IC3 GS5

Certification Guide
Lesson 2: Hardware

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Lesson Objectives
• What is the Hardware?
• The Basics – What’s Inside?
• Identifying Types of
• Common Measurements Used Computers
in Computing • Connecting Peripherals
• Memory and Storage • Wireless Connection
• Measuring Capacity Technologies
• Measuring Frequency • Deciding What to Purchase
• Measuring Bandwidth
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What is the Hardware?
• Hardware are the pieces you can see and touch. Like: System
Unit, Monitor, and Keyboard.
• How to make the hardware useful.
• Device Drivers – software that allows your computer to communicate
with and control the devices connected to it
• Firmware – programmable logic embedded in a piece of hardware that
controls how the device functions
• Platform – the environment (created by hardware and operating
system) in which a program runs

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The Basics – What’s Inside?

Output Devices Processor/CPU Input Devices

Storage Devices Ex:

RAM & Hard disk

System board

Power Supply

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The Basics – What’s Inside?
• System board – printed circuit board that provides pathways for
communication among all the components and connected devices
• Processors(CPU) – the silicon chips that perform calculations and logical
operations in the computer.
• Input devices – these allow you to send information to the computer
• Output devices – these allow the computer to send information to you
• Storage devices – these include memory chips and other storage media
• Power supply – converts AC current from a wall outlet into low-voltage
DC power for the components.
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Memory and Storage
• Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Used for the temporary storage of information
• Can store data only while the computer is on
• Is provided through memory chips

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Memory and Storage
• Storage
• Software programs and user files must be stored on the computer
when they are not in use
• Local storage = devices inside or directly attached to your computer
• Remote storage = locations accessed over a network connection

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Memory and Storage
• Common Storage Devices include:
• Hard disks
• Flash drives
• Secure Digital (SD) cards
• Optical discs and drives

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Measuring Capacity
• Storage Capacity is the amount of space available to store data either
on disk or in memory.
• A bit is the smallest unit of data a computer can understand
• A bit can equal 0 or 1
• 8 bits = 1 byte
• one alphanumeric character requires one byte of space
• For Example the word Ahmed will need 5 Byte.
Bit 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1

Byte
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Measuring Capacity
• Measuring Capacity

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Measuring Frequency
• Measuring Frequency (speed of microprocessor CPU):
measured in Hertz (Hz)

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Measuring Bandwidth
• Measuring Bandwidth: is amount of data transferred from one
location to another. Measured in bps.

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Identifying Types of Computers
• Servers
• Support other computers
• Run specialized operating systems and software for providing
services
• Are not used for personal computing
• Are used mainly by IT personnel

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Identifying Types of Computers
• Desktop Computers
• Require peripheral devices (monitor, mouse, keyboard)
• Are not portable
• Run Desktop operating system

Windows compatible Desktop iMac Desktop

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Identifying Types of Computers
• Laptop (or Notebook) Computers
• Are self-contained (no peripherals required)
• Are portable
• Run Desktop operating system
• Can run on battery power and include a rechargeable battery.

Windows Laptop Apple MacBook

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Identifying Types of Computers
• Chromebooks
• Are specialized laptops designed to run cloud-based applications
• Run the Chrome OS operating system
• Are less expensive, more durable, and weigh less than standard laptops

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Identifying Types of Computers
• Tablets
• Usually run a mobile operating system
• Feature a Home screen
• Have high-resolution touch screens and good sound quality
• Are designed primarily for entertainment purposes

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Identifying Types of Computers
• Smart Phones
• Combine the features of a standard cell phone with those of a personal
computer
• Run a mobile operating system
• Come complete with touch screens, software, cameras, memory,
support for removable storage, and support for Wi-Fi connections

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Connecting Peripherals
• Peripheral devices attach to the PC through special sockets
called ports
Video ports Network ports Audio ports Universal Serial
Bus (USB) ports
allow you to connect allow your computer to (also called jacks) deliver allow you to attach a wide
monitors, projectors, and connect to a network sound from the sound variety of devices and can
TVs to display output card to external speakers also supply power
or headphones

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Connecting Peripherals
• USB Ports and Connectors
• Connect mass storage devices (Ex: Flash drives)
• Connect human interface devices (Ex: Mouse, Keyboard, joysticks, &
tablets)
• Can deliver power

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Connecting Peripherals
• Printers
• Printers connect to PCs
using:
• USB
• network connections (cable
or Wi-Fi)
• Bluetooth

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Wireless Connection Technologies
• To connect wireless peripherals you can use:
• Bluetooth
• Infrared
• Wi-Fi

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Deciding What to Purchase
• Determining the Purpose
• How will this computer be used and by whom?
• Desktop or notebook or netbook?
• Size of hard drive and RAM.
• Speed of processor (CPU).
• Selecting the Operating Platform
• Which is best for this environment and what is currently in use?
• Determining the Cost
• Looking at Support Options like warranty
• Warranty is a written guarantee, promising to repair or replace device if necessary
within a specified period of time.
• Useful life of new computer (minimum of two to three years).
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Lesson Summary
• What is the Hardware?
• The Basics – What’s Inside?
• Identifying Types of
• Common Measurements Used Computers
in Computing • Connecting Peripherals
• Memory and Storage • Wireless Connection
• Measuring Capacity Technologies
• Measuring Frequency • Deciding What to Purchase
• Measuring Bandwidth
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Review Questions
1. Which internal component performs calculations and logical operations?
a. Microprocessor c. System board
b. RAM chips d. Power supply
2. Why is RAM used for temporary storage?
a. It is not big enough to be used for permanent storage.
b. It disappears when the computer is turned off.
c. It is too slow to be used for permanent storage.
d. It wears out after a few uses.
3. Which of the following is likely to have the greatest internal storage capacity?
a. Chromebook c. Server
b. Tablet d. Smart phone
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Review Questions
4. Which of the following is a disadvantage of using a desktop PC?
a. It is not portable.
b. It probably does not have a lot of storage capacity.
c. It probably does not have a lot of RAM.
d. All of these are disadvantages of using a desktop PC.
5. Which of the following is a disadvantage of using a touch screen keyboard?
a. It becomes uncomfortable after a period of time.
b. It does not include symbols.
c. It does not include numbers.
d. All of these are disadvantages of using a touch screen keyboard.
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Review Questions
6. Muna is going to connect a printer to her laptop computer. Which type of port
is she likely to use?
a. A video port c. A USB port
b. An audio port d. There is no way to tell
7. Adam stores video files on a 1TB hard disk. Which computing device is he most
likely using?
a. A desktop c. A Chromebook
b. A tablet d. A smart phone

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