creates hard copy output on paper, film, and other media.
• Printers can be connected wirelessly, over a network, or with a cable.
• Inkjet printers print by spraying small dots of ink onto paper.
• Laser printers use a laser beam and toner to print on paper.
• Multifunction devices are also called all-in-one printers; able to copy, scan, fax and print.
• Mobile printers are small, lightweight printers attached to mobile devices.
• Plotters are large-format printers using charged wires for high-quality drawings for professional applications, drawing continuous lines on large rolls of paper.
• 3D printers create objects from computer models using special plastics and other materials.
• Computers can provide voice output.
• A voice synthesizer converts text to speech.
• Some apps and operating systems have built-in voice synthesizers.
• Voice synthesizers can assist those with visual impairments.
• Projectors display computer output on a large surface, such as a wall or screen.
• Projectors can be wired or wirelessly connected.

Installing and Evaluating Hardware

• Before turning on a computer or device, ensure all components are included, undamaged and manuals are read for safe setup.
• Carefully unpack all components from the box, and charge laptops before use.
• Connect all components/accessories, turn on the device, and follow on-screen prompts.
• Peripheral devices may need direct installation by port through a wireless network.
• Plug-and-Play devices function when connected to a computer.
• A device driver is a program that allows a computer/device to control separate devices like printers, monitors, or video cards.
• To connect a wireless device, follow the included installation instructions.
• A processor's clock speed measures how fast it executes instructions.
• A cycle represents the smallest time unit a process can measure.
• CPU efficiency is measured by instructions per cycle.
• Bus width determines the speed of data travel, referred to as word size.
• A benchmark is a lab test to determine processor speed and performance.

Secure IT: Reducing Hardware Risks

• Mobility makes devices prone to theft.
• Data should be kept accessible in case of theft or device destruction.
• Use a cable lock to prevent laptop theft.
• Conceal mobile devices in high-crime areas.
• Minimize headphone use and stay aware of your surroundings.
• Use a damp cloth to gently clean screens.
• Use compressed air to clean keyboards of dirt and debris.
• Extreme temperatures or humidity can damage electronics.
• An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) maintains power to computer equipment during power interruptions.
• A surge suppressor prevents power fluctuations damaging electronic components.
• Backout: Total loss of power
• Brownout: Drop in voltage lasting minutes or hours
• Spike: very short duration of voltage increase
• Surge: Short duration of voltage increase
• Noise: unwanted high-frequency energy
• Restoring an operating system reverts settings to default or migrates to a previous version.
• Review the help documentation and follow the steps to restore the operating system.
• Data backups protect against hardware malfunctions, user errors, software corruption, and natural disasters.
• Data backups can also protect against cyber attacks.
• Wireless routers are central connection devices for home-based Wi-Fi networks.
• Wi-Fi networks are vulnerable to risks, including wireless transmissions, data theft, malware injection, or downloading harmful content.

Internal, External, and Cloud-Based Storage Solutions

• The most common storage medium when using a computer is the internal hard drive.
• Internal hard drives store data magnetically or use solid-state storage and are installed directly on the computer.
• External hard drives add storage capacity to a computer.
• Magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs) typically have greater storage capacity.
• Solid-state drives (SSDs) are faster and more durable than magnetic drives.
• Optical media, including CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, use laser tech for storage/playback.
• Optical media once distributed installation files for programs/apps, but saving files requires special software within the operating system.
• USB flash drives, external hard drives, and cloud storage are now commonly used to transport files, instead of optical discs.
• Cloud storage involves storing electronic files on a remote server connected to the Internet, called storing data on the cloud.
• Cloud storage allows files to be stored remotely on servers worldwide.
• A computer or mobile device with an internet connection is required to store and retrieve files from cloud storage.
• Cloud storage companies host and maintain servers, providing users with access to their files.

Inside the Case

• Processor chips for laptops, desktops, and servers can generate a lot of heat, potentially causing malfunctions or failures.
• Heat sinks, liquid cooling technologies, and cooling pads are used to further dissipate the processor's heat.
• A heat sink is a small ceramic/metal component with fins that absorb and disperse heat.
• Liquid cooling technology uses a liquid flow, such as water/glycol, to transfer heated fluid away.
• A cooling pad rests below a laptop, protecting the computer from overheating.
• Many electronic components, such as the processor and memory, attach to the motherboard.
• Circuitry resides on a computer chip for the processor, memory, and other components in desktop and laptop computers.
• A computer chip is a small silicon piece where integrated circuits are etched.
• An integrated circuit contains many microscopic pathways for electrical current.
• A processor repeats a set of four basic operations, which comprise a machine cycle.
  • Fetching is the process of obtaining a program or an application instruction or data item from memory.
  • Decoding translates the instructions into signals the computer can execute.
  • Executing carries out commands.
  • Storing involves writing the result to memory.
• Registers are small, high-speed storage locations within a processor that temporarily hold data and instructions.
• Registers are part of the processor and are not memory or a permanent storage device.
• Register functions include storing the instruction location as fetched, storing an instruction while the control unit decodes it, storing data while the ALU calculates it, and storing the results of a calculation.
• Technology hazards include physical health, behavioral health, and social well-being.
• Many users of technological devices report aches/pains from repeated long-term usage of devices, known as repetitive strain injury (RSI).

Protecting Yourself

• RSI impacts muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments, primarily affecting the upper body like elbows, forearms, hands, neck, shoulders, and wrists.
• RSI symptoms include aching, cramps, numbness, pain, stiffness, tenderness, throbbing, tingling, and weakness.
• RSI causes: Repetitive activity, improper technique and uninterrupted intensity.
• Ergonomics, an applied science, sets the design and arrangement of items for efficient and safe interaction.
• Technology addiction occurs when a user is obsessed with technology.
• Behavioral risks associated with tech use include sedentary lifestyles, psychological development, and social interaction impact.
• Cyber-bullying can result in emotional harm.
• Doxing, a form of cyber-bullying, involves sharing personal information digitally.
• Cyber-stalking uses technology to stalk individuals through various communication methods.
• Cyberbullying differences:
  • Bullying can stop when the child goes home
  • Only people nearby may hear the bullying
  • Bullying may stop when the person leaves
  • Cyberbullying comments seem never to end and remain visible for years
  • Cyberbullying is more widespread and can impact admissions or employment

E-waste

• E-waste is discarded digital devices and contains toxic metals like lead and mercury, contaminating ground and water supplies.
• E-waste is disposed of by being sent to a recycling facility, donated to a charity or other nonprofit organization, or brought to a technology store or firm
• SEM promotes the reduction of e-waste.
  • Buy Green: Buy only products that have been designed sustainably
  • Donate: Donate used but still functional equipment to a school, charity, or nonprofit organization
  • Recycle: Send equipment to a verified used electronics recycling center