Chapter 2

Hardware

Learning ObjectivesUpon successful completion of this chapter, you will be able to:• describe information systems hardware;• identify the primary components of a computer and the functions they perform;• explain the effect of the commoditization of the personal computer

Hardware Defined

• Digital devices that you can touch:– Desktop computers– Laptop computers– Mobile phones– Tablets– E-readers– Storage devices such as USB drives– Input devices such as keyboard, mouse, scanners, or stylus– Output devices such as printers and speakers

• Digital devices process electronic signals in 1’s and 0’s– The physical parts of a computing device

Understanding Binary

• Binary:

Moore’s Law

• The number of transistors on a chip will double every 2 years.

• Or…The amount of computing power will double every 2 years.

PC Components

Components of a PC:• Circuit board – also known as the motherboard that holds

the CPU, memory, and storage components• CPU (central processing unit) – carries out the commands

sent to it by the software and returns results– Faster is better

• Memory – temporary working area called random-access memory (RAM)– Applications are loaded into RAM to run faster– When computer is powered off, the RAM is cleared– Bigger is better

Chapter 2: Hardware

Removable Media

Hard Disk and Solid State Drives

Case with Wiring

Sound Card

Power Supply

Graphics Card

Radiator and Cooling Fans

RAM

CPU and Water Block

Motherboard

PC Components continued

• Storage – longer, permanent storage of data– Hard disk – permanently affixed to motherboard using

cables???– Removable media – USB drives that can be connected and

removed for use on a different computer– Bigger and faster is best

• Input/output devices – allows the addition of devices for input and output purposes via ports on the motherboard or today by USB– Keyboard for entering data– Printer for printing output

Other Computing Devices

• Portable computers• Smartphones• Tablets• Mobile devices such as fitness trackers• Medical devices such as a

pacemaker/defibrillator• Everyday items – the Internet of Things

Types of Wiring

• Wire Type – Port Type – Connected Evento CAT5 – Ethernet Port – Network/Internet to

Computero Serial ATA – SATA Port – Motherboard to Disk

Driveso USB Cable – USB Port – Peripherals to Computero HDMI – HDMI Port – High quality graphic displays

(Monitors) to Computer

Sidebar: How can I make my computer fast?• RAM (Random-access Memory)• CPU (Central Processing Unit)

SPEED

Other Computing Devices

• Portable Computers• Smartphones• Tablet Computers• Mobile Devices

• Integrated Computing• Transportation: Cars/Planes/Motorcycles• Appliances: Refrigerator/Thermostats

Wired and Wireless Connectivity

• Wired devices have limited mobility because they must be directly connected via a wire to the network (either a closed network or the internet)

• Wireless devices have portable connectivity when paired with services like 3G/4G or Wi-fi

Commoditization of the Personal Computer

• PC is a commodity– Little differentiation between computers.– Primary factor that controls their sale is the price.– Hundreds of manufacturers world-wide create parts for personal

computers.– Low profit margins on PCs push manufacturers to seek the

lowest-cost manufacturing.• Apple

– No open standards.– Unique product, not easily copied.– Apple can charge more.– Differentiation strategy. (more in Chapter 7.)

Cloud Computing

• Makes powerful portable computing possible by utilizing cloud services

• Cloud services remove the burden of storage and operational ability from your device

• Potential for security issues as your documents are stored on a server

E-Waste

• What is it?o Cell phoneso Remote Controlso Cables and Wireso Cartridge Gameso Consumer Electronics

• Hazardous Waste

E-Waste Continued

• Who is it hurting?oEffects on Global Communities

• What do we do with it?• Where do we recycle?o www.epa.govo www.earthday.org

Summary

• Described different types of hardware (more in networking);• Showed the primary components of a computer and the functions they perform;• Explained the effect of the commoditization of the personal computer.