Internal System Unit Components
Processor:
A CPU, central processing unit is an electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logical, control and input/output operations specified by the instructions. The processor is located on the motherboard and it controls the computer, it processes instructions and turns them into actual movements. The speed of a processor is measured in gigahertz (GHz). Most computers contain a CPU developed by 'AMD' or 'Intel' and with new technology most come with multiple cores. A CPU acts in steps;
A CPU, central processing unit is an electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logical, control and input/output operations specified by the instructions. The processor is located on the motherboard and it controls the computer, it processes instructions and turns them into actual movements. The speed of a processor is measured in gigahertz (GHz). Most computers contain a CPU developed by 'AMD' or 'Intel' and with new technology most come with multiple cores. A CPU acts in steps;
- Firstly get the information.
- Secondly it organises and decodes it.
- Thirdly it performs the task.
- Lastly it writes back the results to its internal memory.
Motherboard:
A circuit board is on of the most essential parts of the computer as it is the main place where most components slot into. The motherboard contains essential parts of the computer and links connections between the pc and the peripherals. This link connects cables to components and makes communication between them quick and easy. The motherboard consists of many components such as CPU, graphics card, chip-set, sockets, BIOS, fan, power connectors, heat sink, RAM, connection ports, battery, hard drive, disk controller and more. Older motherboards damaged quickly and don't last as long as modern ones as they would over heat and damage the circuitry. Modern motherboards are fitted with heat sink which cools the motherboard and stops it from overheating.
A circuit board is on of the most essential parts of the computer as it is the main place where most components slot into. The motherboard contains essential parts of the computer and links connections between the pc and the peripherals. This link connects cables to components and makes communication between them quick and easy. The motherboard consists of many components such as CPU, graphics card, chip-set, sockets, BIOS, fan, power connectors, heat sink, RAM, connection ports, battery, hard drive, disk controller and more. Older motherboards damaged quickly and don't last as long as modern ones as they would over heat and damage the circuitry. Modern motherboards are fitted with heat sink which cools the motherboard and stops it from overheating.
BIOS:
The BIOS is a set of computer instructions in firmware which control input and output operations. The BIOS acts in 4 main steps:
The BIOS is a set of computer instructions in firmware which control input and output operations. The BIOS acts in 4 main steps:
- Firstly it tests the computer for any errors.
- Secondly the bootstrap loader locates the code for the operating system.
- Thirdly the BIOS drivers give the computer basic operational controls over the hardware.
- Lastly, after the computer successfully loads up, the BIOS set-up configuration program allows you to alter hardware and system setting.
Power Supply:
A power supply is a hardware component that supplies power to an electrical device (Computer). The unit changes the power supply from the mains to what the computer need, this is very important as if it is too much it could over the system and destroy the computer from inside. The power supply is located in the computer and is an essential long term unit. Again, the power supply can easily over heat and therefore it has to have its own fan to cool the unit to stop it from overheating and slowing down and even damaging the computer further.
A power supply is a hardware component that supplies power to an electrical device (Computer). The unit changes the power supply from the mains to what the computer need, this is very important as if it is too much it could over the system and destroy the computer from inside. The power supply is located in the computer and is an essential long term unit. Again, the power supply can easily over heat and therefore it has to have its own fan to cool the unit to stop it from overheating and slowing down and even damaging the computer further.
Fan and Heat Sink:
The fan and heat sink keep the CPU cool and stops it from overheating. This job is important because when the computer is running at full capacity, it is likely to overheat and this heat could cause a problem with some of the complex circuitry as it can be easily damaged, keeping the computer cool is vital as it will maintain the computer so it will last for a long time.
The fan and heat sink keep the CPU cool and stops it from overheating. This job is important because when the computer is running at full capacity, it is likely to overheat and this heat could cause a problem with some of the complex circuitry as it can be easily damaged, keeping the computer cool is vital as it will maintain the computer so it will last for a long time.
Hard Drive Configuration and Controllers:
To store information and IDE controllers decide if it goes to the master or slave drives. Hard drive and IDE devices are controlled by IDE controllers. Most computers have two IDE drives that are located on the motherboard. The IDE is an electronic interface between the motherboard and the computer disk storage devices. The master gets the information and processes it through to the slaves which then go and carry out the task. More modern computers have EIDE which are able to handle and process the information faster.
To store information and IDE controllers decide if it goes to the master or slave drives. Hard drive and IDE devices are controlled by IDE controllers. Most computers have two IDE drives that are located on the motherboard. The IDE is an electronic interface between the motherboard and the computer disk storage devices. The master gets the information and processes it through to the slaves which then go and carry out the task. More modern computers have EIDE which are able to handle and process the information faster.
SATA:
SATA stands for serial advances technology attachment. They are used to connect the host bus adapters. The cable is long and thin and consists of 7 pins at each end. They connect the ATA hard drives to the motherboard. This is an older device that doesn't have a master or a slave like modern computers do. A SATA storage device can transmit data over twice as fast as other similar products.
SATA stands for serial advances technology attachment. They are used to connect the host bus adapters. The cable is long and thin and consists of 7 pins at each end. They connect the ATA hard drives to the motherboard. This is an older device that doesn't have a master or a slave like modern computers do. A SATA storage device can transmit data over twice as fast as other similar products.
IDE:
IDE stands for integrated drive electronics. This cable connects the optical drive and the hard drive together. It also connects them to the motherboard. An IDE is used to maximise productivity. Also it is used to reduce configuration to speed up waiting time and therefore making the computer efficient.
IDE stands for integrated drive electronics. This cable connects the optical drive and the hard drive together. It also connects them to the motherboard. An IDE is used to maximise productivity. Also it is used to reduce configuration to speed up waiting time and therefore making the computer efficient.
EIDE:
EIDE stands for enhanced integrated drive electronics. This is an updated version of the IDE. It allows the storage drive to have electronic communication and also allows faster access to the hard drive. Being enhanced it means its able to address a hard disk larger than 528 Mbytes.
EIDE stands for enhanced integrated drive electronics. This is an updated version of the IDE. It allows the storage drive to have electronic communication and also allows faster access to the hard drive. Being enhanced it means its able to address a hard disk larger than 528 Mbytes.
Master & Slave:
The master drive takes commands and send the slaves to follow them through. The master drive is considered the first drive and the slave the second drive. This is a communication protocol where the master gets information and controls the slave to perform the task set. When this link is established the master will have direct control over the slave.
The master drive takes commands and send the slaves to follow them through. The master drive is considered the first drive and the slave the second drive. This is a communication protocol where the master gets information and controls the slave to perform the task set. When this link is established the master will have direct control over the slave.
Ports:
A port is a slot in the computer when others hardware can be slotted into.
A port is a slot in the computer when others hardware can be slotted into.
- Mouse: The ability to move the courser around the screen.
- Keyboard: The ability to type.
- Modem: Enables the computer to transmit data.
- Printer: Allow a physical copy of a document on the computer.
- Monitor: Allows you to see what you're doing.
- USB Ports: Allows the transferral of data to external sources (and visa versa), and also allows the connection of external hardware, such as charging devices.
- Ethernet Port: Enables connection to a network.
- Speakers: Enables sound to played thought the computer
- Microphone: Allow the person to talk into the computer and give instructions or talk to others.
Internal Memory:
Storage that is built into the computer ( RAM, ROM, Cache).
RAM- Random Access Memory. It is a fast type of temporary memory, in which applications, data and programs are stored. The greater amount of RAM a computer has, the quicker it is able to perform tasks.
ROM- Read only memory. This memory is not vital, meaning that if the computer is turned of the data will not be lost and this data cannot be changed by the user.
Storage that is built into the computer ( RAM, ROM, Cache).
RAM- Random Access Memory. It is a fast type of temporary memory, in which applications, data and programs are stored. The greater amount of RAM a computer has, the quicker it is able to perform tasks.
ROM- Read only memory. This memory is not vital, meaning that if the computer is turned of the data will not be lost and this data cannot be changed by the user.
Specialised Cards:
Cards that can be built into the computer or be external, which aid the computer. These specialised cards are located motherboard and are either; built in the computer or added externally. A graphics card improves the quality of a image on a screen. The more modern a graphic cards the more memory space it will need.
Cards that can be built into the computer or be external, which aid the computer. These specialised cards are located motherboard and are either; built in the computer or added externally. A graphics card improves the quality of a image on a screen. The more modern a graphic cards the more memory space it will need.
Peripherals
Monitor:
A monitor is a screen that is connected to the computer and it allows you to see what you're doing on the computer. It is a virtual interface which allows you to use the programs and applications on the computer. Old monitors where large and heavy and were typically bad quality but as technology has progressed they have become a lot thinner and lighter and also are better quality and typically more features.
A monitor is a screen that is connected to the computer and it allows you to see what you're doing on the computer. It is a virtual interface which allows you to use the programs and applications on the computer. Old monitors where large and heavy and were typically bad quality but as technology has progressed they have become a lot thinner and lighter and also are better quality and typically more features.
Printer:
A printer is a device that accepts text and graphic output from a computer and transfers the information to paper. A printer is a external piece of hardware which nowadays most people have in their houses and it enables the generation of a hard copy of a piece of data from a computer. Printers have modernised over the years and now there are many types; 3D Printer, All-In-One (AIO) printer, Dot Matrix Printer, InkJet Printer, Laser Printer, LED Pinter, Multifunction Printer (MFP), Plotter and Thermal Pinter. They all take a piece of unphysical data from a computer and turn it into physical data that is able to be read and interpreted.
A printer is a device that accepts text and graphic output from a computer and transfers the information to paper. A printer is a external piece of hardware which nowadays most people have in their houses and it enables the generation of a hard copy of a piece of data from a computer. Printers have modernised over the years and now there are many types; 3D Printer, All-In-One (AIO) printer, Dot Matrix Printer, InkJet Printer, Laser Printer, LED Pinter, Multifunction Printer (MFP), Plotter and Thermal Pinter. They all take a piece of unphysical data from a computer and turn it into physical data that is able to be read and interpreted.
Camera:
A device for recording visual images in the form of photographs, film, or video signals. A camera encodes digital images and allows them to be seen and reproduced at a later date. Old camera had rolls of film strips inside that store the images and had to be processed at specialised stores, the roll made the camera thick and heavy. As modern cameras were developed they no longer used film rolls but used SD cards which were a lot smaller, this meant the camera was able to be smaller and still produce a high quality image. Having SD cards also means that the long process of going to a specialised store and having your photos printer is no longer as the SD is able to be slotted into the computer and uploaded then and there. Also advances in technology has meant cameras are able to take video and voice messages.
A device for recording visual images in the form of photographs, film, or video signals. A camera encodes digital images and allows them to be seen and reproduced at a later date. Old camera had rolls of film strips inside that store the images and had to be processed at specialised stores, the roll made the camera thick and heavy. As modern cameras were developed they no longer used film rolls but used SD cards which were a lot smaller, this meant the camera was able to be smaller and still produce a high quality image. Having SD cards also means that the long process of going to a specialised store and having your photos printer is no longer as the SD is able to be slotted into the computer and uploaded then and there. Also advances in technology has meant cameras are able to take video and voice messages.
Scanner:
A scanner is a device that captures images from photographic prints, posters, magazine pages, and similar sources for computer editing and display. The scanner, short for Image-scanner optically scans images, printed text, handwriting and an object into a digital image which therefore there is now a digital copy for. Having a digital copy now means that the item that was scanned is able to be edited.
A scanner is a device that captures images from photographic prints, posters, magazine pages, and similar sources for computer editing and display. The scanner, short for Image-scanner optically scans images, printed text, handwriting and an object into a digital image which therefore there is now a digital copy for. Having a digital copy now means that the item that was scanned is able to be edited.
Plotter:
A plotter is a printer that interprets commands from a computer to make line drawings on paper with one or more automated pens. It is mainly used for vector graphics. Back in the day plotters were used for CAD (Computer Aided Design), whereas nowadays they're used for buildings, ships, machinery, etc.
A plotter is a printer that interprets commands from a computer to make line drawings on paper with one or more automated pens. It is mainly used for vector graphics. Back in the day plotters were used for CAD (Computer Aided Design), whereas nowadays they're used for buildings, ships, machinery, etc.
Coaxial Cabling:
The coaxial cabling is used for transmitting high frequency telephone, telegraph, digital or television signals. The cable transmits signals from transmitters to receivers which allows a strong connection for the uses above. Being insulated has meant the cable is able to be near metal pieces without losing power and transmissions. This protection also shields electromagnetic interference.
The coaxial cabling is used for transmitting high frequency telephone, telegraph, digital or television signals. The cable transmits signals from transmitters to receivers which allows a strong connection for the uses above. Being insulated has meant the cable is able to be near metal pieces without losing power and transmissions. This protection also shields electromagnetic interference.
Optical Cabling:
Optical is now being widely used in modern computers as it is able to transmit faster. Optical cabling is more expensive as it used glass threads to transmit messages. This transmission runs underground and allows high definition devices to be used. Optical Cables are now being used widely by big companies to delivering fast and good quality content to viewers.
Optical is now being widely used in modern computers as it is able to transmit faster. Optical cabling is more expensive as it used glass threads to transmit messages. This transmission runs underground and allows high definition devices to be used. Optical Cables are now being used widely by big companies to delivering fast and good quality content to viewers.
Twisted Pair Cabling:
Twisted pair cabling twists together to conductors of a single circuit, by doing so it cancels out electromagnetic interference. Twisted pair cabling is used for older telephone communication as it is cheaper than LAN (local area network), most network have some twisted pair cabling in their systems.
Twisted pair cabling twists together to conductors of a single circuit, by doing so it cancels out electromagnetic interference. Twisted pair cabling is used for older telephone communication as it is cheaper than LAN (local area network), most network have some twisted pair cabling in their systems.
Backing Storage
Disks:
Most commonly used is the floppy disk. The floppy disk was widely used until modern units which were more compact and were able to store more came around. A floppy disk is a magnetic storage disk drive which is portable. They are called floppy because of the waves it uses look like flops. Floppy disks where the start of a modernising era of portable data transferal as they first were 8 inches, then 5 inches, then 3 inches. Floppy Disks are no longer used as they seen to be to big and also do not hold as much space as modern portable storage.
Most commonly used is the floppy disk. The floppy disk was widely used until modern units which were more compact and were able to store more came around. A floppy disk is a magnetic storage disk drive which is portable. They are called floppy because of the waves it uses look like flops. Floppy disks where the start of a modernising era of portable data transferal as they first were 8 inches, then 5 inches, then 3 inches. Floppy Disks are no longer used as they seen to be to big and also do not hold as much space as modern portable storage.
Pen Drives:
A pen driver is a portable memory card that is put into the USB port in the computer. It is called a pen drive as it looks like a pen. This is a modern flappy disk as it is more portable and is able to store more. Pen drives are used to hold small bits of data such as written files, but not larger files such as films, so therefore they are likely to be used in school for teachers and students so they're able to save their work and take it home to finish and visa versa.
A pen driver is a portable memory card that is put into the USB port in the computer. It is called a pen drive as it looks like a pen. This is a modern flappy disk as it is more portable and is able to store more. Pen drives are used to hold small bits of data such as written files, but not larger files such as films, so therefore they are likely to be used in school for teachers and students so they're able to save their work and take it home to finish and visa versa.
Optical Media:
Optical media is also referred to as CD's. They digitally store content which, when instead in a device that are able to hold it (DVD player, Radio, Computer) are read by a laser. The content which is typically held on optical media is; Games, Music, Films, Etc. Optical media is also a lot more durably to other older storage devices, and on average has a life span of 7 years.
Optical media is also referred to as CD's. They digitally store content which, when instead in a device that are able to hold it (DVD player, Radio, Computer) are read by a laser. The content which is typically held on optical media is; Games, Music, Films, Etc. Optical media is also a lot more durably to other older storage devices, and on average has a life span of 7 years.
Flash Memory Cards:
A flash memory card is a small, flat drive that is especially used in digital cameras and mobile phones. Flash memory cards are an easy way to transfer;photos, videos and voice files to other devices. More modern flash memory cards are a lot smaller(nano technology), require less power, have a higher storage capacity and are portable.
A flash memory card is a small, flat drive that is especially used in digital cameras and mobile phones. Flash memory cards are an easy way to transfer;photos, videos and voice files to other devices. More modern flash memory cards are a lot smaller(nano technology), require less power, have a higher storage capacity and are portable.
Portable and Fixed Devices:
A portable storage device is a small hard drive that also storage for all kinda of data. Some devices have excess of 300GB. Having so much portable storage space it has meant there is no longer a need for time expensive backing up.
A portable storage device is a small hard drive that also storage for all kinda of data. Some devices have excess of 300GB. Having so much portable storage space it has meant there is no longer a need for time expensive backing up.
Data Transfer Rate:
Data transfer rate is the speed in which data can be transferred from one device to another. Data transfer rate is measured in megabits or megabytes per second. In general the greater the bandwidth, the higher the data transfer rate.
Data transfer rate is the speed in which data can be transferred from one device to another. Data transfer rate is measured in megabits or megabytes per second. In general the greater the bandwidth, the higher the data transfer rate.
Capacity:
Capacity is how much something can hold, for example the capacity of most pen drives range between 2GB and 32GB. The more Capacity a computer has the more likely it is to run faster as power is not wasted finding space to store data. Data is measured in different units due to the size of the data(Shown on the right).
Capacity is how much something can hold, for example the capacity of most pen drives range between 2GB and 32GB. The more Capacity a computer has the more likely it is to run faster as power is not wasted finding space to store data. Data is measured in different units due to the size of the data(Shown on the right).