IT Fundamentals: Computer Hardware

• Complete IT Fundamentals Review covers Hardware, Software, Security, Networking & Safety

Computer Hardware

Computing Devices

• Supercomputers are the fastest and most expensive computing devices
• Mainframes are used for large-scale organizational tasks
• Laptops are portable all-in-one systems
• Tablets have touchscreens and fit between phones and laptops in terms of size and functionality
• Smartphones are multifunction mobile devices
• PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) served as early mobile business tools
• Mnemonic: "Super Machines Love Tiny Smart Phones"

Internal Components

• CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the processor or "brain" of the computer
• RAM (Random Access Memory) is temporary (volatile) memory
• ROM (Read-Only Memory) is permanent (non-volatile) memory
• The motherboard is the system backbone
• The power supply converts AC (Alternating Current) to DC (Direct Current)
• USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a universal peripheral connection
• RJ-45 is for Ethernet, while RJ-11 is for telephone connections

Operating Systems & Software

OS Types

• Windows (e.g., Windows 11) is the most popular desktop OS
• macOS (e.g., Monterey) is UNIX-based and exclusive to Apple products
• Linux (e.g., Ubuntu) is open-source and customizable
• Mobile OS include Android and iOS, both of which are touch-optimized

Software Licenses

• Open Source allows users to modify and share code (e.g., Linux)
• Freeware is free but closed-source (e.g., Adobe PDF Reader)
• Commercial software is paid (e.g., Microsoft Office)
• Productivity software examples: .docx (Word), .xlsx (Excel), .pptx (PowerPoint)

Security Threats

Malware Types

• Viruses spread via infected files and corrupt data
• Worms are self-replicating and overload networks
• Trojans disguise themselves as legitimate apps to steal data
• Ransomware uses email attachments to encrypt files for ransom

Social Engineering Attacks

• Phishing involves fake emails
• Vishing involves fake calls
• Shoulder surfing means peeking at passwords
• Mnemonic: "Viruses Want To Ruin Your Day"

File Management

File Explorer Components

• The Pane shows the folder hierarchy
• Details show file properties like size and type
• Preview displays content without opening the file

File Extensions

• Compressed files use extensions like .zip and .rar
• Executable files use extensions like .exe and .msi
• Media files use extensions like .mp3 (audio) and .mp4 (video)
• Win + E opens File Explorer
• Ctrl + Shift + N creates a new folder

Networking Basics

Network Types

• LAN (Local Area Network) is for local networks like home or office
• WAN (Wide Area Network) is internet-scale
• HTTPS is secure

Protocols

• FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is used for file transfers

Wireless Tech

• Bluetooth is for short-range wireless communication
• NFC (Near Field Communication) is used for tap-to-pay systems like Apple Pay

Ergonomics & Safety

Best Practices

• Monitor should be at eye level
• Keyboard and mouse should be positioned so arms are at 90°
• The 20-20-20 rule helps prevent eye strain

Device Disposal

• CRT monitors should be recycled due to toxic lead content
• Batteries and toner require special disposal

Power Devices

• Surge protectors block voltage spikes
• UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) provides backup power during outages

Practice Questions

• Ethernet ports use RJ-45 connectors
• "Volatile" in RAM means it loses data when powered off
• .pptx files are opened with PowerPoint

Study Tools

• Use flashcards (e.g., with Anki) for malware types and file extensions
• Sketch a motherboard with labeled components
• Hands-on practice includes file compression (.zip) and setting up an ergonomic workstation

Bonus

• Focus on security threats, file extensions, and hardware components for quick review