Chapter 2 - Hardware Components PDF

 Computer Hardware Description and Functionality Random Access Memory RAM is the temporary working storage for data and programs that are (RAM) being accessed by the CPU. RAM is volatile memory. Adding more RAM in a computer e...

 Computer Hardware Description and Functionality Random Access Memory RAM is the temporary working storage for data and programs that are (RAM) being accessed by the CPU. RAM is volatile memory. Adding more RAM in a computer enhances the system performance. However, the maximum amount of RAM that can be installed is limited by the motherboard. INTEGRATED COMPONENTS ▪ Integrated components like keyboards, touchpads, and touchscreens enhance user interaction with computing devices. ▪ Keyboards facilitate text input and command entry, ▪ Touchpads provide cursor control and gestures, and ▪ Touchscreens offer direct and intuitive interaction with on-screen content. KPM Indera Mahkota Hardware Component ▪ If the hardware component is placed and connected inside the computer system case, then it is referred as system component or internal system component. ▪ The internal system hardware components include: System Case Solid State Drive RAM Module Motherboard CD / DVD Drive Case Fan CPU Optical Drive Graphic Card Processor Heat Sink Connection Cables Sound Card Power Supply Unit Internal Hard Disk ▪ Based on the location of hardware component, the hardware can either be connected to the system: ▪ Internally ▪ Externally ▪ Some of the hardware are also called as peripherals. ▪ The most common peripherals are monitors, printers, keyboards, mouse, scanners, cameras. ▪ These peripherals are further classified under categories such as: ▪ Input devices ▪ Output devices.  Computer hardware Description and functionality Computer Case The case houses the internal components such as the power supply, motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), memory, disk drives, and assorted adapter cards. Common physical design and look of a case: Horizontal case Full-Size Tower Compact Tower All-in-one Computer Hardware Description and Functionality Power Supply Unit Computers use a power supply to convert AC power into a lower voltage DC power required by internal components.  Computer Hardware Description And Functionality CPU The central processing unit (CPU) is responsible for interpreting and executing commands. Modern CPU sockets and processor packages are built in following architectures: Pin Grid Array (PGA) - the pins are on the underside of the processor package and is inserted into the motherboard CPU socket. Land Grid Array (LGA) - the pins are in the socket instead of on the processor. Heatsink CPU generates considerable heat and therefore, special heatsink is placed on top of the CPU to protect the CPU from damage due to excessive heat by removing heat from the CPU. Computer Hardware Description and Functionality Motherboard It is a printed circuit board (PCB) that contains buses, or electrical pathways, that interconnect electronic components. These components may be soldered directly to the motherboard, or added using sockets, expansion slots, and ports. Computer Hardware Description and Functionality Graphic Card A graphics card, also known as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a video card. A specialized hardware component designed to handle the processing and rendering of graphics and images on a computer's display Integrated or shared graphics are built onto the same chip as the CPU Computer Hardware Description And Functionality Sound Card A sound card, also known as an audio card or audio interface, A hardware component in a computer system that's responsible for processing and managing audio signals. Integrated Sound Many motherboards come with integrated sound solutions, which means they have a basic sound card built into the motherboard Computer Hardware Description and Functionality Hard Disk Drive A permanent memory (secondary memory). Is used to store data permanently such as documents, photographs, music, operating system and application software. Computer Hardware Description and Functionality Solid State A Solid State Drive (SSD) is a type of data storage Drive device that uses NAND-based flash memory to store data persistently. Unlike traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), which use spinning disks and mechanical components, SSDs have no moving parts. This fundamental difference gives SSDs several advantages over HDDs, including faster data access times, better reliability, lower power consumption, and reduced heat production.  Computer Description and Functionality Hardware Optical Discs An optical disc is a type of storage medium that uses laser technology to read and write data Due to the advancement of digital storage technologies, optical discs are becoming less common for everyday data storage and distribution, with USB drives, online cloud storage, and streaming services being more prevalent for sharing and accessing content. Computer Hardware Description and Functionality Case Fan Alternatively referred to as system fan. It is located inside the computer , which is attached to the back or front of the case. Case fan helps to bring cool air into and blow hot air out of the case. ▪ Some computer hardware are connected externally to the system. ▪ Such externally connected are also commonly referred to as the peripheral hardware devices. ▪ These devices are connected to the system externally using various connection cables. ▪ The externally connected hardware components include: Display monitor Camera Headphone Keyboard Scanner Mouse External Hard Disk Printer Speaker Projector Joystick Computer Hardware Description and Functionality Keyboard An input device that is used to input text, characters, and other commands into a computer device. Instead of physical keyboard, users also can enter data via an on-screen keyboard. Computer Hardware Description and Functionality Mouse A pointing device that allows users to interact with a computer's graphical user interface (GUI) by moving a cursor on the screen and selecting objects or performing actions. The underside of the mouse contains an optical or laser sensor that tracks the movement of the mouse across a flat surface.  Computer Description and Functionality Hardware Printer It takes electronic data from a computer or other digital device and transfers that information onto a physical medium, creating a tangible representation of the digital content. Printers are commonly used for creating hard copies of documents, photographs, artwork, and other visual materials. They come in various types, such as inkjet, laser, and dot matrix printers, each using different technologies to transfer ink or toner onto the paper to create the printed output. Computer Hardware Description and Functionality Monitor An output device that visually presents digital information, graphics, and images generated by a computer or other electronic device. A softcopy refers to digital information or content that is displayed on a screen or monitor  Computer Description and Functionality Hardware Projector An output device that projects an image onto a large surface, such as a white wall or projection screen. It may be used an alternative to a monitor or television when showing video or images to a large group of people. Computer Hardware Description and Functionality Digital Camera An electronic device that captures and stores photographs or videos as digital files. Digital cameras use sensors to convert light into electronic signals that can be stored and processed digitally - allows users to view, edit, and share their photos and videos on various devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. Computer Hardware Description and Functionality Scanner The primary function of a scanner is to input physical content into a digital format Certain types of scanners can also output physical copies, like printing and copying, making them a versatile device with both input and output capabilities. Computer Hardware Description and Functionality External Hard Disk An external hard drive is a storage device located outside of a computer that is connected through a USB cable or wireless connection.  Computer Description and Functionality Hardware Speaker An output devices used to produce audio output/ sound that can be heard by the listener. It can be built into the motherboard or can be attached as external units. Headphone Headphones originally consisted of one speaker for each ear, connected by a band over the head. Headset A pair of headphones with a microphone attached. While headphones can only be used as a listening device, a headset can be used as a listening device and a recording device through recording through its microphone. Earphone A device that is worn over or inserted into the ear and is used for listening to something (such as music or a radio).  Computer Hardware Description and Functionality Microphone To input sound that is then stored in a digital form.