Basic Computer Hardware and Software

Basic Computer Hardware and Software.

V103.01

Material obtained from summer workshop in Guildford County

Input Devices

• Input Devices: devices that input information into the computer such as a keyboard, mouse, scanner, and digital camera.

Output Devices

• Output: devices that output information from the computer such as a printer and monitor.

Hardware and Software

• Computer Hardware would include all the parts of a computer.
• Computer Software includes the programs that are installed.. Or the instructions for completing tasks.

Central Processing Unit

• CPU (Central Processing Unit) also called the Microprocessor or “The Brain” of the Computer.
• Processor speed: The speed at which a microprocessor executes instructions. This is usually measured in megahertz (MHz).
• Brands of Processors include:
• Pentium
• Celeron
• MAC
• AMD
• Cyrix

Central Processing Unit

• Computer chip: also called the microprocessor may contain an entire processing unit.
• Computer chips contain millions of transistors. They are small pieces of semi-conducting material (silicon).
• An integrated circuit is embedded in the silicon. Computers are made of many chips on a circuit board.

Data Storage Devices

• The hard-drive is a mechanical storage device typically located internally.
• Fast recording and recovery of data
• Large storage capacity
• Magnetic
• Primary storage device for data and programs
• Speed is measured in R.P.M.’s (Revolutions per minute)

Data Storage Devices (cont’d)

• CD-ROM (compact disk read only memory)
• An optical device read by a diode laser