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Activity: Computer Components

A computer is a machine that processes data and instructions to perform tasks. It consists of both hardware, the physical components like processors, memory, and input/output devices, as well as software, the instructions and programs. Computers come in many forms from phones, laptops, cars, and appliances. Computer engineers design, build, and improve computer hardware and software to make computers more useful and capable. The document provides examples of common computer hardware components like the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and ROM and explains how computer engineers continue developing new technologies.

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Prince Blanco
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54 views3 pages

Activity: Computer Components

A computer is a machine that processes data and instructions to perform tasks. It consists of both hardware, the physical components like processors, memory, and input/output devices, as well as software, the instructions and programs. Computers come in many forms from phones, laptops, cars, and appliances. Computer engineers design, build, and improve computer hardware and software to make computers more useful and capable. The document provides examples of common computer hardware components like the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and ROM and explains how computer engineers continue developing new technologies.

Uploaded by

Prince Blanco
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Activity: Computer Components

What is a computer?
You are surrounded by computers and probably interact with several types of
computers each day from phones, laptops, cars, and even coffee machines.
Computers are machines that can do stuff with data and instructions. They are
built with hardware (the electrical or mechanical parts) and software (the
instructions or programs in the computer). There are also tiny computers in things
all around us called microcontrollers. They don’t have screens, keyboards, or hard
drives, but they do still have other parts of a computer like a processor, memory,
and input/output systems. Can you count how many computers you interact with
each day?

What is computer hardware?


Computer hardware is the physical parts of a computer. For example,
hardware can include a monitor, keyboard, data storage, graphic card,
sound cards, and a motherboard. Below you’ll find some descriptions of
computer hardware.
Case keeps and protects most of the components (elements) of the
computer system like the motherboard, disk drives, and power supplies.
They also provide impact protection, and some may even be decorated
with stickers.
Power Supply unit converts energy types for the components of the
computer. This is what allows computers to turn on and laptops to run on a
battery for hours.
Motherboard is the main part of the computer. It is a board that connects
other parts of the computer including the CPU, RAM and disk drives like
CD and DVD along with anything else connected via a port.
CPU or Central Processing Unit, performs calculations that allow a
computer to function and is thought of as the brain of the computer. It
fetches information and executes tasks as you tell it to.
RAM, Random-Access Memory, stores the code and data that is being
accessed by the CPU. When you open a web browser on a computer the
memory it takes up is stored in the RAM.
ROM, Read-Only Memory, stores the Basic Input Output System (BIOS) that runs
when the computer is powered on or begins execution of code.
Who designs, builds, and improves computers?
Computer engineers use mathematics, electricity, computer science, and
other subjects to make computers. They continue to think of new ways that
computers can be used. They can develop new hardware for computers
like keyboard, laptops, or computer monitors. They can create, design, and
make new things for computers on both very large and very small scales.
Some computer engineers can also develop software for a computer to
make it run better or differently.
Think about what computers you interact with on a daily basis. Inside your
home? Outside? What do you think would improve your computers? When
might we need computers to look or act different? Where else can we use
computers?

Activity:
Start by reading through the Background Information.
What’s the Problem: Design your very own computer and then build your
computer.
Explore the Constraints: Just like computer engineers, you will design
your own computer, compare it to a real computer, and then improve upon
your design. Your very own computer?! Start brainstorming what a
computer could look like!
Design Your Solution: Once you’ve got some ideas of what a computer
could look like, try to design it. Where would everything go?
Create: Now that you have the design and ideas in your head, take a piece
of paper and draw it out! What components did you include?
Try it Out: Once your computer is all drawn out, compare it to a real
computer. Did you miss anything? Does yours look similar? How does your
computer work?
Make it Better: All designs can be made better. How can you improve your
design? Do you want to include anything new in your next design? Take a
moment and grab another piece of paper. Draw out what your new,
improved design looks like.

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