Transcript Unit 1 – Information Technology Computer Hardware Functions

Information Technology
BTA3O - Unit 1
Computer Hardware Functions
Input Devices
Memory
RAM
ROM
Central
Processing
Unit
Output Devices
Secondary
Storage
Devices
Input Devices
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Keyboard
Mouse
Graphic Tablets
Ports (USB, Serial, etc.)
Modems
Scanners
Digital Cameras
Output Devices
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Monitors
Ports
Modems
Printers
Plotters
Disk Drives
Machine Interfaces
Ports and Connectors
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Ports are categorized by their mode of transmission:
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Parallel port
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Serial port
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Standard parallel port (printers)
Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
Standard serial port (modem, mouse)
Musical instrument digital interface (MIDI)
Universal Serial Bus (USB)
Connectors
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Male have one or more pins
Female have locators that match the pins on the male
Storage
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Hard Drive
Floppy Drives
CD-ROM
RW-CD-ROM
DVD
RW-DVD
Flash Memory
Disk Capacities
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Floppy:
Flash Memory
Hard disk:
CD:
DVD:
1.4 MB
32 MB – 2 GB
20 GB – 1000 GB
700 - 800 MB
4.7 GB - 17 GB
1 BYTE = 1 CHARACTER
1 KILOBYTE = 1000 BYTES
1 MEGABYTE = 1000 KB or 1,000,000 KILOBYTES
1 GIGABYTE = 1000 MB or 1,000,000,000 KILOBYTES
Magnetic Disk Storage
Disk Fragmentation
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Fragmented disk shows
spaces where data has
been removed
Defragmenting has
placed all files in
contiguous spaces
Defragmenting a drive
will increase efficiency
for file retrieval
CD-ROM and Optical Disks
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CD-ROM (compact disk ROM)
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CD-R (compact disk-recordable)
DVD-ROM (digital versatile disk)
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4.7 gigabytes
DVD-ROM Dual Layer
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650 MB of information
9.4 gigabytes (movies)
Magneto-optical (MO)
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230 MB, 650 MB, 1.3 GB
supports read and write operation
Bays
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Areas inside the computer base, specifically
designed to facilitate the installation of additional
equipment
External Bays
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one open end for loading and unloading storage media such
as diskettes, tapes and CD-ROMS
Internal Bays
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completely enclosed - inside the case
for hard disk drives
Memory
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RAM = Random Access Memory
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The space available to a computer to use while
performing operations. The space is emptied out
when the computer is turned off.
ROM = Read Only Memory
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The memory programmed by the manufacturer
containing system information.
Cannot be overwritten without special software.
Power Supply
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The purpose of the power supply is
to convert the AC power to a more
useable form for the computer.
Newer machines use less power
allowing CPUs to run faster without
overheating.
Operating Systems
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The operating system acts as the interface between
the application and the computer system.
The following are examples of operating systems
– Microsoft Windows, Unix, Linux, and Macintosh
Operating System Software
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Role of Operating System Software is to:
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perform common computer hardware functions
provide a user interface
manage system memory
manage processing tasks
provide networking capability
control access to system resources
manage files
Networking
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A network is defined as two or more computers
connected together
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Peer-to-peer when a server is not involved
Client-server when a server is involved
Uses and Benefits of a LAN
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Security through id and password
Shared peripherals
Shared storage
Shared Applications
Reliability and Resilience
centralized backup systems for data recovery
centralized virus protection
Types of Networks
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Star Network
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Ring Network
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Centralized hub (typical systems)
Each machine runs independently from
the other, but hubs connect
All machines arranged in a ring
Built in redundancy with dual-ring
Fibre optics and token ring
Bus Network
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All machines on the same line
Difficult to repair but inexpensive to
construct
Adapting to Change
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Adapting to an ever changing environment is a
challenge all businesses must face.
– Business end-users must define business needs,
evaluate options, and select the hardware and
software that provide a cost-effective solution to
those needs.
– The information system industry continues to
undergo constant change; users need to be
aware of recent trends to remain current.
Conclusion
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Hardware devices work together to perform input,
processing, data storage, and output.
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Networks allow computers to share information and
resources.
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There are two main categories of software:
systems software and application software
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An operating system (OS) is a set of computer
programs that control the computer hardware to
support users’ computing needs.