Computer Hardware Flashcards
Used to enter data into the computer
Input Device
Examples of Input Devices
Keyboard
Mouse
Scanner
Accepts data from the CPU and produces an output
Output Devices
Examples of Output Devices
Printer
Monitor
Physical cable that carries bits of data
A flat ribbon cable or a cable into the motherboard
Bus
Stores binary instructions, data, calculations from CPU
Memory
Provides instructions to the CPU when requested
Memory
Main working memory of the computer
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Software must be loaded into this in order to run
RAM
Used for high speed storage of frequently used data
Cache Memory
Can be part of the CPU or motherboard
Cache Memory
Slower than memory
Larger capacity than memory
Storage Devices
Stores data for long term
Storage Devices
Examples of Storage Devices
Floppy drives, CD/DVD/Blu Ray discs, USB Sticks
communication with memory
CPU
communicates with input and output devices through the buses
CPU
controls the timing and flow of information
CPU
carries out the computations that a program might require
CPU
Usually includes the power supply
The Case
Two main types of Cases
ATX
Micro ATX
Size of motherboard must match ____ ____
Case type
Two main manufacturers of CPU
Intel
AMD
Each CPU has a specific _____ type
socket
The socket type of the CPU must match the socket type of _______
the Motherboard
Most CPUs need this
Cooling Fan
The fans are specific to the ____ and possibly the _______ ____
CPU
socket type
Two main types of Motherboard
ATX
Micro ATX
The Motherboard requires a specific type of _____
RAM
The working memory of the computer
RAM
common type of RAM
SDRAM
RAM speed is measured in
Megahertz (MHz)
Current standard Hard drive interface
SATA
What has become more popular?
Solid State Drives
Current standard Video card interface
PCI
What is built into some motherboards?
Video cards
Used for high-end graphics and video games
A good Video Card
More Memory = ?
Greater resolutions
Faster Processor = ?
better performance (smoother video)
A large printed circuit board
Motherboard
Provides the connections and sockets that let other components communicate with eachother
Motherboard
Computer brain
CPU
Microprocessor
CPU
A chip containing millions of tiny transistors
CPu
job is to perform the calculations necessary to make the computer work
CPU
decision-maker
CPU
Can read data stored in it, but cannot write new data
Read-only memory (ROM)
Can read from and write to that memory
Random-access memory(RAM)
the spine of the computer
Basic input/output system (BIOS)
handles interactions between the software running on a computer and the machine hardware components
Basic input/output system (BIOS)
provides a supply of electricity throughout the rest of the computer
Power supply
shielded box containing a transformer
Power supply
Converts the incoming electricity into the proper voltage for each part of the machine needs electricity
Transformer
allows you to store info and apps directly on the computer
Hard drive
Allows you to use media storage devices like compact discs or DVDs with your computer
CD/DVD-ROM
machines that let computers communicate with other computing systems
closely related to wireless cards
Modem
radio transceivers that can send and receive data through a specific frequency of radio waves
Wireless card
removable components designed to fit into expansion slot
Video card
a place on the outside of your PC where you can plug in a cable
many are affixed directly to the motherboard
Ports
any piece of hardware that isn’t mounted inside a PC’s case
Peripherals
Examples of Peripherals
Monitors
Keyboards
Mice
Printers
Slots where you can add components to a PC that don’t have a designated slot somewhere on the motherboard
Expansion Slots
Responsible for processor, memory, device, and storage management, and application and user interface
Operation System (OS)
