Types of Peripheral Devices

There are many different peripheral devices, but they fall into three general categories:

1. Input devices, such as a mouse and a keyboard

2. Output devices, such as a monitor and a printer
3. Storage devices, such as a hard drive or flash drive

Some devices fall into more than one category. Consider a CD-ROM drive; you can use it to read
data or music (input), and you can use it to write data to a CD (output).

Peripheral devices can be external or internal. For example, a printer is an external device that you
connect using a cable, while an optical disc drive is typically located inside the computer case.
Internal peripheral devices are also referred to as integrated peripherals. When most people refer to
peripherals, they typically mean external ones.

Computer components

Central Processing
Unit (CPU)

Memory Unit

U Unit

Input Unit Control Unit Output Unit

Arithmetic &
Logical Unit (ALU)

Fig 1.1.1 Computer components

1. Input Unit

This unit contains devices with the help of which we enter data into the computer. This unit
creates a link between the user and the computer. The input devices translate the information into a
form understandable by the computer.

2. CPU (Central Processing Unit)

CPU is considered as the brain of the computer. CPU performs all types of data processing
operations. It stores data, intermediate results, and instructions (program). It controls the operation
of all parts of the computer.

CPU consists on following three components:

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  ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
 Memory Unit
 Control Unit

Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU) Perform all mathematical and logical functions.
Memory Unit Positioned in the Central Processing Unit. Temporarily
stores data needed for the function of ALU.
Control Unit Controls all devices of a computer system.

3. Output Unit

The output unit consists of devices with the help of which we get the information from the
computer. This unit is a link between the computer and the users. Output devices translate the
computer's output into a form understandable by the users.

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Competency 1: Prepares specifications for purchasing a computer and peripherals

Competency Level 1.2: Translates user requirements to computer and its peripherals

Time: 01 period

Learning Outcomes:

 Identifies the user requirements in terms of technical specifications.

 Determines the required technical specification

Contents:

 Basic Specifications of computer and its peripherals

o Processor types and speed
o Hard disk capacity
o Monitor specifications
o RAM specifications
o VGA and sound
 Warranty
 Included software
 After sale services

Concepts and terms to be highlighted:

 Processor types and speed

 Hard disk capacity
 Monitor specifications
 RAM specifications
 VGA and sound
 Warranty
 Included software
 After sale services

Guidance for lesson plans:

 Search the Basic Specifications of computer and its peripherals through web browser and
discuss with students
Guidance for assessments and evaluations:
 Identifies the user requirements in terms of technical specifications.
 Explain the required technical specification
Quality inputs:

 Internet facility with Computers

 Presentations
 https://www2.clarku.edu/offices/its/purchasing/recommendations.cfm

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Reading Materials:

 Basic Specifications of computer and its peripherals

o Processor types and speed

Every PC has a Central Processing Unit (CPU) this acts as the brain of your system. It
connects to the Motherboard and works alongside the other components processing many
instructions at the same time between the different hardware and memory systems.

Advancements in CPU technology now mean systems typically come at least Dual Core,
Quad Core or more processors (on one single chip) instead of the traditional one core per chip. Now
the total number of Cores can slot into a socket as before and a single heat sink and fan can keep
everything to the right temperature

There are multiple ways of determining the speed of the computer processor. Below is a
listing of the methods of determining the speed.

The clock speed measures how fast a processor completes operations, usually measured in
megahertz(MHz) and gigahertz(GHz).

For Windows users

If you are running Microsoft Windows, you can determine the processor type and speed by
following the steps below.

1. Press the Windows Key and Pause key at the same time. Or
2. Right-click on the My Computer or Computer icon on the Desktop or in the Start Menu.
3. Select Properties in the pop-up menu.

Doing either of the above options opens a System Properties window similar to one of the
examples below. In the System Properties window, you should see the manufacturer of the
processor (e.g., Intel or AMD), the model of the processor (e.g., Core 2), and the speed (e.g., 1.86
GHz). For new versions of Windows, it also shows you the System type, which in the Windows 8
example below shows a 64-bit operating system on an x64 processor.

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 Windows 8 System Properties

Windows 7 System Properties Window

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In the Windows 8 computer, it has an "Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600 CPU @ 3.40 GHz 3.40 GHz."
Intel is the brand and company of the processor, Core i7-2600 is the model of the processor, and
3.40 GHz is the speed of the processor.

Factors to Consider When Buying a new processor

 Number of cores
 Clock Speed

Hard disk capacity

A hard disk drive (HDD), hard disk, hard drive or fixed disk is a data storage device that
uses magnetic storage to store and retrieve digital information using one or more rigid rapidly
rotating disks (platters) coated with magnetic material. The platters are paired with magnetic heads,
usually arranged on a moving actuator arm, which read and write data to the platter surfaces. Data is
accessed in a random-access manner, meaning that individual blocks of data can be stored or
retrieved in any order and not only sequentially. HDDs are a type of non-volatile storage, retaining
stored data even when powered off.

Introduced by IBM in 1956, HDDs became the dominant secondary storage device for
general-purpose computers by the early 1960s. Continuously improved, HDDs have maintained this
position into the modern era of servers and personal computers.

Fig 1.2. 1 A hard disk drive (HDD)

The capacity of a hard disk drive, as reported by an operating system to the end user, is
smaller than the amount stated by the manufacturer for several reasons: the operating system using
some space, use of some space for data redundancy, and space use for file system structures.
Data storage capacity is measured by units such as bits, bytes, kilobytes, Megabytes,
Gigabytes, Terabytes and Petabytes.

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 Fig 1.2. 2 Storages in a Computer and Properties of Local Disk (C:)

Here's the list of things to be considered when purchasing an external hard-disk based storage
device.

o Storage
o Size
o Connectivity
o Budget
o Speed
o Software
o Warranty
o Platform
o Sturdiness
o Security

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 o Monitor specifications

CRT Monitor LCD Monitor LED Monitor

Most people use computer monitors daily at work and at home. And while these come in a variety
of shapes, designs, and colors, they can also be broadly categorized into three types.

1. CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors

These monitors employ CRT technology, which was used most commonly in the manufacturing
of television screens. With these monitors, a stream of intense high energy electrons is used to form
images on a fluorescent screen. A cathode ray tube is basically a vacuum tube containing an electron
gun at one end and a fluorescent screen at another end.

While CRT monitors can still be found in some organizations, many offices have stopped using
them largely because they are heavy, bulky, and costly to replace should they break. While they are
still in use, it would be a good idea to phase these monitors out for cheaper, lighter, and more reliable
monitors.

2. LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors

The LCD monitor incorporates one of the most advanced technologies available today.
Typically, it consists of a layer of color or monochrome pixels arranged schematically between a
couple of transparent electrodes and two polarizing filters. Optical effect is made possible by
polarizing the light in varied amounts and making it pass through the liquid crystal layer.

The advantages of LCD monitors include their compact size which makes them lightweight.
They also don’t consume much electricity as CRT monitors, and can be run off of batteries which
makes them ideal for laptops.

Images transmitted by these monitors don’t get geometrically distorted and have little flicker.
However, this type of monitor does have disadvantages, such as its relatively high price, an image
quality which is not constant when viewed from different angles, and a monitor resolution that is not
always constant, meaning any alterations can result in reduced performance.

3. LED (light-emitting diodes) monitors

LED monitors are the latest types of monitors on the market today. These are flat panel, or
slightly curved displays which make use of light-emitting diodes for back-lighting, instead of cold
cathode fluorescent (CCFL) back-lighting used in LCDs. LED monitors are said to use much lesser
power than CRT and LCD and are considered far more environmentally friendly.

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 The advantages of LED monitors are that they produce images with higher contrast, have less
negative environmental impact when disposed, are more durable than CRT or LCD monitors, and
features a very thin design. They also don’t produce much heat while running. The only downside is
that they can be more expensive, especially for the high-end monitors like the new curved displays
that are being released.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Computer Monitor

 Size - The diagonal measurement of the screen

 Resolution - The number of pixels a monitor has to display an image.
 Aspect Ratio - ratio between the display area’s width and height.
 Backlighting - LED backlighting has become more commonplace with today’s computer
monitors.
 Video input - This really depends on the age of your computer. If it’s older, you’ll need an
analog, or VGA. Newer computer models use a digital connection for the monitor (e.g. DVI,
HDMI or Display Port). Most monitors come with one analog and one digital video input.
 Ergonomic flexibility - The stand the monitor sits on is almost as important as the technical
aspects described above.

o RAM specifications

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the internal memory of the CPU for storing data, program,
and program result. It is a read/write memory which stores data until the machine is working. As soon
as the machine is switched off, data is erased.

RAM is volatile, i.e. data stored in it is lost when we switch off the computer or if there is a
power failure. Hence, a backup Uninterruptible Power System (UPS) is often used with computers.
RAM is small, both in terms of its physical size and in the amount of data it can hold.

RAM is of two types

 Static RAM (SRAM)
 Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

Static RAM (SRAM)

The word static indicates that the memory retains its contents as long as power is being
supplied. However, data is lost when the power gets down due to volatile nature. SRAM chips use a
matrix of 6-transistors and no capacitors. Transistors do not require power to prevent leakage, so
SRAM need not be refreshed on a regular basis.
There is extra space in the matrix, hence SRAM uses more chips than DRAM for the same
amount of storage space, making the manufacturing costs higher. SRAM is thus used as cache
memory and has very fast access.

Characteristic of Static RAM

 Long life
 No need to refresh
 Faster
 Used as cache memory
 Large size
 Expensive
 High power consumption
Fig 1.2. 3 Static RAM

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Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

DRAM, unlike SRAM, must be continually refreshed in order to maintain the data. This is
done by placing the memory on a refresh circuit that rewrites the data several hundred times per
second. DRAM is used for most system memory as it is cheap and small. All DRAMs are made up of
memory cells, which are composed of one capacitor and one transistor.

Characteristic of Dynamic RAM

 Short data lifetime

 Needs to be refreshed continuously
 Slower as compared to SRAM
 Used as RAM
 Smaller in size
 Less expensive
 Less power consumption
Fig 1.2. 4 Dynamic RAM

There are multiple factors to take into consideration whenever you’re buying RAM. Namely, these
factors are:

 type of RAM
 RAM capacity
 RAM frequency

Double data rate (DDR) SDRAM specification

 DDR1
 DDR2
 DDR3
 DDR4

Fig 1.2. 5 Specifications of DDR RAM

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 RAM
Capacity

Fig 1.2.6 Basic Information about a Computer

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 o VGA and sound

Video card

Alternatively known as a display adapter, graphics card, video adapter, video board, or video
controller, a video card is an IC or internal board that creates a picture on a display. Without a video
card, you would not be able to see this page.

Many versions of Microsoft Windows automatically detect and install video card. Assuming
no video issues exist with the video card, can determine the video card is installed in the computer
by accessing the Device Manager.

Computer video card buying tips

 Connection
 Power supply
 Memory
 Price range
 Where to purchase

Other considerations
 Ports
 Chipset
 Size
 Warranty
 Support

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