Computer Hardware Fundamentals

• Module 2 introduces computer hardware
• It is delivered through synchronous and asynchronous learning
• Duration is two weeks

Measuring Capacity

• Bytes are used to measure storage capacity on disks or in memory
• Capacities are quantified in thousands, millions, billions, and trillions of bytes
• A byte is abbreviated as "B"

Capacity Measurements

• Bit: A single binary digit
• Byte: 8 bits
• Kilobyte (KB): 1,024 bytes
• Megabyte (MB): 1,024 KB
• Gigabyte (GB): 1,024 MB
• Terabyte (TB): 1,024 GB
• Petabyte (PB): 1,024 TB

Measuring Frequency

• Every computer has at least one microprocessor, usually called the Central Processing Unit (CPU) or processor
• CPUs process information and instructions at varying rates
• Processing speed is measured in hertz (Hz)
• A hertz is one cycle (or oscillation) per second

Frequency Measurements

• Hertz (Hz): 1 cycle per second
• Kilohertz (KHz): 1,000 cycles per second
• Megahertz (MHz): 1,000,000 cycles per second
• Gigahertz (GHz): 1,000,000,000 cycles per second
• Terahertz (THz): 1,000,000,000,000 cycles per second
• Typical PCs have processors ranging from 3 to 4 GHz
• Laptops have processors ranging from 2GHz to 3GHz

Measuring Bandwidth

• Bandwidth measures network connections' data transfer rate and is measured in bits per second (bps)
• Capacity, bit rate, transfer speed, data transfer rate, and throughput are all synonyms for bandwidth

Bandwidth Measurements

• bps: Bits per second
• Kbps: Thousand bits per second
• Mbps: Million bits per second
• Gbps: Billion bits per second

Basic Computer Anatomy

• Every computer has a system board that houses the circuitry, communication paths, and connectors for external devices
• Silicon chips manage hardware components and data/instruction flow and are referred to as processors
• Input devices allow data transfer to the computer; a keyboard or touchscreen are examples
• Output devices enable the computer to send data to the user; monitors or display screens are examples
• Storage devices include memory chips and other storage media
• A power supply transforms AC to low-voltage DC power, which is stored in rechargeable batteries in portable gadgets

Memory and Storage

• Computers need memory and storage to run programs and produce/use files
• A computer must have enough memory to "keep" the file when it is in use
• There must be enough storage capacity available to save a file when it is not in use

Random Access Memory (RAM)

• A computer needs a certain amount of installed system memory or Random Access Memory (RAM) to process information
• RAM is used to temporarily store information, data, and programs
• A computer needs RAM to run applications or generate/modify files
• RAM only holds data while the machine is on
• When programs/files are closed, the memory is erased and becomes available
• The memory is made up of chips inside the system unit
• Usable memory is determined by the number of memory chips and their capacity

Storage

• Software programs are loaded into RAM while working, but the software applications must be saved on the computer when not in use
• Any files created with a software program must be saved in order to recover them in the future

Locations of Local and Remote Storage

• Storage devices save programs and user files
• The devices are internal (within the computer) or external (attached to the computer)
• Local storage includes all internal/external devices directly connected to the computer
• Data can be saved to distant servers, like folders on other machines or on the cloud

Commonly Used Storage Devices

• Hard disks
• External drives
• Flash drives
• Memory cards

Hard Drives

• "Hard disk" and "hard drive" refer to a core storage area within the computer
• Operating systems and software programs needs to be installed on a hard disk
• Magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs) with moving parts are used in some systems

Magnetic Hard Drives

• Store data on magnetically coated metal or plastic disks called platters
• Platters spin around a spindle via a motor
• Read/write heads hover near the surface, reading or writing data to the magnetic coating

Solid State Disks

• Solid state disks (SSDs) have no moving parts and are used in some computers
• SSDs store data on a network of interconnected flash memory chips, which retain data without power

External Disk Drives

• External drives are hard disks housed in a case that is connected to a PC via a cable
• They give additional storage capacity for the user
• Software in not commonly installed on external drives.

Storage of Flash Memory in Tablets and Phones

• Flash memory chips are commonly used in tablets and smartphones
• Flash memory chips may be put directly on the system board
• Portable gadgets usually have inbuilt storage memory

USB Flash Drives

• Utilize flash memory chips
• Compact at around 2-3" (60-70mm) length and .5" (16mm) width, and weigh less than 1 oz
• Can store gigabytes of data
• Dependable and long-lasting since they have no moving parts

Digital Secure Cards (SD cards)

• Compact flash memory storage devices
• Large Capacities
• Used in digital cameras, camcorders, cell phones, tablets, MP3 players, and GPS systems

Optical Drives and Discs

• Compact Discs (CDs) and Digital Versatile/Video Discs (DVDs) are read by optical disc drives (DVDs)
• The disc spins, and the data is read by a laser

CD-ROM and DVD-ROM

• A CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or DVD-ROM drive functions similarly to a player in a home theater system
• They are only read because data is written (or burned) onto the surface and retrieved using a laser beam.
• An burner drive employs specialized software to "burn" data to a disc

Desktop Computer Systems

• Intended to be placed on or beneath a desk
• Desktop computers are classified into two types

Apple's Mac Computers

• Streamlined design
• Contains monitor and processor in the same case
• Manufactured solely by Apple
• Mac OS X operating system is designed to run on Macs

Personal computers (PCs)

• Originally by IBM, then by others later
• Processor is in a casing
• An external display, keyboard, and mouse are connected through cables
• Often known as a work station
• Can often use a variety of operating system, but the most common install is the OS Windows

Desktop Computer Details

• Can include desktop models, laptops, servers, and touch screen devices
• Reliable and powerful, with storage space between 500GB and 1TB
• Include installed memory ranging between 4GB and 8GB
• The capacity to read data stored on a variety of storage media & the have the ability to play music and video
• Have numerous USB ports for connecting external devices and may have one or more SD card slots for reading and writing
• Many come with strong video and sound cards and network connectivity features
• Are easily upgraded by opening the case
• Desktop disadvantage: not that portable because it must always be plugged in

Connections

• A USB connection is used to connect Keyboards to desktop computers, a wired or wireless link
• Although laptops include a keyboard, an external can be connected through USB still
• Bluetooth keyboards use Bluetooth technology to a system
• Tablets have connections for detachable keyboards; can also be integrated into the tablet case acting as a stand

Touchpad

• A touchpad allows movement of the mouse pointer around the screen with a finger
• A touchpad has two buttons that function like the left and right mouse button
• Can move the cursor, pick an object, or activate items using the touchpad

Stylus

• A pen-like input device for touch screens to select/activate
• Stylus is used to dial phone numbers, launch an application, or write text
• Can be used to create shapes or diagrams
• Can also be referred to as digital writer

Touch screen Displays

• Type of display allowing interaction w/a computer by touching different regions on the screen
• Touch screens are used for user input on tablets and smartphones show virtual keyboards & dial pads
• Also available on laptops and standalone monitors

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)

• Mobile phones connect to cellular networks
• They use GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) or CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)
• GSM phones has Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card that identifies the phone to the carrier
• CDMA phones are recognized based on information that are "hard-wired" into the device

SIM Details

• The SIM card is a small circuit board
• Chip is encoded with necessary information like phone number, voice plan, data plan, security data, billing/account information
• GSM phones must have SIM card installed to connect to carrier

Smart Phone Keyboard / Dial Pad

• Use virtual onscreen keyboards/dial pads
• Tap the SHIFT key to alternate between upper- and lower-case keyboards
• BACKSPACE key deletes to the left of the cursor
• LINEFEED key moves to the next line
• Can also can view symbols, attach files, add emoticons, and send items

Power Plans

• Computer has a power supply transforming alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) power
• Portable computing devices have an internal/external battery allowing use without being plugged in
• Windows power plans controls can minimize electricity use and impacts laptop battery life
• Windows settings that may quickly modify the settings of a power plan, configure power usage: automatically turn off monitors or put device to sleep after set time

Windows Power Plans

• Windows power plan is a parameters collection controlling computer power usage
• Power plans will automatically alter the screen brightness, turn off the display, or put the machine to sleep
• Advanced power settings may also turn off wireless networking or hard drive
• Available Options: Windows has three power plans
  • Balanced - conserves power during inactivity
  • Electricity saving - reduces screen brightness & system performance
  • High performance - optimizes screen brightness & overall performance

Connecting Peripherals

• Cable or wireless technology used to connect a peripheral device to a computer
• Cables connect devices using a unique socket known as a port

Computer Ports

• Video ports connect monitors, projectors, TVs
• Network ports connect computers to different networks
• Audio ports deliver sound to external speakers or headphones
• USB ports allows devices to connect
• USB ports supply electrical power for devices/recharging batteries of linked gadgets

Video Ports and Connectors

• It connects to a monitor, projector, or television to show visual output
• High-performance and gaming systems frequently include more than just 2 common video connectors like: Video adapter (VGA), Digital Video Interface (DVI), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI).

Monitors

• The monitor is an output device that allows you to view information shown by the computer
• Monitors have power switch/connection, brightness/contrast adjustments for image customization and two kinds if video input connectors
• Monitors resolution is the ability of the monitor to display images which is measured based on mathamatical equations

Adding a Second Display Device

• Connecting a second display device is simple; the OS identifies the display after the physical connection
• Parameters for extra display can be modified using Settings or the Control Panel in Windows 11

Connectors and Network Ports

• RJ-45 jack allows use of network cable to connect to local area network (LAN).
• Acts as an Ethernet port, networking port, and LAN port

Audio Connectors and Ports

• Audio ports on a computer sound card can connect audio devices: speakers, headphones, or microphones.
• Has standard desktop soundcard providing 3.5mm jack for all audio devices and game adapters
• The "jacks" can be identified by color coding as Pink-microphone, Line In-light blue(CD/player) and Line Out-Lime Green.

Audio Devices

• Laptops, tablets, and smart phones have 3.5mm jack
• Wired connection to aux cord connect headphones, earbuds, or external speakers
• Many audio devices, including headsets/speakers/microphones can also connect via USB or wireless Bluetooth

Microphones

• Record sounds and convert them to digital files
• Speech to text software advantages to ones with particular personal needs
• Can buy microphones that link to an audio card connection or the USB port or headsets with built-in microphones for desktop's
• Most tablets/phones include a built in microphone.

Speakers

• Plays sounds saved computer
• The standard desktop speakers must have a 3.5 mm connector
• The speaker must require both power from a powerchord inserted to outlet
• Various types of USB speaker avaliable that provides connection of both power and signals

Connection Types

• Connection is avaliable built in inside laptops,tablets,and smart phone.
• Older model laptops can connect for speaker through connector,USB port,Bluetooth connection and other infrared devices.

USB Connectors and Ports

• Usb connection enable connection devices such as printers keyboards joysticks tablets
• Power source can provide recharging for devices that are rechargeable
• USB standard device has been used for year with various types such like version2.0 ,3.0

Connection Type and Color

• V2.0 data tramsfer max rate of 480 mbps
• V3.0 (superspeed usb) top speed transfer of 5mgbs
• V3.1 generation2 ,CLAIM 10 GBPS

Laptops and Connectors

• Laptops contains only 2 USB, and 3.0, and 3.1 connection
• External USB hubs with more than 4-8 avaliable port types is avaliable to be used for connection
• Type -A, mini, micro type of USB can be connected as portable size
• Connector can easily inserted in to gadgets with USB connection cable

Usb Memory Sticks

• A USB flash derive is portable a data storage type

Parts in USb

• Small circuit board
• Standard Type connectors and usb ports and connecter which be protected cap/retracted inside case for security and saftey issue.
• Operating systems: windows, Mac, Linus
• The USB is version is 2.0 ports

Printers

• Printers turns what is is displayed the screen in to printed to paper
• Printers was connection by cable today connection is USB cable or networking Connection

Connection With Computer

• Windows comes preload hundreds printers device will automatically printer install the USB device is being connected

Compatibility

Considerations it is critical to recognize that devices and accessories must be compatible, for ex device in accessories are Bluetooth

Devices Types

• For Ipad and IpHones devices are supports Bluetooth type device headset,emotecontrollers, keybord
• Bluetooth mic devices is NOT supported

Infrared

• Intrared wireless technooogy transmite data invisible light

Type of Connections

• Both devices must be close location device in connections to work devices are; *cordless mic *wireless mice ***Smart phones can be used like to remote when it the IR ports.
• TV devices can be used to set top box controller

This quiz assesses fundamental concepts of computer hardware, including CPU speed, data measurement units, and network transfer rates. It covers essential hardware components and connection types. Test your knowledge of basic computer hardware terminology.