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LO1 - Understand Computer Hardware - Coggle Diagram
LO1
- Understand Computer Hardware
1.2 Computer components
Components
Motherboard.
Main component which acts as a base for all other components to connect to
CPU.
Brain of the computer. Takes information from inputs and outputs the processing to output devices.
Video Graphics Card.
handles all visual data within a computer, interpret it and display it. Memory, Power connectors, Interface and the GPU components of the card. renders all images.
GPU.
Graphical processing unit, a dedicated microprocessor making calculations in order to display 2D and 3D graphics. allows games to run smoother
Power Supply.
provides power to the computer by connecting to the socket. Has a fan due to heat generated. decreases the danger of overheating
Hard Disk.
primary storage device used for the backup of important data and storage of media. Non-Volatile Memory
Optical Drive.
allow you to play and write CDs, DVDs or Blu-ray disks and install software from this media onto a computer. Non-volatile.
BIOS.
Basic Input/Output System
1.4 Connectivity
Cables can be used for data transmission,but are suited for different situations
UTP (unshielded twisted pair)
Smaller than STP, easier to install. Used with Ethernet connections
STP (shielded twisted pair)
More expensive, Appropriate in industrial setting (due to electromagnetic interference)
Coaxial
connects TV to aerial. carrie radio signals well, not used for data transmission (UTP STP better)
Fibre optic cable
made out of glass, has very fast transmission speeds. Data flow unidirectional (in one direction)
1.6 Hardware Troubleshooting
Problems
Application running slowly
Close, reopen app or update application
Application is frozen
Force quit an application CTRL+ALT+DELETE and attempt to restart computer
Power button won't start computer
Make sure outlet is working. Check if it works by plugging something else into it
All programs running slowly
Run a virus scanner, may have malware
Computer may be out of hard drive space
Computer is frozen
Restart windows explorer or finder, press hold power button to restart
Mouse or Keyboard stopped working
Make sure plugged if wired. If wireless, batteries are charged
Sound isn't working
Check vol. level
make sure external speakers plugged in and on
Troubleshooting
.process of reviewing, diagnosing and identifying operational or technical problems within a hardware device or equipment.
It aims to resolve physical and or logical problems and issues within a computing hardware
1.8 Number systems
Binary
. A system that only uses 1s and 0s, sometimes called
Base 2 System
. All data processed by a computer has to be converted to Binary.
Decimal
. A system that uses 10 digit numbers (0-9s). Sometimes called
Base 10 System
Hexadecimal. A system that uses numbers from 0-15 (0-9-F). Sometimes called
Base 16 System
1.7 Unit of measurements
Bit, Nibble, Byte
. Computer language used in Binary. A
Bit
is one Binary Digit bit. A
Nibble
is 4 bits, and a
Byte
consists of 8 bits.
Metric
. Number system going from 0-9.
Binary
system that only uses 0s and 1s, processes all data converted.
1.9 Number conversions
Decimal to Binary.
To convert, draw table of values (128,64...) and place values into numbers of 1 and 0.
Binary to Decimal.
To convert, add all the 1s from the binary number using its table of value number
Decimal to Hexadecimal.
To convert, divide number by 16. The remainder of the number should be multiplied by 16. Two values you get are the Hex numbers.
Hexadecimal to Decimal.
To convert, multiply first number by 16, and second number by 1. Add the two values up to get the Decimal number
Binary to Hexadecimal.
To convert, separate first 4 and last 4 numbers and put them into a small table of values (8,4,2,1). Add the values together to get two HEX numbers.
Hexadecimal to Binary.
To convert, place two values into mini table of values (eg. E = 14), and convert them into binary numbers
1.3 Types of computer systems
Servers.
computer used in a network to provide service to a client. more processing Power, Memory, and Storage than regular client computers.
Print server
manages one or more printers
Database server
processes database queries
File Server
dedicated to storing files
Network server
manages network traffic
1.5 Communication hardware
Network hub
is often used to connect devices together to form a LAN. main task is to take any data packet received and broadcast to every computer in the network :
Switch
Similar to hub, but checks the data packet received and works out its destination address/es, and sends to appropriate computer only, using MAC.
Router
interconnect LANs (or parts of LANs), so it doesn't flood large networks. It communicates with other networks, eg internet.
Media access control (MAC)
an unique address that specifies a computer devices network.
LAN
connect geographically remote computers, built for long distances.
Slower speed
since distance is huge,
high latency.
distinct privacy and security
,
larger network
. Private WAN
very expensive
.
WAN
interconnects computers within limited area, built for short distances.
High Speeds
due to small signal travel,
low latency
(delay).
Central backup
, Able to
share files
.
Lack of privacy
, administrator can see.
Not fit for business connections
.
Bridge
- connects one local area network to another. When it interconnects the LANs, it usually functions to serve as one LAN.
1.1. Computer hardware
Input Devices
- Hardware devices that allow data to be input into a computer system. Examples of Input devices include
typing on a Keyboard or using a Microphone
.
Output Devices
- Hardware devices that allow data to be output given to the user. Examples of that include
Computer Speakers and Monitors.
Communication Devices
Input:
Sensors, Microphone, Webcam, Digital Camera, Barcode Scanner, Chip and Pin reader, Magnetic strip reader, touch screen, Joystick, Keyboard.
Output:
Monitors (TFT, CRT), Printers (Inkjet, 3D,Laser), Speaker, Projector, Braille terminal, Plotter
1.2.2 Storage
Optical storage
. storage that can be read and written with a laser. Volatile (CDs DVDs eg.). Disk capacity low
Flash storage
. based on high-speed, electrically programmable memory. (USB). Faster reading, less power usage (+) Non-volatile (-)
Cloud storage
digital data is stored in a cloud. spans multiple servers and environment owned and managed by a hosting company.
Magnetic storage
. uses different patterns of magnetisation to read and write the data stored on the medium (hard disk drive). Fast retrieval time, easily damaged.