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Computer Hardware

Objective 2.01A:

Classify Computer Components

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Essential Question:

What are the parts and features of a computer?

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What is a computer?

An electronic device that receives data, processes data, stores data, and produces a result (output)

Classified by SizeSpeedApplications

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Types of Personal Computers

Desktop computer: designed to be used on a desktop

Laptop computer: portable computer designed to be small enough and light enough to be used on your lap

Tablet computer: portable computer primarily operated by touching the screen rather than using a physical keyboard

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Computer Components: Hardware

Hardware – the physical equipment of the computer system that you can see and touch

Hardware devices are also known as peripheral devices.

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Computer Case(Processor inside)

Floppy Disk Drive

CD ROM Drive

Keyboard

Mouse

Monitor

USB Drive

Speakers

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Input DevicesUsed to put information into the computer

Allow you to communicate with your computer

Keyboard

Scanner

Mouse

JoystickMicrophone

Webcam

Used for Games

Most Common

Most Common and used to control the cursor

Converts images into a readable form for the computer

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Output DevicesSend information out of the computerAllow the computer to communicate with the user

Monitor – Video display screen and produces soft copy

Speakers

Printer – produces hard copy

Projector

Headphones

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Types of Printers• Inkjet (non-impact)

• Better quality of printed document• Uses ink cartridge• Less expensive than laser

•Laser (non-impact)• Best quality of printed document• Uses laser beam and toner• Most expensive• Quickest

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Processing Device

Central Processing Unit (CPU) • known as the heart or “brain”

of the computer• responsible for processing

the information that has been entered into the computer

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Storage Devices

Internal Storage-Allows you to store information inside of the computerHard drive:

Allows the fastest access to informationRAM (Random Access Memory) – temporary storageROM (Read Only Memory) – long-term storage

External Storage-Allows you to use devices to

store information outside of the computerFloppy disks (Diskette)Zip disks (Largest File Capacity)

CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory)CD-RW (Compact Disc Read and Write)DVDs (Digital Video Disc)USB/Flash drives

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Input, Output, and Storage Devices

Input device: hardware that allows the user to communicate with the computer.

Output device: hardware that allows the computer to communicate with the user

Storage device: allows you to store or retrieve information