Hardware

• Hardware


  The physical components of a computer system
• Input


  • Data and instructions
• Output


  • What the computer produces as the results of its processing
• Storage


  • Devices and media that store data and programs
• Health and environmental issues

  • Concerns related to computer use and ways to address them
• Test and improve


  • Reviewing and enhancing understanding of the module content
• Keyboard


  The most commonly used input device
• Useful keyboard shortcuts


  • F1 - Help
  • Esc - Cancel choices
  • Windows key + E - File Explorer
  • Windows key + D - Desktop
• Print Screen key


  Takes a 'photo' of everything displayed on the screen and copies it to the clipboard
• Clipboard


  An area in memory where text and other objects that have been copied are temporarily stored
• Mouse actions


  • Click - Select an option or object
  • Double-click - Start a program or open a file/folder
  • Right-click - Open a pop-up menu
  • Drag - Select and drag an object
  • Scroll - Use mouse wheel to scroll
• Keyboard and mouse combinations

  Pressing Shift, Alt and Ctrl can change the meaning of a mouse click
• Ports


  • Sockets used to connect peripherals to the computer
• Plug-and-play


  Operating system automatically detects and configures a device plugged into the computer
• Wireless mouse and keyboard

  • Use short range radio waves (usually Bluetooth) to communicate with the computer
• Advantages of wireless devices

  • Less clutter
  • Wider range of movement
• Disadvantages/limitations of wireless devices

  • Require batteries
  • Slightly more expensive
  • Can be easily removed and stolen
  • Can have wireless signal interference
• Monitor size


  Measured diagonally in inches, from one corner to the other
• Monitor resolution


  Number of pixels (small dots) used to form the screen image
• Graphics card


  Specialized circuitry that generates the image displayed on the monitor
• Monitor response time


  The time it takes to change a pixel from one colour to another, measured in milliseconds
• Monitor connection types


  • VGA (old standard)
  • HDMI
  • DisplayPort
  • Thunderbolt
  • USB (for specialized monitors)
• Printer types


  • Inkjet - spray microscopic dots of ink
  • Laser - work like a photocopier
• Printer installation


  Connecting the printer via USB port and setting it as the default printer
• Printer queues


  Where you can cancel, pause or restart printing jobs
• Storage device


  CD/DVD drive
• Storage medium


  CD/DVD
• Storage has a much larger capacity than memory because it has to keep all your data and programs - even the ones you are not using right now
• Storage units


  • 1 kilobyte (KB) = 1024 bytes
  • 1 megabyte (MB) = 1024 KB
  • 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1024 MB
  • 1 terabyte (TB) = 1024 GB
• Hard drives


  • Internal hard drive stores all programs and data, measured in GB or TB

  External/portable hard drive is USB connected and gets power from PC
• Flash drives


  Use electronic memory to store data, powered via USB port, listed as 'Removable Disk'
• RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)


  Using ergonomically designed keyboards can help prevent RSI
• Ergonomics


  The study and design of the workplace and equipment for the comfort and safety of people
• Health tips for using computers

  • Use ergonomically designed equipment
  • Sit correctly
  • Adjust height of seat and table
  • Adequate lighting and ventilation
  • Mouse and keyboard within easy reach
  • Monitor at correct level and distance
  • Take regular breaks
• Green computing


  • Switch off unused devices, avoid wasting paper, repair/upgrade old hardware, recycle consumables
• Question 8 - the meaning of 'specification' is the exact description of an item or the parts it is made up of