CHAPTER 2: COMPUTER HARDWARE
Input
-Data or instructions entered into computer
-Input device: any hardware that allows users to tranfer data
-Data: unprocessed numbers, texts, images and others
Examples of devices:
-keyboard (ergonomic,wireless,portable, etc)
-pointing devices (mouse; mechanical,optical,laser,air)
-touch screen
-digital pen
-controller media (gamepad, joystick, light gun, etc)
Voice input: Entering input by speaking into microphone
-voice recognition capability of distinguishing spoken words
Digital camera:
-Allows you to take digital pictures
-Instantly viewable on the screen of camera
Video input:
-Process of entering full-motion images into computer
-Video adapter card; converts analog signal into digital signals that computers can use.
Examples of devices for video input
-webcam
-video conferencing
Scanners and reading devices
Eg:
-optical scanner,optical reader,bar code readers, RFID readers, magnetic stripe card readers, and magnetic ink characters readers.
Biometric input:
-Authenticates person's identity by verifying personal characteristics
Eg: Fingerprint reader & Hand geometry system
Examples of biometric input:
-Voice verification
-Signature verification
-Iris recognition
Output
-Data that has been processed into a useful form
-Output device: any hardware component that can convey information to one or more people
The system unit
-Contains electronic components of the computer used to process data (chassis)
Output device that usually conveys texts, graphics, and video information.
-Monitor houses display device that is packed as seperate perrpheral
LCD MONITOR
-Uses liquid crystal display
-Has small footprint
Resolution:
-Sharpness and clarity of image
-Makes image sharper, displays more texts on screen, makes some elements smaller
Plasma Monitor
-Displays image by applying voltage to layer of gas
-Larger screen size and richer colours than LCD
CRT MONITOR
-A monitor that contains cathode-ray tubes
Printers
-Output devices that produce texts and graphics on a physical medium
-Result is hardcopy, or printout
-Available in portrait or landscape.
Types of printers
-Non impact printers
-Resolution printers
-Photo printer
-Laser printer
-Thermal printer
-mobile printer
-Label printer and pistage printer
-Plotter
-Dot Matrix printer
-Line printer
Other output devices
-Multifunction peripheral
-Data projector
-Interactive Whiteboard
-Force feedback
System unit components
-Processor, memory,adapter cards,drive bays, power supply
Motherboard:
-Main circuit board of system unit
-contains expansion slots, processor chips, and memory slots
CPU:
-Interprets and carries out basic instructions that operate a computer
Storage:
-Holds data, instructions, and information for future storage
-Storage medium is physical meterial used for storage
Storage (volatile & non volatile)
-Nonvolatile; contents reatined when power is off
-Volatile; holds data and instructions temporarily
Storage devices; hard disc,magnetic disc,external and removable hard discs
Optical discs.
-Flat, round, portable, metal discs made from metal, plastic, and lacquer
PC cards and expresscard modules
-Adds capabilities to software
-Credit card sized device commonly used in notebook computers
Miniature mobile storage media
-Easily transport digital images,music, or documents to and from computers and other devices.
USB FlashDrive
-Plugs in a usb port on a conputer or mobile device
-Capacity: up to 64GB
Smart card
-Store data on microprocessor embedded in small card
-Input, process, and storage capabilities.