Hardware & software

Capabilities & Characteristics of

Prepared by:Jane L. Garay

Storage, Output, Communication

Storage Hardware

Storage capacity of computer is expressed in bits, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes, petabytes or exabytes.

Bit = short for binary digit (0s and 1s)Bytes = 8 bits (usually represent one character, digit, or symbol)Kilobyte (KB) = 1,024 BytesMegabyte (MB) = 1, 024 KBGigabyte (GB) = 1,024 MBTerabyte (TB) = 1,024 GBPetabyte (PB) = 1,024 TBExabyte (EB) = 1,024 PB

Primary Storage

RAMRAM (random access memory) is the place in a computer where the operating system, application programs, and data in current use are kept so that they can be quickly reached by the computer's processor.

Secondary Storage

Any storage device designed to retain data and instructions (programs) in relatively permanent form.

Tape Storage (magnetic tapes, cartridge tape units)

Magnetic Tapes are especially popularfor back-up storage.

Diskette Storage (floppy disks, diskettes)

Floppy Disks are probably the most common storage device, especially for users of PC.

Hard DisksRigid metal platters that hold

data as magnetized spots.

Optical DisksCD-ROM- Compact Disk Read-Only

MemoryCD-R- Compact Disk ReadableCD-RW- Compact Disc Re-writableDVD-RW- Digital Versatile Disc

RecordableWORM Disks- Write-Once-Read-

Many

Mass Storage Device

USB Flash Drive- are typically removable and rewritable and muck shorter than a floppy disk.

Solid-State DriveA data storage device that

uses solid-state memory cards to store persistent data.

Devices that translate information processed by the computer into a form that humans can understand.

Output Hardware

Monitor

Printer

Two Main Output Device

The most common of all output devices.It provides a soft copy of the information to be displayed- that is, it is not in printed form.

Monitor

Information displayed on a monitor uses dots, or pixels.

Ex. of monitor

A printed or hardcopy is produced by means of computer sending instructions to the printers.Essential in outputting the information produced by the system.

Printer

ImpactPrint by striking the paper

through an inked ribbon.Non-Impact

Use methods other than strike to produce the output.

Two main categories of Printer

Ex. of Impact PrinterDot matrix printer

Ex. of Non-impact Printers

Ink-Jet Printer Laser Printer

It facilitates the connection between computers and between groups of connected computers (networks).

Communication Hardware

Allows transmission of data from one computer to another via telephone lines. Convert a computer’s digital signal into analog signals and vice versa.

Modem (modulator-demodulator)

Modem

A modem with a fax capability.

Fax-modem

Commonly used when computers are part of LAN or connected to the internet using broadband connection.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Used for wireless connection to a LAN or the internet.

Wireless Network Interface Card

The End..

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