Computer Hardware & Networking Terms

Technical Terms

• Anti-static products prevent static electricity buildup
• BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is the chip running computer's core functions and self-test
• Graphics tablets let objects be drawn using a pen or puck (tablet cursor)
• Hard-disk drives are non-removable storage devices holding billions of data characters
• Hardware is tangible components, such as those divided into three groups
• Joysticks are handheld controls for cursor/symbol movement in games
• LAN cards are local area network interface cards
• Multi-testers are instruments measuring voltage, current, & resistance
• NIC (Network Interface Card) plugs into a computer/server, controlling information flow
• Networks are communication systems with two+ connected computers
• OHS stands for Occupational Health and Safety
• OS (Operating System) are software managing program & data allocation/use
• Peers are computers sharing a protocol layer
• Printers produce paper copies (hard copies) of computer-generated info
• RAM (Random Access Memory) is primary memory holding programs & data while running
• RJ 45 is the connector plugged into NIC ports for networking hardware connection
• Routers forward data packets between Local/Wide Area Network groups
• Scanners translate printed text/illustrations into a computer-usable format
• Servers are specialized networking computers for specific user tasks
• Software refers to programs and data used by a computer
• Static refers to electrical discharge between different-potential objects
• USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a hardware interface for low-speed peripherals

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

• OHS addresses workplace health, safety, and welfare
• OHS aims to improve workplace safety and well-being for stakeholders
• OHS addresses hazard removal and accident reduction
• OHS procedures are important when assembling computer hardware
• Wear non-conductive rubber-soled shoes to mitigate shock risk
• Unplug electronics/equipment from power source when assembling PC's
• Avoid removing components when the computer is powered
• Remove jewelry during computer equipment work
• Prevent electronic components from contacting water
• Avoid overtightening screws
• Handle computer components by the edges
• Use anti-static devices for Electro Static Discharge (ESD) prevention

The Computer

• Computers accept digitalized data and manipulate it based on programmed instructions

A Brief History of The Computer

• The modern computer resulted from improvements made since the 19th century
• Charles Babbage, an English mathematics professor, designed the Analytical Engine, which served as the base for today's computer frameworks
• The first electronic digital computer was the Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC)
• In 1943, Colossus was built for the military
• General-purpose digital computers were made in 1946
• Programming languages were developed from 1947-1962
• The PC (personal computer) we use today was introduced in 1980 via MS-DOS
• Windows OS and Macintosh computers from Apple were products of slow innovation
• Computers are continuously improved with new functions developed regularly

Types of Computers

• Supercomputers are advanced in performance and data processing, used for weather forecasting, research, etc.
• Mainframe computers are expensive, handling thousands of users/programs, processing/storing large data amounts
• Minicomputers (midrange computers) have features of large computers but are smaller. They also support multiple users
• Microcomputers are the fastest-growing type, including desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones

The 3 Fundamental Elements of the Computer

• System Unit acts as the center/core, processing data from input devices
• Input Devices are any hardware device that send data to a computer, allowing you to interact with and control the computer
• Output Devices are devices such as printers. It receives/displays the system unit's processed information

Processing Devices

• Processing devices are the computer's circuitry within the system unit
• Motherboards house the memory and central processing unit (CPU)
• CPUs (Central Processing Units) manipulate input data as needed
• Memory, also called RAM (Random Access Memory), is temporary storage for data/instructions being processed by the CPU
• Chips make up CPU/memory and contain pathways for electrical currents

Storage Devices

• Storage devices store data/programs permanently
• Solid State Drives (SSDs) are mass storage that store data without power by using flash memory
• Hard Disk Drives (HHDs), also called hard drives/disks, store data without power using spinning magnetic disks
• Flash Drives are portable data storage making use of flash memory and an USB port
• CDs, or compact discs, hold up to 700 MB, and are read via laser

Input Devices

• Input devices allow users to communicate by entering data/commands
• Keyboards are the primary input device for alphanumeric input/commands
• Mice are input devices used to navigate & interact with monitor output
• Scanners convert document's to a digital format
• Webcams are cameras that are attached to a monitor to record video
• Joysticks are devices used to control video games

Output Devices

• Output devices enable understandable displays of processed data/information
• Printers print paper documents/photos (hard copies)
• Monitors are primary displays showing user interface and programs
• Speakers produce audio output from the computer

The System Unit

• The System Unit houses the processor, memory, and electronic components
• The Computer Case is the framework that encloses internal components & prevents damage
• Usually made of plastic, steel, and aluminum with vents and cooling fans, which are available in many styles
• Computer cases can be referred to as the computer chassis, cabinet, box and housing

Power Supply

• Power supplies provide electricity
• Vital hardware cables and buses transfer power

Motherboard

• The Motherboard, is also known as the mainboard, system board, logic board, or MOBO
• Consisting of chips and buses to allow for connection of other components
• Motherboards include chips, buses, and ICs
• ICs (Integrated Circuits) contain microscopic pathways that carry electric current
• The Microprocessor is the central processing unit placed on the chip

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• CPUs/processors are computer "brains" for basic instruction execution
• CPUs impact computing power & operation management
• Multi-core processors are single chips with two+ processors
• Dual Core Processors are chips with two processors
• Quad Core Processors are chips with four processors
• AMD and Intel are processor manufacturers
• Heat sinks and fans cool the processor

Random Access Memory (RAM)

• RAM acts as temporary storage while the computer is operating
• Dynamic RAM (DRAM) needs recharging, some types more commonly used include:
• Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM
• Double Data Rate (DDR) SDRAM
  • DDR2 and DDR3 SDRAM
  • Rambus DRAM (RDRAM)
• Static RAM (SRAM) is faster/more reliable than DRAM, but more expensive
• Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM) uses magnetic charges instead of electrical
• RAM chips are on a memory module circuit board
• Three types of memory modules include:
• Single Inline Memory Module (SIMM)
• Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM)
• Rambus Inline Memory Module (RIMM)

Cooling Technology

• Cooling technologies prevent computer overheating
• Fans are utilized within the power supply, ports, and processor
• Heat sinks are metal/ceramic components absorbing & distributing heat
• Heat pipes are used on smaller devices such as notebook computers

Expansion Cards

• Motherboards utilize expansion cards to provide expansion slots for ports
• Video Cards provide video ports, cooled by fans/heat sinks

Storage

• Hard drives, optical drives, tape drives, and floppy drives are types of storage
• Hard disk drives (HDDs) have traditionally been used, solid state drives(SSDs) are more commonly used now
• Each drive has two cables - one for power, and the other for the data path

Configuring the BIOS

• The BIOS makes sure the chips, hard drives, ports, and CPU function
• Drivers are small software programs that help the operating system use the device

Software

• Software consists of instructions/programs running different tasks
• System software: Tells the CPU what to do, examples include Windows, MAC OS, MS-DOS and Corel Linux
• Application software: performs specific functions/tasks
• Programming software: Develops the instruction sets for computers

File Systems

• The File System organize data and application files
• FAT (File Allocation Table) allows the OS to look for files on a disk
• FAT32 is a more advanced version that allows better disk space utilization
• ExFAT (Extended File Allocation Table) can be used for memory sticks and SD cards
• NTFS (New Technology File System) allows a recoverable file system with greater space

Network Devices

• Routers forward data packets along networks