System Unit Flashcards
A general-purpose tool built with a microprocessor, designed for use by an individual
Personal computer
The various physical components that comprise a computer system, as opposed to the non-tangible software elements
Hardware
PC Hardware Components:
Any device that an individual use to give instructions to the computer
Input devices
Equipment that the computer uses to communicate information to the users
Output devices
Facilitate communication by using a specific media
Communication devices
Refer to all hardware capable of holding information either temporarily or permanently
Storage devices
Internal Hardware
The enclosure for all other main interior or components of a computer. It is often called as the computer case, computer chassis or computer tower
System unit
Parts of the System Unit:
One of the vital parts of a computer system. It is known as the backbone of the computer. It is the mainboard of the computer where all the important components including the central processing unit (CPU), memory and the different connectors for input and output devices are attached to
Motherboard
A group of integrated circuits designed to perform one or more related functions. It is use to facilitate communication between the CPU and other components of the computer system
Chipset
The main brain or heart of a computer system. It is a chip that determines the processing power of the computer. This is responsible for interpreting and executing all the instructions and calculations that are needed and manage the flow of information through a computer
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
A major part of computers which data is stored to quick access by the computer’s processor. It is also known as main storage or primary storage
Memory
Types of Memory:
Non-volatile, meaning it holds data even when the power is on or off
ROM (Read Only Memory)
Volatile, meaning it holds data only when the power is on
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Allows the CPU to transfer information to the other devices in the computer and vice versa. It is a data pathway between several hardware components inside or outside a computer
Expansion bus
Connect the CPU to to other internal components
Internal buses
Support ports for external devices. These ports may be controlled directly by the south bridge I/O controller or based on the expansion cards attached to the motherboard through the PCI bus
External buses
A device that allows one hardware to be adapted to another hardware. It is used to give computers additional functionality or compatibility. They are often used to permit upgrading to a new different hardware
Adapter
Kinds of Adapter:
An IC or internal board that creates a picture on a display. It is a piece of computer hardware that is rectangular in shape with numerous contacts on the bottom of the card and one or more ports on the side for connection to video displays and other devices
Video card
An expansion card that produces sound on a computer which can be heard through speakers or headphones
Sound card
A component that is absolutely vital to the operation of the computer. It is a piece of hardware that used to convert the power provided from the outlet into usable power for many parts inside the computer case
PSU (Power Supply Unit)
The largest data storage device in computer. It uses magnetism to store data on a rotating platter. It is used as a permanent storage and provide quick access to large amount of data
HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
A storage device that uses lasers to read and write data on the optical media
Optical drive
External Hardware:
A system composed of several hardware or devices that have specific functions to make the computer system work succesfully
Computer
Allows the user to input letters and other symbols into a computer. It is one of the primary input devices used with computer
Keyboard
Parts of the Keyboard:
The center of the keyboard that contains the largest number of keys and included the spacebar, letters and numbers
Typing keypad
Arranged like a standard calculator used to enter numerical data
Numeric keypad
Used for special purposes and most programmers use these keys to do a specific task
Function keys
Used to navigate through documents and websites
Navigation keys
Used to cancel operations. It is often displayed as Esc
Escape key
Also known as status light, indicate the status of toggle keys such as num lock, caps lock, and scroll lock
Light indicator
Types of Keyboard:
Does not need to be connected to the computer via wire instead, it uses three basic types of connection-bluetooth, radio waves or infrared to connect to a wireless adapter
Wireless keyboard
Slim and usually used in laptops where sizing issues make it difficult to accommodate a standard keyboard. It does not have the numeric pad that is present on the right side of other keyboards
Compact keyboards
Has special keys called hotkeys, which perform functions related to internet usage
Internet keyboard
Includes features meant to enhance gaming experience, as well as to provide convenient usage for gamers
Gaming keyboard
A software device that lets the users input data just like an actual keyboard. It opens up in devices like a tablet or a smartphone
Virtual keyboard
The most basic form of keyboard that maintains the layout over the last 20 years. It is popularly known as QWERTY keyboard
Standard keyboard
Designed in such a way that typing can be done by putting least amount of stress on the fingers and wrist. This is a radical type of keyboard designed to prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Ergonomic keyboard
Screen displays information from the computer. It is only used to display output information from a computer and provides no source of input
Monitor
Types of Monitor:
The most common computer monitors. Similar to older TVs, it still typically have much better contrast ratios and viewing angles than other computer monitor alternatives
CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)
A thin and light computer monitor. It displays images through the use of liquid crystal display
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
Much thinner and lighter than LCD or plasma screens
O-LED (Organic Light Emitting Display)
Use matrix of tiny gas plasma cells to create a picture. It is less commonly used with computers due to their high operating temperatures, high power consumption, and fixed resolution. It is thinner than CRT and brighter than LCD monitor
Plasma
Provides a new way of interacting with your computer with a touch-sensitive screen. This allows user to interact directly with the application on screen without the need for a mouse or keyboard
Touchscreen
Sense the user’s motion and clicks, then sends them to the computer so it can respond appropriately
Mouse
An external device that can be connected to a computer to print text and photos. It is one of the most popular computer peripherals
Printer
Types of Printer:
A computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) device that creates three-dimensional objects
3D printer
Used to describe a hardware device that provides several functionalities, including printing, photocopying, faxing, and scanning. Alternatively, it is referred to as a Multi-function printer (MFP)
All-in-one printer
Uses print heads to shoot ink or strike an ink ribbon to place hundreds to thousands of little dots to form text and images. It is also known as impact matrix printer
Dot matrix printer
Cheaper, smaller and have the versatility to print text and photos with high quality
Inkjet printer
A printing device that uses a focused beam or light to transfer text and images onto paper
Laser printer
An LED technology that uses a light-emitting diode array as a light source in the print head. It somehow similar to a laser printer
LED printer
A printer used to print large scale images or drawings. It is commonly used to print computer aided drawing and line-art applications
Plotter
Uses heated pins to “burn” images onto heat-sensitive paper
Thermal printer
Used to produce audio that can be heard by the users. It is one of the most common output devices used with computer systems
Speakers
A place where data and information are stored in a digital format that can be retrieved anytime
Data storage
Coated with iron oxide. It stores data in the form of tiny magnetized dots
Magnetic storage devices
Used to read and write data to the disk
Mechanical arm
A magnetic storage device where the computer’s operating system and programs are stored
Hard drive
The storage of data in an optically-readable medium
Optical Storage Devices
Types of Optical Storage Device:
Eventually transitioned from a music source to a form of data storage
CD (Compact Disc)
Widely used for storing and viewing movies, audio and other data. It has an enhanced data storage capacity compared to compact disc
DVD (Digital Versatile/Video Disc)
The newest high-definition optical format and was developed by the Blu-ray Dis Association (BDA). It was developed for storing large amounts of data as well as recording and rewriting. It offers more than five times the storage capacity of DVDs
Blu-ray
A non-volatile memory chip used to store data. It is a combination of traditional EPROM and EEPROM, which means it can be electronically reprogrammed and erased
Flash memory
Types of Flash Memory Devices:
A small piece of computer storage device used to store and transfer information from one computer to another. It is easy to use and suitable in transporting data conveniently. It tend to operate faster and reliable
Flash drive
A portable electronic device that stores data such as text, pictures, audio and video for various computing devices
Memory card
A flash memory that is used to store data for different compact electronic devices such as digital cameras and camcorder
Memory stick
A hardware device designed to transmit an analog or digital signal from one place to another. It transmits data over the telephone through the use of communication wire which allows one computer to communicate with another
Communication device
Capable of sending and receiving a signal that allows a computer to talk to other computers over the telephone. It is commonly used to connect computers to the internet but can also be used to communicate directly with another computer
Modem
Types of Modem:
A modem that comes as an expansion board inserted into computer
On-board modem
A modem that fits inside of a computer
Internal modem
A modem that connects to the computer externally with the use of straight-through serial cable. It has a light indicator or other sensor that allows the user to check on the status of the internet connection
External modem
A modem used with older laptops PCMCIA slot and can be added or removed as needed
Removable modem
Commonly Used Communication Devices:
Connect computer via telephone line. It also connects broadband modems which have a high-speed connection the the internet
Dial-up modem
Usually an external modem that hooks up to either the network card or the USB port. It is similar to dial-up modem, where user must have cable or DSL service in order for the modem to work on the system
Cable or DSL modem
A hardware device designed to receive, analyze and move incoming packets to another network
Router
It filters and centralizes communication among multiple devices connected in a LAN segments
Switch
Connects multiple networks to a single internet connection
Hub
