CHAPTER 3
Chapter 3: Computer Hardware
Learning Objectives
• Recognize the major components in a system unit
and explain their purposes. (Section 3.1)
• List and recognize various types of input devices.
(Section 3.2)
• List and recognize various types of output devices.
(Section 3.3)
• Identify wired and wireless network adapters used
for connectivity purposes. (Section 3.4)
• Explain how data is represented on a computer and
describe typical speed and storage capacities.
(Section 3.5)
• Describe various options for permanent storage and
how each option is identified on a PC. (Section 3.6)
3.1 The System Unit
The
The system
System Unitunit
• The case in which the computer microprocessor, memory, and storage are located
• Motherboard, including CPU and memory
• Ports for plugging in peripherals
• Power supply
• Storage devices
© Paradigm Education Solutions
Motherboard
CPU
• Parallel processing
• Instruction cycle
• Clock speed
• Gigahertz (GHz)
• Cache memory
• Level 1 (L1) cache
• Level 2 (L2) cache
• Level 3 (L3) cache
Memory
• ROM is used for storing
instructions that do not
change.
• BIOS
• UEFI
• RAM is temporary
memory that stores data
and instructions while the
computer is processing.
Ports
© Paradigm Education Solutions
Power Supply
▪ Power cord
▪ Battery
▪ Portable charging
▪ Wireless charging
▪ Qi (“chee”)
3.2 Input Devices
Keyboards and Mice
KEYBOARDS AND MICE
Touchscreens
• Touch-enabled
display
• Layer of capacitive
material below a
protective screen
that senses your
finger or a stylus
Scanners
and Readers
• Scanner
• Barcode reader
• QR (Quick Response)
code
• Magnetic strip
reader
• Biometric device
• Radio frequency
identification (RFID)
reader
CAMERAS
Cameras
• Digital camera captures still
images and short live-video
segments
• Digital camcorder captures
live video and audio
• Webcam is built into a video
display screen or plugged in as
peripheral
MICROPHONES AND and
Microphones VOICE RECOGNITION
Voice Recognition
Other Input
Devices
• Wireless devices
• Game controllers
• Augmented-reality
headsets
3.3 Output Devices
Video Displays
• Liquid crystal display
(LCD)
• Fluorescent lamps
• Light-emitting diode
(LED)
• More efficient
• Organic light-emitting
diode (OLED)
• No backlighting
• Best picture
The number of picture elements, called pixels, that make up the
Resolution image on a screen.
The more pixels used to
render the output, the
RESOLUTION
sharper the image.
Interactive Whiteboards and Video
INTERACTIVE Display Projectors
WHITEBOARDS AND VDPS
Speakers and Headphones • Audio output redirected from
speakers to headphones
• Bluetooth headset or
Bluetooth speaker can also
take over audio output
© Paradigm Education Solutions
Printers and
Copiers
• Produce hard copy
• Generated by printers,
plotters, or digital
photocopiers
Printers
• Laser printers
• Inkjet printers
• All-in-one
printers
• Digital copiers
Specialized
Printers
• Plotters
• Thermal printers
• 3-D printers
Assistive
Output and
Virtual Reality
Devices
• Screen reading
application
• Described video
technology
• Close captions
• Virtual and mixed reality
headsets
3.4 Network Adapters
Network Adapters
• Interface between computer and other networking equipment using
standards called protocols.
• A protocol defines how data is exchanged between two devices.
NETWORK
ADAPTERS
Wired Connectivity
WIRED CONNECTIVITY
Wireless
Connectivity
• Wi-Fi adapter
• 802.11 protocol
• External wireless adapter
• USB wireless adapter
• Bluetooth 5.2
Smartphone
Network
Connectivity
• Hotspot
• Tethering
3.5 Digital Data
Digital Data
• Binary bits and
bytes
• Internet speed
DIGITAL DATA
• File size and storage
capacity
•Group of 8 bits
What is a binary digit called? A “bit”
•Represents one character
BITS
Measuring Internet Speed
Bits are used to measure data speed
Megabits per second (Mbps)
Gigabits per second (Gbps)
ISPs charge more if you exceed data caps
File Size and Storage Capacity
3.6 Storage Options
Storage Options
• Read and write data to and
from a storage device
• Often referred to as a drive
© Paradigm Education Solutions
Hard Disk
Drives
• Internal hard disk
• Largest capacity
• Drive C on Windows
• External HDD
• USB port
• Varying capacity
• Backing up data
Solid-State
Drives (SSD)
• Uses flash memory
• Chip-based
• Durable
• Lightweight
• No noise
• Less power
Network Storage
▪ Network drives provide security
▪ Network storage is backed up automatically
▪ Home network users connect through a wireless media hub
USB Flash
Drives
Portable storage device
with flash memory inside
the case
Flash Memory Cards
Secure Digital (SD) Compact Flash (CF)
Cloud Storage
• Set amount of space
• Access anywhere
• Largely replaces
optical discs
