Introduction to Computing Moiz Shahid Lab Manual

Lab# 01
Introduction to Computer Hardware

Lab tasks:
1. What is meant by peripheral device? List the names of peripherals device.
2. Difference between Rom and Ram?
3. Explain Computer?

Q1. What is meant by peripheral device? List the names of peripherals device.
A peripheral device is an internal or external device that connects directly to a
computer or other digital device but does not contribute to the computer's primary
function, such as computing. 
Peripheral devices include the following:
 Mouse.
 Keyboard.
 Printer.
 Monitor.
 Webcam.
 Printer.
 Scanner.
 Speakers.
 External Drive.
 USB Flash Drive.
 CD-ROM.
There are several types of peripherals, although they’re commonly divided into three
broad categories: input, output, and storage devices.

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Department of Energy & Environment Engineering
Introduction to Computing Moiz Shahid Lab Manual

Q2. Difference between Rom and Ram?

The major differences between RAM and ROM are:

RAM ROM

Definition of RAM is Random Definition of ROM is Read-only Memory

Access Memory

Random Access Memory (RAM) is ROM is cheaper when compared to RAM.

expensive when compared to ROM

The speed of Random Access The speed of Read-only Memory (ROM) is slower when
Memory (RAM) is higher when compared to RAM.
compared to ROM

Random Access Memory (RAM) ROM has a lower capacity compared to RAM
has a higher capacity when
compared to ROM

Data in RAM can be modified, Data in ROM can only be read, it cannot be modified or
erased, or read. erased.

The data stored in RAM is used by The data stored in ROM is used to bootstrap the computer.
the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
to process current instructions

Data stored on RAM can be If the Central Processing Unit (CPU) needs to access the
accessed by the Central Processing data on ROM, first the data must be transferred to RAM,
Unit. and then the Central Processing Unit (CPU) will be able to
access the data.

Data of RAM is very volatile, it Data present in Read-Only Memory (ROM) is not
will exist as long as there is no volatile, it is permanent. Data will remain unchanged even
interruption in power. when there is a disruption in the power supply.

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Department of Energy & Environment Engineering
Introduction to Computing Moiz Shahid Lab Manual

Q3 Explain Computer?
A computer is a machine or device that performs processes, calculations and
operations based on instructions provided by a software or hardware program. It has
the ability to accept data (input), process it, and then produce outputs.
Computers can also store data for later uses in appropriate storage devices, and
retrieve whenever it is necessary.
Modern computers are electronic devices used for a variety of purposes ranging
from browsing the web, writing documents, editing videos, creating applications,
playing video games, etc.
They are designed to execute applications and provide a variety of solutions by
combining integrated hardware and software components.

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Department of Energy & Environment Engineering