Intro to Information Technology

• Computer hardware is any physical parts or components that contribute to a computer system.
• Both desktop and laptop PCs include these types of hardware, though the size and type differ because of a laptop’s compact design.
• You can also check your hardware through your settings, or by physically checking the labels on the hardware.
• Crucial System Scanner or Crucial System Selector can provide upgrade options that will be compatible with your PC or motherboard.
• Hardware: Think of computer hardware as the parts of your computer that you can see and touch.
• These are the tangible components that are likely fitted together inside your computer case and installed with a screwdriver.
• Software: Computer software, on the other hand, is not something you can touch, but is defined as the programs you install on your computer, providing a set of instructions that tell your PC how to work.
• A computer will only function when both hardware and software are working together, with the system's speed largely determined by the hardware.
• When building or upgrading a new computer, you'll need to consider its specific hardware requirements.
• Your computer’s motherboard is the hub that connects all the other pieces of computer hardware, acting as the brain to allocate and coordinate power across all other components.
• If you're building a PC or looking to upgrade, it's crucial that you consider motherboard compatibility, as this will dictate much of what you'll be able to do.
• The motherboard determines which other hardware components can be used with your computer, such as storage devices that come in a 2.5-inch SATA SSD or an M.2 NVMe SSD form factor.
• When looking at a new motherboard, it's also advisable to check the number of USB ports and their grade (USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1)
• The GPU does precisely what its name suggests — it processes vast amounts of graphical data.
• A modern computer will generally need a PSU rated between 500 and 850W to effectively power all computer hardware.
• Computer RAM works closely with the CPU and temporarily stores information created by programs so that it's immediately accessible.
• Computers used for highly intensive tasks, such as graphic design or gaming, will require more powerful components and a bigger PSU.
• To check your hardware specs, you can use the System Information tool in Windows or the System Profiler in macOS.
• Random access memory (RAM) plays a vital part in many tasks, including rendering images for graphic design, editing videos or photographs, and multitasking with several apps or programs open.
• RAM is sometimes referred to as ‘volatile’ memory because this data gets erased every time your computer restarts.
• In a head-to-head, SSD vs HDD comparison, SSDs come out as the clear winner, primarily based on speed, durability, and power consumption.
• A dedicated graphics card connects with the motherboard via an expansion slot, so you can upgrade your graphics card if you want to improve gaming, video, or visual performance from your PC.
• Modern GPUs also provide additional computational workload beyond just rendering, making them an extension of the central processing unit.
• A power supply unit (PSU) takes electricity from an external power source or laptop battery and passes it to the motherboard to power individual hardware components.
• Solid State Drive (SSDs) are a newer type of drive that stores data on static NAND flash memory chips.
• It's best to check what display ports are used (HDMI, DVI, RGB) and how many there are.
• CPU stands for central processing unit, and it’s responsible for guiding your computer as it processes data, much like a brain guides a body.
• The speed at which a CPU processes data is known as ‘clock speed’, and is measured in gigahertz (GHz).
• A CPU advertising a high GHz rating will likely perform faster than others from the same brand and generation.
• Computer RAM works closely with the CPU and temporarily stores information created by programs so that it's immediately accessible.
• Computer RAM is sometimes referred to as ‘volatile’ memory because this data gets erased every time your computer restarts.
• Computer hardware is any physical parts or components that contribute to a computer system.
• You can also check your hardware through your settings, or by physically checking the labels on the hardware.
• Crucial System Scanner or Crucial System Selector can provide you with upgrade options that will be compatible with your PC or motherboard.
• Both desktop and laptop PCs include these types of hardware, though the size and type differ because of a laptop’s compact design.
• Hardware: Think of computer hardware as the parts of your computer that you can see and touch.
• These are the tangible components that are likely fitted together inside your computer case and installed with a screwdriver.
• Software: Computer software, on the other hand, is not something you can touch, but is defined as the programs you install on your computer, providing a set of instructions that tell your PC how to work.
• A computer will only function when both hardware and software are working together, with the system's speed largely determined by the hardware.
• When building or upgrading a new computer, you'll need to consider its specific hardware requirements.