Computer Hardware Chapter 0

Chapter 0: Hardware

• Hardware encompasses all physical components of a computer system
• It includes the CPU, primary storage, secondary storage, input technologies, output technologies, and communication technologies
• Hardware and software are required for a computer to function
• Hardware includes all physical components, both inside the main computer case, and external devices
• Software is the set of instructions or programs that tell the hardware what to do
• IT infrastructure is the set of physical devices and software necessary to operate enterprise IT systems, supporting various business information systems
• IT infrastructure's core components include computer hardware, computer software, data management technology, networking and telecommunications technology, and technology services
• A firm's IT infrastructure encompasses hardware, software, data management, networking, and technology services

Hardware Components

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Primary Storage (RAM, ROM, Cache, Register Memory)
• Secondary Storage (Magnetic Tape, Magnetic Discs, Solid State Drives (SSD), Optical Storage Devices, Flash Memory)
• Input Technologies (Keyboards, Mice, Touchscreens, Styluses, Scanners, Cameras, etc.)
• Output Technologies (Monitors, Printers, Voice Output devices)
• Communication Technologies (Network Cards, Modems etc.)

Strategic Hardware Issues

• Rapid price reductions and performance advancements in hardware necessitate strategic adaptation
• Businesses need to consider new hardware infrastructures and their implications for work styles
• The use of mobile computers and advanced communication technologies needs assessment for employee and organizational benefit.

Computer Hierarchy

• The computer hierarchy arranges computers based on their power and roles
• Examples of categories include supercomputers, mainframe computers, midrange computers, microcomputers, and wearable computers

Microcomputers

• Common kinds of microcomputers include Desktops, Thin-Client/Fat-Client Systems, Laptops, Netbooks, and Tablet Computers

It's Personal: Purchasing a Computer

• Considerations for buying a personal computer include intended use, usage location, and service requirements

Input and Output Technologies

• Multimedia technology, input devices, and output devices are essential components for computer interaction

Input Devices

• Human Data-Entry devices (Keyboard, Mouse, Trackballs, Pointing Sticks, Touchpads, Graphics Tablets, etc.)
• Gesture-Based Input devices (Wii, Microsoft Kinect, Leap Motion, etc.)
• Source-Data Automation Input devices (ATM, Magnetic Strip Reader, POS Terminals, Barcode Scanners, Optical Mark Readers, Magnetic Ink Character Reader, Optical Character Recognition, Sensors, Cameras, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Output Devices

• Monitors (Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT), Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD), Flexible Displays, Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLED), Retinal Scanning Displays)
• Printers (Laser Printers, Inkjet Printers, Thermal Printers, Plotters)
• Voice Output devices (Electronic Book Readers, Pocket Projectors, etc.)

The Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• The CPU is a microprocessor with a control unit, arithmetic-logic unit (ALU), and registers
• The CPU fetches, decodes, and executes instructions from programs stored in memory
• Data is processed and stored in the CPU via the ALU
• Primary storage for data and instructions is RAM (random access memory)

Computer Memory

• Memory capacity is measured in units like bits, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes, petabytes, exabytes, and zettabytes
• Primary memory (RAM, ROM, Cache, Registers) is crucial for immediate CPU processing, while secondary storage (HDDs, SSDs, optical drives) stores data for long-term use

PC Components/Cost Compared

• The data shows the trend of increasing RAM and hard drive capacity, along with decreasing CPU cost over time.

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of computer hardware as outlined in Chapter 0. You will learn about the essential physical components of a computer system, including the CPU, storage types, and input/output technologies. Understanding these elements is crucial for grasping how hardware and software work together in IT infrastructure.