Basic Computer Hardware and Software

Data Storage Devices (cont’d)

• Floppy diskette is magnetic storage device for small amounts of data (1.44MB).
• FLASH drive is a compact and portable electronic storage device.
• USB (plug and play) supported

Computer Memory

• RAM (random access memory) stores data that is processing. This type of memory is erased when the computer is turned off.
• ROM (read only memory) contains special instructions for the computer to operate.
• Cache memory increases the speed of the processor by recording and anticipating instructions.

Graphic User Interface (GUI)

• GUI (Graphic User Interface) is a set of images and icons seen on the desktop used to operate a program.
• The GUI makes the programs loaded on the computer easier to access and use. Basic Windows GUI
• Icons are small pictures that represent files, commands, or windows.
• Windows is a GUI operating system.

Video Cards

• Video cards plug into the motherboard and are used to display video.
• VRAM is video memory that enhances the refreshment rate of the image.
• Video cards have chipsets that can increase the speed of video display.

Ports and Peripherals

• Ports are an interface between the computer and another peripheral device such as a disk drive, mouse, printer, modem, monitor, camera, FLASH drive or keyboard.

Examples:

Serial

Parallel

hot-wire

USB

Ports and Peripherals

• Peripherals are devices that plug into a computer and are not housed internally.

Examples:

Printers

Scanners

Cameras

LAN and WAN

• LAN: are networks usually in the same company or building. The Local Area Network is connected via telephone lines or radio waves. Most LANs connect workstations.
• WAN: are systems of LANs that are connected. (Wide-area network)