Computer Hardware

1. Computer Hardware Dawn Pedersen

2. Flick the switch… What happens when you turn a computer on?

3. Components • Processor • Logic board/bus • Hard Drive • Memory • Video card • Audio card • Networking • Ports

4. Understanding Specifications • What does all this stuff mean? • How do you choose? • How much will it cost?

5. Processors • Speed • Faster means the computer will do complex calculations faster • Cache • Larger means the chip stores more temporary information • Manufacturer • E.g. Intel – some chips will work better with some software)

6. Hard Drive • Speed • 5400 RPM, 7200 RPM • Faster means the computer will load and write files faster • Size • Measured in gigabytes (more on that later) • Larger means more can be stored on the computer

7. Memory • Size • Measured in gigabytes • More means you can have more programs running at once

8. Networking • Types • Ethernet • Wireless • What ports are available?

9. Video Card • Memory size • Measured in megabytes • The more memory your video card has, the more quickly it can draw complex images on the screen

10. Ports • What types of ports are available for plugging in other equipment, e.g. audio input and output?

11. Software • What software is included by default?

12. Conclusion • You should know what the basic components of a computer are and what they do. • You should be able to purchase a computer and look at the specifications and understand generally what they mean.