2.5.1 Motherboard

2.5.2 Processor

2.5.3 Memory

2.5.4 Input and Output Device

2.5.5 Storage

2.5.6 Adapter Card

2.5 Hardware

2.0 Computer System

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• Identify basic components of a motherboard.

2.5.1 Motherboard

Computer Hardware

MotherboardProcessorMemoryInput DeviceOutput DeviceStorageAdapter Cards

System Unit

Case that contains electronic components of the computer used to process data.

power supply

ports

drive bays

processor

memory

sound card

video cardmodem cardnetwork card

Components of System Unit

MotherboardDrive BaysPower SupplyCasing

2.5.1 Motherboard

Main circuit board of the system unit.The functions of the motherboard are:

Holds many components of the system.Provides connectors for other peripherals.

Basic Components of Motherboard

Processor SlotMemory SlotsAdapter Card Slots

Processor Slot

Slot on the motherboard that houses a CPU and forms the electrical interface with the CPU.

Memory Slots

Slots on the motherboard that hold memory modules.

To connect RAM and get faster of the performance of computer.

Adapter Cards Slots

Slots on the motherboard that can hold adapter cards.

For adding more memory, graphics capabilities and support for special devices.

PCI slot

AGP slot

Cont…

Types of adapter card slots:PCI - to connect devices such as

network cards, sound cards, modems,

extra ports such as USB or serial TV

tuner cards and disk controllers. AGP - specifically designed for

graphics adapters.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• Describe the functions of processor.• List the steps in a machine cycle.

2.5.2 Processor

An electronic component on a computer’s motherboard.

Interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer.

CPU speeds is measured gigahertz (GHz).

2.5.2 Processor / CPU

Control Unit (CU)Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

CPU Components

Directs and coordinates most of the operations in the computer.

For each instruction, the control unit repeats a set of 4 basic operations known as machine cycle.

Control Unit

Performs arithmetic, and logical operations. Arithmetic operation - +, -, X and /. Logical operation - ==, >=, <= and others.

Arithmetic Logic Unit

The operations performed by the CPU to execute any instruction.

It consist of 4 operations:Fetch – fetches the instructions from memory.Decode – decodes the instructions and sends the instructions to the ALU.Execute – ALU performs the actual operations.Store – the result are stored in memory.

Machine Cycle

Cont…

11

22 33

44

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• Explain the function of memory.• Identify different types of memory.• Differentiate between RAM and ROM.

2.5.3 Memory

Consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed by the processor.

2.5.3 Memory

RAM (Random Access Memory)ROM (Read Only Memory)

Types of Memory

Can be read from and written to by processor.Volatile - will lost its contents when the power is

turned off.Holds data or programs that are currently being

used by the processor. RAM chips are assembled on a small circuit board

called memory module which is plugged onto the memory slots.

RAM

DRAM (Dynamic RAM)SRAM (Static RAM)MRAM (Magnetoresistive RAM)

Types of RAM

Data is prerecorded for read only and cannot be removed.

Non volatile - will keep its contents even when the power is turned off.

Contain a small startup program (BIOS) which is used to boot the computer.

Exists as a chip on the motherboard.

ROM

PROM (Programmable ROM)EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable

ROM)

Types of ROM

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• Explain types of input and output devices.• Describe the functions of input and output devices.

2.5.4 Input and Output Devices

Input - any data and instructions entered into a

memory of a computer.Output - data that has been processed into a

useful form.

2.5.4 Input and Output Devices

Input device - any hardware component that

allows users to enter data and

instructions into a computer.Output device - any hardware component that

conveys information to

people.

Cont…

KeyboardPointing devicesTouch screensPen inputAudio inputVideo inputScannersBiometric input

Types of Input Device

Input device that contains keys users press to enter data and instructions into a computer.

Types of keyboard:Keyboard ergonomicsWireless

Keyboard

status light

numeric keypad

function keystyping area

arrow keys

Transmits data using wireless technology. Communicate with a receiver attached to a port on

the system unit.

Wireless or Cordless Keyboard

Design that reduces the chance of wrist and hands injuries.

The goal of ergonomics is to incorporate comfort, efficiency and safety in the design of the workspace.

Ergonomic Keyboard

Input device that allows a user to control a pointer on the screen.

A pointing device can be used to: Move the insertion point; Select text, graphics and other objects; Click buttons, icons, links and menu commands.

Pointing Devices

Examples of pointing devices: MouseTrackballTouchpadPointing stick

Cont…

Pointing device that fits under the palm of your hand.

Types of mouse:Mechanical mouseOptical mouseLaser mouseAir mouseWireless mouse

Mouse

mouse buttons

wheel button

mouse pad

ball

Device that emits and sense light to detect the mouse‘s movement.

Does not require cleaning but it is more expensive.

Optical Mouse

Is a battery-powered device that transmits data using wireless technology such as radio waves (Bluetooth) or infrared light waves (IrDA).

Wireless Mouse

Is a stationary pointing device with a ball on its top or side.

A trackball requires frequent cleaning because it picks up oils from fingers and dust from the environment.

Trackball

Is a small, flat, rectangular pointing device that is sensitive to pressure and motion.

Are found most often on notebook computers.

Touchpad

Is a touch-sensitive display device.Users can interact with touch screens by touching

area of the screens.

Touch Screen

Users write, draw and tap on the flat surface to enter data.

Examples of pen input:StylusDigital penSignature capture pad

Pen Input

Stylus

Digital pen

Is the process of entering any sound into the computer such as speech, music and sound effects.

Audio Input

Is the process of capturing full-motion images and storing them on a computer’s storage medium.

Use digital signals.

Video Input

Capture data from a source document, which is the original form of the data.

Types of scanners:FlatbedPen or handheldSheet-FedDrum

Scanners

Is a device that uses a light source to read characters, marks and codes and then converts them into digital data that a computer can process.

Technologies used by optical readers are:Optical Character Recognition (OCR)Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

Optical Readers

Is an optical reader that uses laser beams to read bar codes by using lights patterns that pass through the bar code lines.

Bar Code Readers

Radio Frequency Identification Reader is a technology that uses radio signals to communicate with a tag placed in or attached to an object, an animal or a person.

RFID Readers

Reads the magnetic stripe on the back of credit cards, entertainment cards, bank cards and other similar cards.

Magnetic Stripe Card Readers

Magnetic-Ink Character Recognition Reader reads text printed with magnetized ink.

Converts MICR characters into a form the computer can process.

Used by the banking industry – cheque processing.

MICR Readers

Technology of authenticating a person’s identity by verifying a personal characteristic.

Examples of biometric technology are:FingerprintsHand geometryFacial featuresVoiceSignaturesEye patterns

Biometric Input

Display devicesPrintersAudio output deviceData projector

Types of Output Device

An output device that visually conveys text, graphics and video information.

Types of display devices are:CRT monitorLCD monitorPlasma monitor

Display Devices

A desktop monitor that contains a cathode-ray tube (CRT).

It is less expensive.

CRT Monitors

A desktop monitor that uses a liquid crystal display to produce images.

Produce sharp and flicker free images.

LCD Monitors

A display device that uses gas plasma technology.Offer larger screen sizes and high-quality display.

Plasma Monitors

An output device that produces text and graphics on a physical medium such as paper.

Types of printer are:Impact printersNonimpact printers

Printers

Forms characters and graphics on a piece of paper by striking a mechanism against an inked ribbon that physically contacts the paper.

Widely used for business.

Impact Printers

Forms characters and graphics on a piece of paper without actually striking the paper.

Commonly used nonimpact printers are:Ink-jet printersPhoto printersLaser printersThermal printersMobile printersLabel and postage printersPlottersLarge-format printers

Nonimpact Printers

Spray tiny drops of liquid ink onto a piece of paper.Can print – black / white and several different

colors.Resolution – measured by dpi (dots per inch).Dot – a drop of ink (the higher dpi, the

smaller drops of ink).Speed - measured by ppm (pages per

minute).

Ink-Jet Printers

Used a laser beam and powdered ink to transfer images onto paper.

Is a high-speed and high quality nonimpact printer.

Laser Printers

Are sophisticated printers used to produce high-quality drawings such as blue-prints, maps and circuit diagrams.

Are used in specialized fields such as engineering and drafting and usually are very costly.

Plotters

A component of a computer that produce music, speech or other sound.

Three commonly used audio output devices are:SpeakersHeadphonesEarbuds

Audio Output Device

A device that takes the text and images displaying on a computer screen and projects them on a larger screen.

Data Projectors

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• Explain the types of storage.• Describe the functions of storage.• Differentiate between primary and secondary storage.

2.5.5 Storage

Holds data, instructions and information for future use.

Types of storage are:Primary storageSecondary storage

2.5.4 Storage

Often referred to as memory.Stores instructions and data that are directly

accessible by CPU.

Primary Storage

RAMROM

Types of Primary Storage

To store data and programs when they are not being processed.

Stores files permanently.Available in the form of hard disk, CD, USB drive,

etc.

Secondary Storage

Magnetic storage Optical discSolid State Drive (SSD)

Types of Secondary Storage

Uses different patterns of magnetization on a magnetically coated surface to store information.

Examples of magnetic storage are:o Hard Disko Floppy disko Tape

Magnetic Storage

High-capacity storage.Consists of several inflexible, circular platters that

store items electronically.Components enclosed in airtight, sealed case for

protection.

Hard Disk

One of the first storage used with mainframe computer.

It's a thin plastic tape that has been coated with substance that can be magnetized.

Mainly used for backup.

Magnetic Tape

Stores information in deformities on the surface of a circular disc and reads this information by illuminating the surface with a laser diode and observing the reflection.

Types of optical disk are:o Compact Disc (CD)o Digital Video Disc (DVD)o Blu-ray Disc (BD)

Optical Disc

Used to store digital data.A common storage format used for audio.Types of CD:

o CD-ROMo CD-Ro CD-RW

Compact Disc

Used mainly as video and data storage.Holds over 7 times a CD’s capacity.Types of DVD are:

o DVD-ROMo DVD-Ro DVD-RW

Digital Video Disc

Refers to the "blue laser" used to read the disc.Allows for six times more storage than a DVD.

Blu-Ray Disc

Data is retained in non-volatile memory chips and contain no moving parts.

Small, lightweight and highly reliable.Examples of SSD are:

o SmartMediao MicroSDo Compact Flasho Pen Drive

Solid State Drive (SSD)

Differences Between Primary and Secondary Storage

PRIMARY STORAGE SECONDARY STORAGE

•Limited capacity.•Store data temporarily. •Expensive.•Fast data access.•Directly accessible to the CPU.

•Extendible capacity.•Store data permanently.•Cheaper.•Slower data access.•Contents copied to main memory before being accessed by CPU.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• Explain the types of adapter cards.• Describe the functions of adapters.

2.5.6 Adapter Card

A circuit board that enhances functions of the component of a system unit and/or provides connections to peripherals (external devices).

2.5.6 Adapter Card

Types of Adapter Cards

ADAPTER CARD PURPOSE

CableCARD Allows viewing of digital cable television channels.

Disc controller Connects disk drives.

FireWire Connects to FireWire devices.

HDTV tuner Allows viewing of HDTV broadcasts on the monitor.

MIDI Connects musical instruments.

Cont…

ADAPTER CARD PURPOSE

Modem Connects other computers through telephone lines, cable television lines, or other transmission media.

Network Connects other computers and peripherals.

PC-to-TV converter Connects a television.

Sound Connects speakers or a microphone.

Cont…

ADAPTER CARD PURPOSE

TV tuner Allows viewing of television channels on the monitor.

USB Connects to USB devices.

Video Connects a monitor.

Video capture Connects an analog video camera or VCR.

MotherboardProcessorMemoryInput and Output DeviceStorageAdapter Card

Summary