Hardware LEARNING UNIT 1

Learning Unit 1 – Hardware

1.1 – Types of Computer

1.2 – Types of mobile computers

1.3 – SOHO

1.4 – The Motherboard

1.5 – ROM Chips

1.6 – RAM Chips

1.7 – The CPU

1.8 – Expansion Ports and Slots

1.9 – The Power Supply Unit

Checkpoint 1

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Click icon to add picture

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Types of
Computers
 Microcontrollers
 Servers

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 Microcontrollers
 Integrated circuit that provides a specific operation  Micocontrollers are found in a lot of devices:
usually in an embedded system.
 Photocopiers, scanners, printers, smart meters,
 Embedded system – a system part of a larger system. wearable devices,ATMs, mobile devices, security
systems, ovens, refrigerators, televisions, and
 Microcontroller includes the following: lawn-watering systems.
 Processor

 Memory

 Programmable Input/Output (I/O) pins – to

connect to peripherals

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 Systems On a Chip (SOC)

Examples: Raspberry Pi and Arduino board

Includes a microprocessor
Click icon and
to addhave
pictureports such as USB and
Ethernet.

Can also provide a SD card slot to store the OS and applications.

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Servers
• Powerful and central computer in a network that contains
collections of data and programs.
• Servers are computers that provide services or resources to
other computers (clients) that are linked in the network.
• These services include:
• Printing, email and connection to the internet.
• Servers are more powerful than PCs and typically have:
• dual power supply, RAID disk systems, multiple CPUs and
large amount of memory (RAM).
• Examples of servers:
• Print servers, File servers, Email servers and Proxy servers.

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Dedicated device

• Dedicated devices, such as Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs), GPS (Global Positioning System)
devices and household appliances like microwave ovens and washing machines, are designed to
perform just one specific task.
• These devices are not computers.
Click icon to add picture

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Mobile
Computers
 Laptops/Notebooks/Netbooks
 Smartphones, Phablets and
Tablets
 Wearable Computers
 Features of Mobile computers
 Limitations of Mobile computers

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Mobile/Portable Computers
• Mobile computing is technology that allows the transmission of data, voice and video via a computer or
any other wireless enabled device without having to be connected to a physical link.
•Multi-purpose devices as it can perform different functions.
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Laptops/Notebooks/Netbooks

• These devices are similar as they use the same basic parts:
• Screen
• Keyboard
• Connected by hinges
• The main difference is their size.
• These devices are battery powered, portable and connect wirelessly to the Internet or provide an
Ethernet port to connect to a network using a cable.

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Power Settings
• Want mobile devices’ battery power to last • Specifying that the computer should
as long as possible before recharging. conserve power by starting to ‘sleep’ or
hibernate when it has not been used for a
• Need to save as much power as possible to
period of time, e.g., 20 minutes.
promote green computing.
• Setting the brightness of the screen to
• OS provides power schemes or settings to
reduce power consumption.
allow you to control how your computer
manages its power. • Choosing a balance between power
consumption and performance. Saving
• These settings include:
power usually decreases the performance
of your system.

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Smartphones, Phablets and Tablets
• Mobile devices perform many functions of both a phone and a computer.

• This is called convergence.

• Convergence is when multiple devices and technology is combined into a single device.
• Phablets is the name given for large screen smartphones.
• Smartphones and tablet devices usually have a touchscreen interface, Internet access and an operating system capable of running
downloaded apps.
• Smartphones can also make telephone calls.
• Smartphones have the following:
• OS, Large colour / touchscreens, built-in data modem, GPS, front and back facing digital cameras, Wi-Fi, speakers and microphone,
accelerometer, etc.
• Mobile operating systems include, IOs and Android
• Wireless (Wi-Fi) and cellular data connectivity (e.g. 3G and 4G/LTE).

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Hybrid laptops/tablets
• Trend to include touch screens in • Downside of hybrids:
laptops/notebooks.
•Weigh more.
• Combine the touch screen with a hinge (to
•Shorter battery life.
swivel the screen 360 degrees) – or to
remove the screen completely. • Don’t usually contain built-in cellular
• So, allowing the device to be used communication.
as a tablet.
• More powerful than conventional tablets
and run a full desktop OS.

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Wearable computers

• Any small technological device capable of storing and processing data that can be worn on the body.
• Examples include:
• Smart watches
• Head mounted display Click icon to add picture
• Fitness trackers
• Sports’ tracking systems

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• Apple Watch, Huawei watch,
Samsung Watch, etc.
• A wearable device that
resembles and functions as a
wristwatch.
• In addition to telling time, a
wearer can make and answer
phone calls from a connected
smartphone, read or dictate
email and text messages, listen
to music and perform other
tasks handled by a smart
phone.
Smart watches
• Functions of the device
depends on the type of device.

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Head mounted display
• Google Glass
• Wearable device that resembles a pair of
eyeglasses.
•These glasses can be operated by voice
command; display a map for driving
directions, have GPS, a camera and a
microphone.
•A wearer can connect with others via video
calls, send pictures and video clips, check
their email, post to Facebook and Twitter
and more.

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• Fitbit, Garmin, etc.
• Wearable device that
resembles a wristwatch.
•Sports watchers have GPS to
log the distance and time of
the wearer’s workout, record
the wearer’s heart rate, pace
and calories burned.

Fitness trackers

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Sports’ tracking systems
• Adidas miCoach Elite System.
•The sensor is fitted inside the athlete’s
clothing, the series of sensors and the GPS
tracks the wearer’s heart rate, distance,
speed, power, acceleration and, if required,
position on the field.
•This data is then wirelessly transmitted to a
central computer and sent to an iPad where
coaches and trainers can analyse the
information.

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Features of
Mobile
Computers
 Portability
 Connectivity
 Interactivity
 Individuality

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Portability

This means that devices

The ability for a user to
Click icon to add picture
are usually lightweight,
easily move the device compact and have a
to different battery that powers the
environments. device for several
hours.

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Connectivity
• THE ABILITY FOR THE DEVICE TO BE WIRELESSLY CONNECTED.

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• A user can easily share data
and collaborate with other
users.

Interactivity

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Individuality
• A user can adapt their mobile computing to their individual needs.

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Limitations of
Mobile
Computers
 Life Cycle
 Power
 Human interface with device
 Security issues
 Cost
 Connection speed
 Transmission interferences

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Life Cycle
• Devices can generally not be upgraded and have a short life cycle before a new device with better
features is available.

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Power

Click icon to add picture

MOBILE DEVICES RELY ON BATTERY BATTERIES USUALLY HAVE A LIMITED

POWER AND THE AVAILABILITY OF LIFECYCLE AND ARE USUALLY EXPENSIVE
CHARGING POINTS. TO REPLACE.

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Human interface with device
• Small screens and keyboards may make devices hard to use.

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Security issues
• DEVICE PORTABILITY MAKES THEM EASY TARGETS FOR THEFT OR LOSS.
• THEY ARE EASIER TO STEAL OR LOSE THAN DESKTOPS.

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Cost
• In SA devices and data roaming services can be expensive.

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Connection speed
• Internet access is generally slower than direct cable access.

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Transmission interferences

Click icon to add picture

Weather Geography Building materials can interfere

with signal reception

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SOHO
 Small Office Home Office

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Small Office / Home Office (SOHO)

Click icon to add picture

Refers to the small or home office Characterised by:
business environment.
A small size of office space.
In some cases, the workspace is designated
space in the business owner’s home.
Businesses consisting up to 10 people.

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Video

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The
Motherboard

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• Large piece of plastic upon
which all the components and
connections (buses) that make
up the computer, are mounted.
• Has a little quartz crystal clock
mounted on it which creates a
set of regular electrical pulses –
system clock.
•The computer uses these
pulses to synchronise all the
operations of the components
and devices connected to it. The Computer Motherboard
• Printed circuit board.

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ROM Chips

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ROM Chips
• Read Only Memory (ROM). • The unique characteristics of ROM are:
• Data stored in these chips is non-volatile.
•Used for permanently storing information.
• (Data is not lost even when the computer
•It is the memory containing the instructions does not have power)
that the computer uses when the computer • Data stored in these chips are either
boots up before the OS loads. unchangeable or requires a special operation
to change.
•In a computer, the instructions are read
from the program store in the ROM, called
the Basic Input Output System (BIOS).

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Types of ROM

• On a standard Read Only Memory (ROM) chip, the data cannot be reprogrammed or rewritten. If the
data needs to be updated, the chip must be removed and replaced with a new one.
• Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) chips can be bought inexpensively and coded by with a
special tool called a PROM programmer orClick
PROM burner.
icon to add picture
• Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM) chips can be reprogrammed many times. The
chip must be removed from the motherboard and all the data must be completely erased before the
new data can be stored on the chip using a special tool called a PROM programmer or PROM burner.
• Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) chips do not have to be removed
from the motherboard to be rewritten and the entire chip does not have to be completely erased to
change a specific portion of the data stored on it. Changing the data does not require any special tools.

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RAM Chips

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• Random Access Memory
(RAM).
• RAM memory modules are
found in desktop and laptop
computers, tablets,
smartphones and other
devices, such as printers.

RAM Chips

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Characteristics of RAM

• Data stored in these chips is volatile – data is only stored while the device is turned on. When device is turned
off data stored on RAM us erased.
• A Dual In-Line Memory Module (DIMM) is a small circuit board that holds RAM memory chips on the
motherboard.
Click icon to add picture
• In tablets and smartphones, RAM is typically integrated and therefore cannot be removed or upgraded.
•The amount of RAM a computer has impacts the speed of the computer’s processing ability.
•With more RAM, the less the CPU must read data from slower secondary memory (Storage device), allowing
the computer to process instructions faster.
•RAM capacity is measured in GB and its speed in MHz or GHz.
•When a device is restarted, the OS and applications are loaded into the RAM, followed by their associated
data.

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Types of RAM

• Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) “synchronizes” the memory

• Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) speed with CPU clock speed. SDRAM avoids any delay
caused by refreshing the memory, by synchronising the
retains its data as long as there is power. refresh when there is no request for data.
Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) • Single Data Rate Synchronous DRAM (SDR SDRAM)
requires that the memory must be constantly processes one read and one write instruction per clock cycle.
refreshed or it will lose its contents. DRAMClick
is icon to add picture
• Double Data Rate Synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM)
often referred to as DDR SDRAM: processes two read and two write instructions per clock
cycle. Each upgrade to DDR SDRAM runs at higher clock
speeds, has greater memory capacity and lower power
consumption: DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4.
• Graphics Double Data Rate Synchronous DRAM (GDDR
SDRAM) is specifically designed for video graphics
rendering. Each upgrade to GDDR SDRAM has improved
performance and lower power consumption: GDDR2
SDRAM, GDDR3 SDRAM, GDDR4 SDRAM, and GDDR5
SDRAM.

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 SRAM VS DRAM
SRAM DRAM
Used mostly for cache memory Used mostly for standard memory

Uses transistors to store data Uses capacitors to store data. Capacitors need to be refreshed

Larger in physical size than DRAM Smaller in physical size than SRAM

Faster reading and writing to memory than DRAM Click icon to add
Slower reading and writing to memory than SRAM
picture
More expensive than DRAM Cheaper than SRAM

Requires constant power supply DRAM uses less power

Products using SRAM: Products using DRAM

• CPU cache • System memory
• Hard drive buffer/cache • Video graphics memory
• Digital-to-analogue converters (DACs) on video cards

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CPU

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 The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Computer component responsible for • CPUs are small and square and contain
interpreting and executing the instructions it multiple metallic connectors or pins on the
receives from hardware and software. underside.
• Modern CPU chips contain more than one core.
•The CPU is inserted directly into the CPU
• Each core is a separate processor that can socket, pin side down, on the motherboard.
process its own set of instructions and data.
• The speed at which the CPU can execute
• Intel and AMD manufactures processors for
instructions is known as the processing
desktops, laptops, and servers.
power or speed of the CPU and is given in
• While Apple, NVIDIA and Qualcomm units of GHz.
manufactures processors for smartphones and
tablets.

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Components of the CPU

• The Control Unit (CU) extracts instructions from memory; decodes and executes instructions, calling on
the ALU when necessary.
• The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is a digital circuit that performs arithmetic and logical operations.
• The Registers are used by the CPU to store Click
theicon to add picture
current instruction. Registers are different to the RAM of
the computer which stores ALL the applications and data that the user has loaded. Registers are made
out of SRAM, which is much faster than RAM, made out of DRAM. Each instruction (which is part of an
application), with its data, sent to the CPU one by one and is stored in the registers.
• Cache Memory (L1), also made out of SRAM, is used by the CPU to store the set of instructions and data
that will be needed by the CPU. Instead of the CPU accessing slower RAM, the CPU can access the faster
L1 cache reducing the delay each time instructions and data need to be fetched from RAM.

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The Machine Cycle
• The Cycle the CPU follows to process each • FETCH the program instruction: The next
instruction one by one. instruction is fetched from cache or RAM.
• 4 Steps: • DECODE the program instruction: The
• Fetch instruction is decoded by the CU into a form
• Decode the ALU can understand.
• Execute • EXECUTE the program instruction: The
• Store instruction is carried out by the ALU.
• STORE the result: The processed data from
the executed instruction is stored in the
registers or RAM.

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Cache Memory
• High-speed SRAM that is placed between • Cache is organised in levels:
the CPU and RAM. • Level 1 (L1), built into the CPU and runs at the
same clock speed as the CPU. It is the most
• Characteristics of Cache: expensive of cache memory and has a very small
• Can be accessed faster than RAM, therefore capacity (about 32KB). L1 is private cache for
cache memory increases a computer’s each core. L1 is SRAM.
performance. • Level 2 (L2), is built into the CPU, although not
• Is used to store program instructions and as close to the core as L1 cache. L2 is less
data that are used repeatedly in the expensive and has a larger capacity (about 256
KB) that L1 cache. L2 is private cache for each
operation of programs or information that
core.
the CPU is likely to need next.
• Level 3 (L3), a separate chip on the
• Has a very small capacity, which is measured
motherboard between the CPU and RAM. L3
in KB or MB. cache is cache that is shared between cores and
has a much large capacity (about 2 MB).
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Cache Memory

• The easiest way to consider the different levels of cache is to consider each type as a kind of
“half-way house” for the data on the transfer from RAM to the CPU.
•The closer to the CPU it is, the faster and more expensive it is.
•The concept of caching is often used in computer, the idea of using a faster device that is faster
Clickto
than a slower device to speed up access icon to add
data picture
is used in disk cache, web cache and browser
cache.

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Expansion Ports
and Slots

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Expansion Slot

A slot is mounted directly onto the motherboard and allows a user to

connect a board or card (daughter board) directly onto the motherboard.

Click icon to add picture

This is an internal connection.

New cards must be inserted when the computer is switched off to prevent
damage.

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Expansion port

A port is an external connection.

It allows the user to connect a device on the outside of the computer

case.
Click icon to add picture

This port then connects to the motherboard through either a card

mounted in a slot or built-in circuitry.

This is an indirect connection.

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SATA Ports
• Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
(SATA).
• Computer communication bus interface
that connects storage devices to the
motherboard.
• Can connect HDDs; optical drives and SSDs
to the ports using SATA cables.
•SATA devices are hot swappable – device
can be removed or installed without
switching off the computer.

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Non-Volatile Memory Express
• NVMe
• Computer communication bus interface
that connects SSDs to the motherboard.
•The bus allows SSDs to read/write at much
higher speeds than via a SATA
communication bus.

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M.2 Format
• SSDs and HDDs are both secondary storage • M.2 cards include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
that permanently store applications and data. radios and SSDs.
• SSDs are much faster than HDDs. •The M.2 slot can use any of the following
• Because of the increase in speed of SSDs and communication buses:
the decrease of size (2.5 inches), the SATA • SATA 3.0
interface was becoming too slow and bulky. • PCI Express (PCIe) 3.0
•The M.2 format is designed to allow installation • USB 3.0
of a variety of high-speed devices that require • NVMe
very little power, in small spaces.

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Graphic Cards
• Translates the information that the • An integrated or onboard GPU does not
computer is working on into images and have its own RAM, it uses RAM of the
sends them to a display. computer to store information it needs to
process and is built into the motherboard.
• The more powerful the Graphics
Processing Unit (GPU), the faster images • Integrated graphic cards are cheaper and are
can be displayed, and the better the visual ideal for watching or editing videos, 2D
experience. gaming and general word processing.
•Dedicated or discrete GPUs are designed for
3D gaming or professional graphic design.
• A dedicated GPU has its own video memory
(GDDR SDRAM) and does not use RAM of the
computer.

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PSU

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The Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• Converts electricity, Alternating Current
(AC) into low-voltage Direct Current (DC)
power for the components of the computer.

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Checkpoint 1
PAGE 12 AND 13
The role and
value of ICT in
the workplace

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How ICT influence one’s life and life styles
• Jobs we do
• Way we store and watch photographs
• Way we entertain ourselves
• Way we shop and do banking
• Way we communicate
• Way we interact with friends
• Way we obtain and use information

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How ICT influence one’s life and lifestyles
Communication ‘Over-availability’

Social networking sites

Instant messaging

‘Blog’ and e-mails

Always available – never switched off!

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How ICT influence one’s life and lifestyles
Access to information

 TV/
Radio
Information
• Find quickly
E-mail

• Determine if
source reliable
• Analyse and

 Cellphone
calls
summarise
WWW 
SMS /
MMS
 80
How ICT influence one’s life and lifestyles
Leisure
• Movies, music and printed media available via Internet
• Video on Demand –from online storage
• Internet TV not using radio signals
• Online travel bookings
• Online computer games
• Fitness programs in front of TV with gaming console

QUICK
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REVISION
So what role does ICT play in the
workplace?
• Work wherever we have access to computer (and internet).
• Communicate more effectively.
• Store and process vast quantities of data to make more informed
decisions.
• Identify and adapt to changing trends (e.g. sales).
• Perform tasks that are difficult or dangerous for humans to do.

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So what role does ICT play in the
workplace?
• Perform repetitive mechanical actions with consistent quality.
• Empower individuals (smaller companies that make effective use
of ICT can compete globally).

ICT allows us to do all these things more quickly and with less
manpower.

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So what role does ICT play in the
workplace?
Also a negative role…
• Requires constant upgrading of skills, hardware and software.
• Smaller pools of highly-skilled ICT workers replacing large numbers
of staff.
• ICT employees working longer hours to meet the expectations of
customers.

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CAT – the most
valuable subject!

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CAT – the most valuable subject!
Use
computers
to solve
problems

CAT
teaches
you to:
Use
computers to Easily learn
study and/or to use new
do research software

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CAT – the most valuable subject!
Fashion,
game or web
page
designers
Doctors,
Accountants paramedics
and nurses

Careers

Photographers
DJs and
and movie-
musicians
makers
Social media
to advertise
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 ICT is important in virtually any
job you can think of.

 You need to be able to source

and process data and present
information as quickly and as
accurately as possible.

 You need to be able to choose

and use the right ICT tools for
the job at hand.

Taking CAT was the best

decision you could have
made!
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Protecting your
information

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The theft of hardware is not just about the cost of replacing the
hardware

• Data stored on the computer or device may not be backed

up.

• Information might be private or sensitive.

• Information increasingly stored on portable devices.

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Hardware theft and protection

• Record the serial numbers of your hardware.

• Cable locks to chain equipment to a solid object.

• Lockable cabinets (with ventilation) for system units (‘boxes’).

• Motion sensors with an alarm which detect when a computer

is moved.

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Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
• Protects computer against power surges

• Provides power to the computer(s) connected to it as soon as the power goes

out
• This give the user time to save their work and shut down the computer
properly to prevent data loss.
• This will not keep your computer running during a long power outage.

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Worksheet
COMPLETE IN BOOK

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