Module 1.3 Hardware
Feb 24, 2016
Module 1.3 Hardware
ContentsIntroductionInputOutputStorageEnvironmental and health issuesTest and improve your knowledgeModule Activities
Introduction
Hardware is all the things on a computer that you can physically touch.
Processing
InputOutput
Storage
InputWhat is input?
Input is the data and instructions that are given to a computer.
Programs• A set of
instructions
• loaded into memory
• when activated
Commands • Given by
user• e.g. You
click on the Font Size command
User responses• To a
question ‘asked’ by a program
InputMouse
The keyboardThe keyboard is the most commonly used input device.
Shortcut keys
F1Esc
() <E>
() <D>
Input
Wireless mouse and keyboardAdvantages of wireless devices:
• Less clutter• No cords to get tangled• Wide range of movement
Disadvantages of wireless devices:• Require batteries (to produce the wireless signal)• More expensive • Sometimes there’s interference with the wireless
signal• Can easily be removed, stolen quickly and quietly
Input
Output
Output is whatever the computer produces to provide us with the results of its processing.
Output
Soft copy
Hard Copy
Monitor
CRT Monitors
LCD
Soft copy
Flat-panel monitors consume less space
• flicker less
• consume less power
• environmentally friendly
Output
Monitor
Flat panel (LCD) viewing angle
Soft copy
viewing angle specification.
Most monitors have a viewing angle of at least 160 degrees
Output
Monitor
The size of a monitor • measured diagonally • in inches
SizeResolution
Response timeA low specification time for high quality graphics and video
LCD screens have a recommended resolution
Soft copy
Output
PrintersHard copy
Inkjet printers Laser printers
• spray microscopic dots of ink onto the paper • cheap to buy• expensive to run• produces good quality colour prints• slightly slower than laser printers
• work like a photo-copier machine• expensive to buy• cheaper to run and more suited to printing large volumes• print faster• black and white and colour laser printers (more expensive)
Output
PrintersHard copy
Connecting and using printersPrinter Installation
Usb portChanging the Default Printer
Output
PrintersHard copy
Connecting and using printers Printer Queues
You can cancel, pause or restart the printing here
Output
Storage device(CD/DVD-drive)
Storage medium (CD)
Non-volatile: Storage keeps its contents at all times
Storage
Storage capacities
A&4 =1 byte
A kilobyte (KB) is 1024 bytes
A megabyte (MB) is 1024 KB
A gigabyte (GB) is 1024 MB
A terabyte (TB) is 1024 GB.
Storage
Hard drives
In case: stores all programs and data
External/portable: USB connected, gets power from PC
Storage
Flash disks
External/portable: USB connected, gets power from PC
Appears as another disk on PC
Storage
Ports on your computer
Network ports
FireWire ports
Storage
Health concerns
RSI: Repetitive Strain Injury
To prevent RSI:Ergonomically designed keyboards
Environmental and health issues
Health tips for using computers
• Sit correctly• Height of your seat and/or table• Lighting and ventilation/air circulation• Mouse and keyboard placements• Prevent eye strain• Regular breaks
Environmental and health issues
Tips on how to practice green computing
• Switch off computers and devices you are not using• Avoid the senseless wasting of paper• Try and repair or upgrade hardware• Don’t just throw away ink and toner cartridges• Refill and reuse cartridges
Environmental and health issues
Overview of module
Introduction to hardware
Basic hardware
Input
Types of input
Keyboard and
Mouse
Storage
Storages devices
vs. Storage mediaHard disks, flash
drives
Output
Types of output
Printers and
Monitors
Ports
USBNetworkFirewire
VGA
Health and environmental
issues
Green Computin
g
E -Waste
Health Issues
Health Tips
Test and improve your knowledge
Important terms and conceptsBluetooth Byte Corded
mouse Wireless mouse Display Ergonomic
s Esc
F1 FireWire port Flash disks Gigabyte
(GB)Green
computing Hard drive Hardcopy
Hardware Inkjet printer Input Keyboard Kilobyte
(KB)Laser
printerMegabyte
(MB)
Monitor Size Mouse Network
ports OutputPrint
Screen Key
Printers Repetitive
strain injury (RSI)
Resolution Shortcut keys Softcopy Storage Storage
deviceStorage media
Terabyte (TB)
Touch Pad USB ports VGA port Volatile Window key
Default printer
Plug-and-play
Printer queues
Test and improve your knowledge
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