Part 2. Computer Components and Storage

Transcription

1 Part 2 Computer Components and Storage

2 Key Words The following words will crop up as part of the following presentation. You should use your notes sheet to log information about them when it is covered. You will be quizzed on these words later. Motherboard CPU RAM ROM Bus Network Hertz Graphics Card Peripheral Volatile Non-Volatile Storage Device NOTE: Sections of the presentation where you see the following symbol contains information about these keywords. This is your cue to make notes.

3 Computer Components

4 Components of a Desktop PC Definition: All of the individual pieces of electrical hardware that join together to make up the complete computer. Examples of common Computer Components: Motherboard CPU RAM ROM Graphics Card Storage Devices Peripherals

5 Motherboard Motherboards are the central piece of a computer system. All components plug into the motherboard either directly or indirectly. Once connected to the motherboard, all components work together to form the computer system. Components communicate with each other via the Bus Network. PCI Slot (Can connect Sound Cards etc) Slots for Hard Disk Drives and DVD-ROMS RAM (Memory) Slots Graphics Card Slot CPU Slot Back Panel with connections for peripherals and USB Memory

6 Back Panel with connections for peripherals and USB Memory CPU Slot RAM (Memory) slots Connection to Power Supply Graphics Card Slots Slots for Hard Disc Drives and DVD-ROMS PCI Slot (Can connect Sound Cards, Graphics Cards etc) Motherboard has a Bus Network. This is a collection of wires which allow components to communicate

7 Central Processing Unit (CPU) CPU s are often referred to as the Brains of the computer. The CPU is responsible for performing calculations, data processing and other tasks. CPU s come in a variety of speeds (Clock Rates) measured in Hertz. Generally, the faster the clock rate, the faster the performance of the computer. INTEL CPU AMD CPU Connecting Pins The difference between Intel and AMD CPU s is like comparing Coca Cola and Pepsi. it is a matter of preference. Intel CPU s do perform better at certain tasks but they cost more to buy than AMD CPU s. Physically they are slightly different with Intel CPU s tending to have more pins.

8 CPU Slot CPU

9 Random Access Memory (RAM) RAM is used to temporarily store information that is currently in use by the system. This information can be written to and read from. RAM is Volatile Memory which means that information only stays there as long as the computer is running. Once the computer is switched off, any information stored in RAM is wiped. Example: If you have an unsaved Microsoft Word document open and the computer is turned off you will have just lost your work. The reason for this is the document is initially stored in RAM which only keeps information as long as the computer is running. If you want to store information permanently you need to transfer it from RAM to a permanent storage device like a Hard Disc Drive or USB Memory Stick. Generally, more RAM in your computer means the computer can handle more programs, applications and tasks at once. It also improves performance.

10 Nodule helping you install the RAM correctly The nodule fits onto the grove separating each end of the RAM Slot on the Motherboard

11 Read Only Memory (ROM) Read Only Memory (ROM) contains pre-recorded, permanent information that cannot be changed or added to.. ROM is different to RAM as it is Non-Volatile. This means that it keeps its information even when the computer has been turned off. Examples of ROM include: Movies and Music bought on DVD s and CD s then played back. Software stored in ROM on the Motherboard which tell the computer how to start up. Printers use ROM to store different Fonts. ROM Bios Chip on a Motherboard containing load up instructions DVD Reader with Read-Only DVD ROM

12 IDE Slots SATA Slots

13 Graphics Card Graphics Cards are electrical devices that plug into the Motherboard and makes the computer capable of displaying images on the monitor. Graphics Cards usually require software to be installed which instructs the computer how to use the graphics card to display images. Software also allows you to alter graphics settings and change image quality and size etc. Graphics card software usually comes on a CD or DVD ROM. Cooling Fan Ports to connect to Monitor / TV Motherboard Slot Connection

14 Graphics Card Software Settings This screenshot shows an example of how graphics card software can be used to alter display quality including: Brightness Contrast Colour Options Tones Resolution

15 Motherboard slots for graphics card

16 Computer Storage Devices

17 Storage Devices Storage devices are used to keep any files permanently. All information on a computer is initially stored in RAM. However, because RAM is volatile and loses its contents as soon as the computer is switched off, you must transfer or save any information you want to keep into permanent memory. Storages Devices fall into one of two categories: Internal Storage External Hard Disk Drive External Storage Internal Hard Disk Drive USB Memory Stick

18 Internal Hard Disk Drive Read/Write Arm moves over platters like a record player Information stored on mirror like Platters Connection to computer s motherboard Connection to power supply

19 IDE Slots SATA Slots

20 External Hard Disk Drives USB Memory Stick plugs directly into computers USB port External Hard Disk Drive connects to computer using USB cable and USB ports USB ports on the computer s motherboard

21 Peripheral Devices Peripheral Devices are non-essential computer components that can connect to the system either internally or externally.. Examples of Peripherals: Printers Speakers Mouse Keyboard Scanner CD-ROMs Etc Keyboard Mouse Scanner Printer Speakers