Module 1.3 Hardware

Contents

IntroductionInputOutputStorageEnvironmental and health issuesTest and improve your knowledgeModule Activities

Introduction

Hardware is all the things on a computer that you can physically touch.

Processing

InputOutput

Storage

Input

What is input?Input is the data and instructions that are given to a

computer.

Programs• A set of

instructions

• loaded into memory

• when activated

Commands • Given by

user• e.g. You

click on the Font Size command

User responses• To a

question ‘asked’ by a program

Input

Mouse

The keyboard

The keyboard is the most commonly used input device.

Shortcut keys

F1Esc

() <E>

() <D>

Input

Wireless mouse and keyboardAdvantages of wireless devices:

• Less clutter

• No cords to get tangled

• Wide range of movement

Disadvantages of wireless devices:• Require batteries (to produce the wireless signal)

• More expensive • Sometimes there’s interference with the wireless

signal• Can easily be removed, stolen quickly and quietly

Input

Output

Output is whatever the computer produces to provide us with the results of its processing.

Output

Soft copy

Hard Copy

Monitor

CRT Monitors

LCD

Soft copy

Flat-panel monitors consume less space

• flicker less

• consume less power

• environmentally friendly

Output

Monitor

Flat panel (LCD) viewing angle

Soft copy

viewing angle specification.

Most monitors have a viewing angle of at least 160 degrees

Output

Monitor

The size of a monitor

• measured diagonally

• in inches

SizeResolution

Response timeA low specification time for high quality graphics and video

LCD screens have a recommended resolution

Soft copy

Output

PrintersHard copy

Inkjet printers Laser printers

• spray microscopic dots of ink onto the paper • cheap to buy• expensive to run• produces good quality colour prints• slightly slower than laser printers

• work like a photo-copier machine• expensive to buy• cheaper to run and more suited to printing large volumes• print faster• black and white and colour laser printers (more expensive)

Output

PrintersHard copy

Connecting and using printers

Printer Installation

Usb port

Changing the Default Printer

Output

PrintersHard copy

Connecting and using printers

Printer Queues

You can cancel, pause or restart the printing here

Output

Storage device(CD/DVD-drive)

Storage medium (CD)

Non-volatile: Storage keeps its contents at all times

Storage

Storage capacities

A&4 =1 byte

A kilobyte (KB) is 1024 bytes

A megabyte (MB) is 1024 KB

A gigabyte (GB) is 1024 MB

A terabyte (TB) is 1024 GB.

Storage

Hard drives

In case: stores all programs and data

External/portable: USB connected, gets power from PC

Storage

Flash disks

External/portable: USB connected, gets power from PC

Appears as another disk on PC

Storage

Ports on your computer

Network ports

FireWire ports

Storage

Health concerns

RSI: Repetitive Strain Injury

To prevent RSI:Ergonomically designed keyboards

Environmental and health issues

Health tips for using computers

• Sit correctly

• Height of your seat and/or table

• Lighting and ventilation/air circulation• Mouse and keyboard placements• Prevent eye strain• Regular breaks

Environmental and health issues

Tips on how to practice green computing

• Switch off computers and devices you are not using• Avoid the senseless wasting of paper

• Try and repair or upgrade hardware• Don’t just throw away ink and toner cartridges

• Refill and reuse cartridges

Environmental and health issues

Overview of module

Introduction to hardware

Basic hardware

Input

Types of input

Keyboard and

Mouse

Storage

Storages devices

vs. Storage media

Hard disks, flash

drives

Output

Types of output

Printers and

Monitors

Ports

USBNetworkFirewire

VGA

Health and environmental

issues

Green Computin

g

E -Waste

Health Issues

Health Tips

Test and improve your knowledge

Important terms and concepts

Bluetooth Byte Corded mouse

Wireless mouse Display Ergonomic

s Esc

F1 FireWire port Flash disks Gigabyte

(GB)Green

computing Hard drive Hardcopy

Hardware Inkjet printer Input Keyboard Kilobyte

(KB)Laser

printerMegabyte

(MB)

Monitor Size Mouse Network

ports OutputPrint

Screen Key

Printers

Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

Resolution Shortcut keys Softcopy Storage Storage

deviceStorage media

Terabyte (TB)

Touch Pad USB ports VGA port Volatile Window key

Default printer

Plug-and-play

Printer queues

Test and improve your knowledge

Acti

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