INFORMATION SHEET 1.

1-3
Basic terms, concepts, functions and characteristics of PC hardware
components
Learning Objective:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to define and identify the
basic terms and concepts of the PC hardware components.

Computer System Defined:

 A computer is a data processing device made up of electronic and
electromechanical components that can perform computations, including
arithmetic and logical operations
 Is a programmable device which can perform many day-to0day functions
like simple to complex calculations, writing letters, drawings, crating
greeting cards, playing songs or videos and much more.

Computer Hardware Defined:

 Is the physical part of a computer, including the digital circuitry, as
distinguished from the computer software that executes within the
hardware.
 The hardware of a computer is infrequently changed, in comparison with
software and data, which are “soft” in the sense that they are readily
created, modified or erased on the computer.

The Three Stages of Computing

a. Input - retrieves data from an outside source and brings it into the
computer for processing.
b. Processing- processing device takes information and alters it in some
useful manner.
c. Output - an output device takes the altered information and stores or
displays it.

TYPES OF COMPUTERS
 Computers are categorized from the largest and most powerful to the
smallest and least powerful.

1. Supercomputers - The fastest type of computer, are very expensive and are
employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of
mathematical calculations. For example, weather forecasting requires a
supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers include animated
graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, and
petroleum exploration.
 2. Mainframes - A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting
hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously.
Mainframes are just below supercomputers but in some ways,
mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because
they support more simultaneous programs.

Picture - Mainframe Computer Room

Note: The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is

that a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few
programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to
execute many programs concurrently.

3. Minicomputers - A midsized computer. In size and power, minicomputers

lie between workstations and mainframes.. But in general, a minicomputer
is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200
users simultaneously.

4. Microcomputers - The term microcomputer is generally synonymous with

personal computer (PC), or a computer that depends on a microprocessor.
Microcomputers are designed to be used by individuals, whether in the
form of PCs, workstations or notebook computers.

Two Types of Microcomputer

1. Personal Computers - Desktop, palmtop, laptop or notebook computer or
pocket pc.

Personal Desktop Laptop Palmtop Pocket PC

Computer Computer
 2. Workstation - more powerful desktop machine that do more complex work
usually connected to a larger computer system via a communication link.
- a desktop computer that has more powerful processor,
additional memory and enhanced capabilities for performing
group of special task such as game or 3D Graphics enhanced
development.

Interconnected (Networked) High-Performance Microcomputer

Computer Used in a field of engineering
or graphics

Two Basic Parts of a Computer System

1. Hardware - is the equipments that includes the computer itself, keyboard,
monitor, printer and other devices attached to the computer.
 The electronic components of a computer system that can be seen or
touched

2. Software - is a general term used to describe a collection of computer

programs, procedures and documentation that perform some tasks on a
computer system. The term includes application software such as word
processors which perform productive tasks for users, system software such
as operating systems, which interface with hardware to provide the
necessary services for application software, and middleware which controls
and co-ordinates distributed systems.
Four Basic Hardware Components
1.Input Hardware
2.Processing Hardware
3.Output Hardware
4.Storage Hardware

Four Basic Hardware Components

I. Input Hardware
- consist of devices for entering data into the computer system in the form
that can be processed by the computer. They are the keyboard and non-
keyboard devices.
- Any hardware component that allows you to enter data, programs,
commands and user responses into the computer.

Example of Input Hardware:

1. Keyboard
 2. Scanning device

Bar code reader Mark/Character Reader

Card reader

Fax Machine Image scanner

3. Voice-input device

4. Pointing device

Mouse Trackball Touch Screen

Touchpad Light Pen Digitizer pen-based

system
II. Processing Hardware
 Comprised the electronic circuitry inside the cabinet of the computer itself.
Its function is to retrieves, interprets, and executes software instructions.

Most Common Components of Processing Hardware

1. Central Processing Unit(Microprocessor or Processor)

CPU Chip CPU Socket

2. Main Memory(RAM)

3. The System Unit of a Microcomputer

The System Unit of a Microcomputer

  PC Case - is the metal box that all parts of the computer fit
inside. It provide protection and the ability to
customize your PC.
 PC Cooling System - is the process of removing heat from computer
components.
 Power Supply - provides electrical power to all components in the
system
 Motherboard - is an electronic circuit board that contains the
CPU, memory and other basic electronic
components.
 Microprocessor - is a general-purpose central processing unit on a
silicon chip
 RAM - Random access memory. Fast-access memory that
is cleared when the computer is powered-down.
RAM attaches directly to the motherboard, and is
used to store programs that are currently running
 ROM - Read only memory. Data can be retrieve but the
contents cannot be change by the user.
 Expansion cards and slots- are circuit boards added inside the system
cabinet which give the computer additional
options. Slots are sockets on the motherboard into
which expansion cards may be plugged.

COMMON TYPES OF CPU

1. Land Grid Array (LGA)is a physical interface for microprocessors of the
Intel
 Pentium 4 and AMD Opteron families. Unlike the pin grid array (PGA)
interface found on most AMD and Intel processors, there are no pins
on the chip; in place of the pins are pads of bare gold-plated copper
that touch pins on the motherboard.

2. Pin Grid Array (PGA)

 A feature of a CPU socket whereby the pins are aligned in uniform rows
around the socket
 The fundamental operation of most CPUs, regardless of the physical form
they take, is to execute a sequence of stored instructions called a program.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

 The memory holds "short term" information for the processor to use. This
may be a program, or a set of data. The processor is able to retrieve
information from the RAM at very high speeds. When the processor needs
information that isn't in the RAM, it has to read the information from the
hard drive, which is much slower.
 The more RAM the better, as it makes the whole system run faster.

- The RAM modules are slotted into the RAM slots, which are located next to
the processor socket on the motherboard.

- DDR2 models are the newest type of RAM. It doubles the speed of data transfer
between the RAM and CPU compared to the old DDR model. The more RAM the
better; this is especially true when running operating systems such as Windows
XP.

There are generally two broad

categories of random access memory:

DRAM memories (Dynamic Random Access Module), which are inexpensive. They
are used essentially for the computer's main memory

SRAMmemories (Static Random Access Module), which are fast and costly. SRAM
memories are used in particular for the processor's cache memory.

Operation of Random Access Memory

 The random access memory comprises hundreds of thousands of small

capacitors that store loads. When loaded, the logical state of the capacitor is
equal to 1, otherwise it is 0, meaning that each capacitor represents one
memory bit. Given that the capacitors become discharged they must be
constantly recharged (the exact term is refresh) at regular intervals, known
 as the refresh cycle. DRAM memories for example require refresh cycles of
around 15 nanoseconds (ns)

RAM Module Formats

Modules in SIMM format (Single Inline Memory Module): these are printed circuit
boards with one side equipped with memory chips. There are two types of SIMM
modules, according to the number of connectors:

oSIMM modules with 30 connectors (dimensions are 89x13mm) are 8-bit

memories with which first-generation PCs were equipped (286, 386).

oSIMM modules with 72 connectors

(dimensions are 108x25mm) are memories able to store 32 bits of data
simultaneously.

 Modules in DIMM format (Dual Inline Memory Module) are 64-bit memories,
DIMM modules have memory chips on both sides of the printed circuit board
and also have 84 connectors on each side, giving them a total of 168 pins. In
addition to having larger dimensions than SIMM modules (130x25mm), these
modules have a second notch to avoid confusion.

Smaller modules also exist; they are known as SO DIMM (Small Outline DIMM),
designed for portable computers. SO DIMM modules have only 144 pins for 64-
bit memories and 77 pins for 32-bit memories.

Modules in RIMM format (Rambus Inline Memory Module, also called RD-RAM or
DRD-RAM) are 64-bit memories developed by Rambus. They have 184 pins.
These modules have two locating notches to avoid risk of confusion with the
previous modules.
- As for DIMMs, smaller modules also exist; they are known as SO RIMM (Small
Outline RIMM), designed for portable computers. SO RIMM modules have only 160
pins.
Types of DRAM

DRAM EDO (Extended Data Out, sometimes also called hyper-page") was
introduced in 1995. The technique used with this type of memory involves
addressing the next column while reading the data in a column. This creates an
overlap of access thus saving time on each cycle. EDO memory access time is thus
around 50 to 60 nanoseconds for operating frequency between 33 and 66 Mhz..

SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM), introduced in 1997, allows synchronized reading of

data with the mother-board bus, unlike the EDO and FPM memories (known as
asynchronous) which have their own clock. The SDRAM thus eliminates waiting
times due to synchronization with the mother-board. This achieves a 5-1-1-1
burst mode cycle, with a gain of 3 cycles in comparison with the RAM EDO. The
SDRAM is thus able to operate with frequency up to 150 MHz, allowing it to
achieve access times of around 10 ns.

DR-SDRAM (Direct Rambus DRAM) is a type of memory that lets you transfer data
to a 16-bit bus at frequency of 800 MHz, giving it a bandwidth of 1.6 Go/s. As
with the SDRAM, this type of memory is synchronized with the bus clock to
enhance data exchange. However, the RAMBUS memory is a proprietary
technology, meaning that any company wishing to produce RAM modules using
this technology must pay royalties to both RAMBUS and Intel.

DDR-SDRAM (Double Data Rate SDRAM) is a memory, based on the SDRAM

technology, which doubles the transfer rate of the SDRAM using the same
frequency.
Data are read or written into memory based on a clock. Standard DRAM memories
use a method known as SDR (Single Data Rate) involving reading or writing a piece
of data at each leading edge.

DDR memories generally have a product name such as PCXXXX where "XXXX"
represents the speed in Mo/s.
DDR2 (or DDR-II) memory achieves speeds that are twice as high as those of the
DDR with the same external frequency.
QDR (Quadruple Data Rate or quad-pumped) designates the reading and
writing method used. DDR2 memory in fact uses two separate channels for
reading and writing, so that it is able to send or receive twice as much data as the
DDR.
DDR2 also has more connectors than the classic DDR (240 for DDR2 compared
with 184 for DDR).

III. STORAGE HARDWARE

 also called secondary storage that stores data permanently

Example of Storage Hardware

1. Floppy Diskettes - is a thin plastic disk that can be
magnetically coded with data. It
comes with two sizes: the 3 ½ inch
and 5 ¼ inch disk.

2. Hard Disk - consist of a rigid disk permanently

installed inside a hard drive. Is a non-
volatile storage device which stores
digitally encoded data on rapidly
rotating platters with magnetic
surfaces.

3 Optical Disk - A storage medium from which data is read and to which it
is written by lasers. Optical disks can store much more data
-- up to 6 gigabytes (6 billion bytes) -- than most portable
magnetic media, such as floppies. There are three basic types
of optical disks:

CD-ROM : Like audio CDs, CD-ROMs come with data already encoded
onto them. The data is permanent and can be read any
number of times, but CD-ROMs cannot be modified.
WORM : Stands for write-once, read -many. With a WORM disk drive,
you can write data onto a WORM disk, but only once. After
that, the WORM disk behaves just like a CD-ROM.
Erasable: Optical disks that can be erased and loaded with new data,
just like magnetic disks. These are often referred to as EO
(erasable optical) disks. .

IV. OUTPUT HARDWARE

 are devices that display the information processed by the computer in a
form that people can understand.

Two Forms of Output Hardware

1. Softcopy
 2. Hardcopy

Softcopy Output Hardware

1. Monitors

Two Main Types

Cathode-ray tubes - The cathode ray tube (CRT) is a vacuum tube

containing an electron gun (a source of electrons) and
a fluorescent screen, with internal or external means
to accelerate and deflect the electron beam, used to
form images in the form of light emitted from the
fluorescent screen. The image may represent electrical
waveforms (oscilloscope), pictures (television, computer
monitor), radar targets and others.

Flat screen/Flat panel displays - encompass a growing number of

technologies enabling video displays that are lighter
and much thinner than traditional television and video
displays that use cathode ray tubes, and are usually
less than 4 inches (100 mm) thick.

2. Voice output device

3. Sound output device

Hardcopy Output Hardware

 1. Printers

2. Plotters- are specialized output devices designed to produce high-

quality drawings and complex engineering design.

Pen plotters – used colored pens to draw on paper

3. Computer Output Microfilm

 Self –Check 1.1-3

Enumeration

1. What are the three (3) stages of computing?

2. Two basic part of a computer system

3. Four Basic hardware components of a computer

4. Examples of an Input Hardware, name at least 3

5. Examples of an Output Hardware, name at least 3

 Answer Key
Self –Check 1.1-3

1. a. Input
b. Processing
c. Output

2. a. Hardware
b. Software

3. a. Input Hardware
b. Processing Hardware
c. Output Hardware
d. Storage Hardware

4. a. Keyboard
b. Card Reader
c. Mouse

5. a. Monitor
b. Speaker
c. Printer