HardwareBy Ollie Coles

Ollie Coles, Hardware

• Graphics cards are the reason we are able to see anything on our computer screens

• A graphics card produces what you see on your computer screen. They’ve had a big effect in computer graphics and have made 3D TV possible.

• Another advantage of graphics cards is how much they have improved video games, with their graphics getting better and better.

Limitations• Although they are very useful they can very hot and need to

be cooled down they also take up a lot of space.

Graphics Cards

Ollie Coles, Hardware

Graphics tablets• This is something which helps people to draw an image on a

computer without the mouse, usually with a pen or stylus.• Some people who have been used to writing with a pen

throughout their lives and have never got to grips with using a mouse and keyboard may find it easier to touch and write what you want without too many troubles.

• It has helped companies like Apple for example to create the iPad.

Limitations• Despite being very clever it is proven that you have better hand

eye co-ordination with a mouse than using a pen or your hand.

Ollie Coles, Hardware

Digital cameras

• It is a camera that takes and stores images and videos. They have been a massive step up from normal cameras, for example, you can view the image you’ve taken seconds after its been taken.

• The quality of the image is a lot better quality and you can also zoom a lot further and clearer than older cameras.

• When taken they can be immediately uploaded to a computer which allows them to be viewed on a big screen instantly.

Limitations• They are quite expensive which can be a problem but you can store lots of

images on them.• People who don’t have access to a printer would find it difficult to get

copies of their which photos, so the old fashioned way of taking the image reel to a shop gives you copies may be a better method for some.

Ollie Coles, Hardware

Mouse• A mouse is the device that controls the movement of the

pointer to wherever the user wants.• The majority of most mice have 2 large buttons, one on the

left and on the right. They are placed underneath where the fingers lay so its as easy as possible to use.

• There is also a scroll button directly between the two main buttons, which allows you to scroll up and down a page without having to click and drag the bars.

LimitationsIf you want a more up to date mouse you would have to pay

more money to receive the mouse.

Ollie Coles, Hardware

Monitors• The monitor is used to display the picture on a computer or laptop. The

monitor provides instant responses by displaying text and images as you work or browse the computer.

• Most designers now use LCD monitors because of its lower energy usage and its thinner design also known as flat screens.

• The most important factor of a monitor is its screen size as is effects the picture quality. If the monitor is too big it can drop the quality of the graphics.

Limitations• Recently touchscreens are becoming increasingly popular so more and more

people are buying things like iPads instead of a computer or laptop. • Also some monitors are good depending on your viewing angle, for example

some monitors get darker or lighter varying on were you are stood or sat looking at it.

Ollie Coles, Hardware

HDD• (Hard disk drive)• The HDD is the main and largest data storage device in a

computer• Items such as software titles and various other files are stored

in the HDD.Limitations

• They are also very large and can also be quite loud. They also use a lot of power.

• Nowadays with the easy access of memory sticks and cards, it is easy to save and protect your files but in the past when the HDD broke it regularly resulted in everything being lost.

Ollie Coles, Hardware

Memory SD Cards• (Secure digital card)• It is a very small memory card and is designed to hold a very large

memory in a very small card.• They are often used in mobile phones, iPods, and several other

gadgets.• They have been very useful and easy, because of their size.• They are inserted directly into the USB drive in almost every

computer or laptopLimitations

• Even though the size is good it can also be bad, because they are easier to lose than In the past when CD-ROM’s were more commonly used.

Ollie Coles, Hardware

Bibliography

• http://computer.howstuffworks.com/monitor1.htm

• http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/M/monitor.html

• http://www.fileinfo.com/

Ollie Coles, Hardware