MBE 13203

Information Technology in TVET

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Looking at Computers: Understanding the Parts
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Chapter Topics
Functions of a computer
Data versus information
Bits and bytes
Input devices
Output devices
Processing
Storage
Ergonomics
Computers are
Data Processing Devices
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A computers four major functions:
Gathers data (users input data)
Processes data into information
Outputs data or information
Stores data and information
DATA
IN
INFORMATION
OUT
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Data vs. Information
Data: Representation of a fact, figure, or idea
Information: Organized, meaningful data
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Bits and Bytes:
The Language of Computers
Bit
Binary digit
0 or 1
Byte
8 bits
Each letter, number,
and character is a
string of eight 0s and 1s
OFF
0
ON
1
Microchip
Switch
1 0 0 0 0 1 1
= 4
0
0 0 0 0 0 1 1
= A
0
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How Much Is a Byte?
Name Abbreviation Number of Bytes Relative Size
Byte B 1 byte Can hold one character of data.
Kilobyte KB 1,024 bytes (2
10
bytes) Can hold 1,024 characters or about
half of a double-spaced typewritten
page.
Megabyte MB 1,048,576 bytes (2
20
bytes) Can hold approximately 768 pages of
typed text.
Gigabyte GB 1,073,741,824 bytes (2
30
bytes) Approximately 786,432 pages of text;
500 sheets of paper is approximately
2 inches, so this represents a stack of
paper 262 feet high.
Terabyte TB 1,099,511,627,776 bytes (2
40
bytes) This represents a stack of typewritten
pages almost 51 miles high.
Petabyte PB 1,125,899,906,842,62 bytes (2
50

bytes)
The stack of pages is now 52,000
miles high, or approximately one-
fourth the distance from the Earth to
the moon.
Exabyte EB 1,152,921,504,606,846,976 bytes
(2
60
bytes)
The stack of pages is now 52 million
miles high, or just about twice the
distance between the Earth and
Venus.
Zettabyte ZB 1,180,591,620,717,411,303,424 bytes
(2
70
bytes)
The stack of pages is now 52 billion
miles high, some 20 times the
distance between the Earth and
Pluto.
Computer Hardware
Hardware: Any part of the computer you can
touch :
Input devices
System unit
Output devices
Storage devices

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Computer Software
Software: Programs that enable hardware to
perform different tasks
Application software
System software
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Types of Computers
Notebook: Portable computer
Desktop: Used at a single location
Mainframe: Supports hundreds of users
simultaneously
Supercomputer: Performs complex calculations
rapidly
Embedded: Self-contained computer performing
dedicated functions
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Input Devices
Devices used to enter data or
instructions into the computer
Keyboard
Mouse/pointing device
Microphone
Scanner
Digital camera
Stylus

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Keyboards
The QWERTY layout is standard on most PCs.
Enhanced keyboard features include number,
function, and navigation keys.
Notebook keys have alternate functions when
used in conjunction with the Fn (function) key.
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Specialty Keyboards
Virtual laser keyboard
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Configurable
keyboard
Mice
Optical mouse
Needs no mouse pad
Doesnt need cleaning
Trackball
Easier on wrists
Stays stationary on
desk
Wireless
Uses radio or light
waves
Integrated pointing
device
Touchpad
Trackpoint
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New Mouse Features
Magnifier
Customizable buttons
Web Search
File storage
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Other Input Devices
Game controllers
Touchscreens
Digital pens
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Image Input
Digital cameras, camcorders, and cell phones
Pictures
Video
Webcams
Live video
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Sound Input
Microphones are used for:
Podcasts
Video-conferencing
Internet phone calls
Speech recognition
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Input Devices for the Physically
Challenged
Visual impairments
Voice recognition
Keyboards with large keys
Touchscreen keyboards
Motor control issues
Special trackballs
Head-mounted devices
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Output Devices
Send processed data out of the computer
Monitors
Printers


Output devices make:
Soft copies (video, sounds, control signals)
Hard copies (print)
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Monitor Types
CRT (cathode ray
tube)
Uses much more space
Uses more energy
Offers better viewing
angles
Legacy technology
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LCD (liquid crystal
display)
Uses far less space
More energy efficient
Less viewable from an
angle
CRT Monitors
Uses picture tube technology
Screen size Diagonal measurement
of the screen (15, 17, 19, 21)
Resolution Sharpness of the image
determined by the number pixels
that the screen can display (800 x
600, 1024 x 768, 1600 x 1200)
Refresh rate Speed at which the
screen is refreshed (60Hz, 75Hz)
Faster rate equals less flicker.
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LCD Monitor Features
Screens are grids made up of millions of pixels
Each pixel is composed of red, blue, and green
subpixels
Liquid crystal is sandwiched between two
transparent layers to form images
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LCD Quality Factors
Resolution
Viewing angle
Contrast ratio
Brightness
Response time
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Screen Size
21 monitor
1680x1050 pixels
19 monitor
1440x900
1280x1024
Wide screen vs. standard 4:3 ratio
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Printers
Impact printers
Dot-matrix
Nonimpact printers
Inkjet
Laser
Specialty printers
All-in-one
Plotters
Thermal
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Nonimpact Printers
Inkjet
Less expensive device
Print high-quality color
images cost effectively
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Laser
More expensive device
Faster printing speed
Color lasers are
becoming less
expensive
Choosing a Printer
Speed (ppm)
Resolution (dpi)
Color output
Memory
Use and cost
Cost of consumables
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System Unit
Cabinet that houses all components
Motherboard
CPU
Memory modules

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System Unit
CPU
Motherboard
Memory
Module
The Motherboard
CPU
RAM
Expansion
cards and
slots
Built-in
components
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RAM vs. ROM
Random access
memory (RAM):
Stores instructions
and data
Temporary (volatile)
storage
Consists of several
memory cards or
modules
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Read-only memory
(ROM):
Stores start-up
instructions
Permanent storage
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Referred to as the brains of the computer
Controls all functions of the computer
Processes all commands and instructions
Can perform billions of tasks per second
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CPU Performance Measures
Speed
Megahertz (MHz)
Gigahertz (GHz)
Cores
Single
Dual
Quad
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Drive Bays
Internal drive bays:
Cannot be accessed from
outside the system
Are reserved for internal
hard drives
External drive bays:
Can be accessed from
outside the system
CD or DVD drives
Floppy and Zip drives
(legacy technology)
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Hard Drive
Permanent (nonvolatile) storage
Internal or external versions
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Optical Storage
Compact discs (CDs)
Digital video discs (DVDs)
Blu-ray discs (BDs)
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Flash Drives/Flash Memory
Flash drives (jump drives)
Newer storage alternative
Plug into USB ports


Flash memory cards
Slide into slots in the system
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Types of Ports
USB
Serial and parallel
Audio and video
FireWire
Connectivity
Ethernet
Modem
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Adding Ports
Expansion cards:
New port
standards
Expansion hubs:
Enable several
devices to be
connected to a port
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Power Controls
Power-on button: Turns on system; should not
be used to turn it off
Called a cold boot when turned on for the first
time that day
Other options:
Sleep mode
Hibernate
Warm boot
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Setting It All Up: Ergonomics
Ergonomics: minimizing injury or discomfort
while using the computer
Steps to follow:
Position monitor correctly
Use adjustable chair
Assume proper position
while typing
Take breaks
Ensure adequate lighting
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Chapter 2 Summary Questions
What exactly is a computer, and what are its four
main functions?
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Chapter 2 Summary Questions
What is the difference between data and
information?
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Chapter 2 Summary Questions
What are bits and bytes, and how are they
measured?
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Chapter 2 Summary Questions
What devices do I use to get data into the
computer?
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Chapter 2 Summary Questions
What devices do I use to get information out of
the computer?
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Chapter 2 Summary Questions
Whats on the motherboard?
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Chapter 2 Summary Questions
Where are programs and information stored?
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Chapter 2 Summary Questions
How are devices connected to the computer?
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Chapter 2 Summary Questions
How do I set up my computer to avoid strain and
injury?
Searching and Presenting (groups)






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