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Hardware

grade 8 cambridge ict notes

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11 views2 pages

Hardware

grade 8 cambridge ict notes

Uploaded by

akaisham444
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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1.

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer or electronic device, including the
keyboard, monitor, and processor.

2. The motherboard is the main circuit board in a computer. It houses essential components like
the CPU, RAM, and connectors for peripherals such as hard drives and graphics cards. It acts as a
central hub, facilitating communication between all parts of the computer. Without it, the
computer wouldn't function. Think of it as the backbone of the system, providing the
infrastructure for all other components to connect and interact.

3. RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a type of computer memory that temporarily stores data
that the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is actively using. It's like a workspace where the CPU can
quickly access information to perform tasks. Unlike storage devices like hard drives or SSDs,
RAM is volatile, meaning it loses its data when the computer is turned off. The more RAM a
computer has, the more programs it can run simultaneously without slowing down, as it
provides quick access to data for the CPU. RAM plays a crucial role in determining a computer's
performance and multitasking capabilities.

4. ROM, or Read-Only Memory, is a type of computer memory that stores data permanently, even
when the computer is turned off. Unlike RAM, ROM is non-volatile, meaning it retains its
contents even without power. ROM is typically used to store firmware or software instructions
that are essential for the computer's operation, such as the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) in
PCs or the firmware in devices like smartphones and game consoles. Users cannot modify the
data stored in ROM, hence the term "read-only." It provides critical instructions for booting up
the system and initializing hardware components during startup.

5. The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is often considered the "brain" of a computer. It performs
the majority of the calculations and instructions needed to execute programs. It interprets and
executes instructions from software, performs arithmetic and logical operations, and
coordinates the activities of other hardware components. The CPU consists of multiple cores,
each capable of handling different tasks simultaneously, which improves overall performance.
CPU speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz), indicating how many cycles the CPU can execute per
second. It plays a crucial role in determining the overall speed and performance of a computer
system.

6. A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware component that allows a computer to connect to a
network. It facilitates communication between the computer and other devices or networks,
enabling data transmission. NICs typically have ports for Ethernet cables or wireless
connections, providing the computer with access to local area networks (LANs) or the internet.
They play a vital role in enabling network connectivity and are essential for accessing resources,
sharing data, and communicating over networks.

7. Graphics cards, or GPUs, process and render images for display. They're essential for gaming,
video editing, and 3D rendering, providing smooth, high-quality visuals. With dedicated memory
and processing units, they handle graphics tasks independently from the CPU, boosting system
performance for visual-intensive applications.

8. A sound card processes and produces audio for computers. It converts digital signals into analog
sound for speakers and can capture audio from microphones. It enhances sound quality and
enables features like surround sound, crucial for gaming and multimedia.

9. HDDs and SSDs are storage devices for computers. HDDs store data on spinning disks, while
SSDs use flash memory chips. SSDs are faster but more expensive, while HDDs offer larger
storage capacities at a lower cost.

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