WEEK 7 TERM 3 HARDWARE SPECS

Learning objectives

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to

 Identify the main hardware components of a computer system

 Explain the function of the component
 Select the most suitable components to create a computer system for a task based on its
features.

TERMS & DEFINITIONS

Computer hardware specifications are technical descriptions of the computer's components and
capabilities.
A hardware interface specifies the plugs, sockets, cables and electrical signals that pass through
each line between the CPU and a peripheral device or communications network.
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. It
helps end users access and use the functionalities of a computer.

RESOURCES- To learn more click on the links

Hardware Specs. https://www.driversupport.com/blog/support/ram-ghz-understanding-pc-specs-
for-beginners/
Ports https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_ports.htm
Peripherals https://www.techopedia.com/definition/2252/peripheral-device

IN CLASS TODAY!!!
Let’s watch the slideshare
ttps://www.slideshare.net/ynlhcadapan/ict-9-module-3-lesson-22-systems-specification

CLASS ACTIVITY
You can use this website to help you
https://www.lifewire.com/computer-hardware-2625895

For EACH component

 Find a picture
 State the features of the component
 State the function of the component

1. CPU (Central Processing Unit)

2. Motherboard
3. RAM (Random Access Memory)
4. HDD (Hard Disk Drive
5. SSD (Solid State Drive)
6. Graphics Card
7. Computer Monitor
8. Optical Drive CD/Blu-Ray
9. NIC
10. Sound Card
11. Hardware Interfaces- ports
12. Cables
13. Tower/Computer Case

E.g.

Component picture Function Features

 HDMI Cable High-Definition HDMI is capable of
Multimedia transmitting
Interface, HDMI is a standard, enhanced,
connector and cable and high-definition
capable of video signals, and up
transmitting high- to 8-channels of
quality and high- digital audio signals.
bandwidth streams
of audio and video
between devices.
The HDMI
technology is used
with devices such as
an HDTV, Projector,
DVD player, or Blu-
ray player.

ACTIVITY 2 30 MARKS- To be uploaded on Teams when completed

Locate online an advertisement for a PC, Laptop or Tablet. Screen shot the ad and paste it
below

Insert Advertisement here (2 marks)

Based on the advertisement above fill in the SPECS of the following devices following table
(16 marks)
CPU RAM HARD OTHER OPERATING DISPLAY INPUT OUTPUT
DRIVE SECONDARY SYSTEM SIZE DEVICE DEVICES
STORAGE

What do the following terms mean

i. RAM
ii. HDD:
iii. GB:
iv. GHz:
v. SDD
vi. CD-ROM
vii. DVD
viii. OS (8 marks)

On your computer there are connection ports where devices can be plugged into. What do the
follows acronyms mean relating to these ports
USB:
HDMI:
VGA:
WiFi:
(4 marks)
Due Monday 31st May, 2021
GOOD READ
The cost of hardware depends on its specification, which is determined by
some key components.
Central processing unit
The processor is the driver of the computer. Processors are usually
differentiated by speed, measured in gigahertz (GHz). The higher the GHz, Unknown Author is
the faster the computer will run. You should buy the fastest processor you can afford, but dual or
quad-core processors running at speeds of 2 GHz or above will normally be enough for most
business functions, eg word processing, spreadsheets and some multimedia. More CPU cores and
higher speeds improve processing throughput and therefore the perceived speed of the computer.

Click on link for types of processors

https://digitalthinkerhelp.com/what-is-processor-in-computer-definition-and-types-of-processor/

Random access memory (RAM)

The processor uses memory to run programs. Generally, the more RAM you have, the better
your computer will run when using several programs at once. Your computer should have
enough memory to make the most of the processor speed. To use multiple modern software
applications effectively, you should have at least 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM and preferably 8 GB
or above for more memory intense software applications, such as design, photography or video
editing.

Hard disk
The hard disk stores the data you create as well as the programs you use. A typical office
computer will have at least 500GB of hard disk space. Some new laptops and specialist
performance computers come with solid state drives (SSD). These drives are silent because they
have no moving parts and are five to eight times faster than the standard magnetic hard disk
drives used in most desktop computers. Although SSD can offer significant performance
advantages, the cost per GB of storage can be two or three times more expensive for the same
storage capacity. Even with a price premium for a SSD, given the performance advantage vs the
overall cost of a typical desktop or laptop, in most cases including a SSD is the best approach.

You can also use external plug-ins, such as USB memory sticks and portable external hard
drives, to supplement your computer's storage requirements.

Peripherals The monitor

The monitor is the computer's display screen.

Screen Features
Size Desktop screens are usually 15 - 23 in. by diagonal measurement.
(This is how TV screens are measured, too.) Larger sizes are available,
at a significantly higher cost.

Resolution Determines how clear and detailed the image is.

Pictures on a screen are made up of tiny dots.
 1 dot on screen = 1 pixel (from "picture element")
The more pixels per inch, the clearer and more detailed the picture.

One measure of this is the dot pitch, the distance between the dots that
make up the picture on the screen.

Type Old types = CGA, EGA, VGA

Current type = super VGA
Determines what resolutions are available and how many colors can be
displayed.

Type Stands for Resolution(s)

CGA Color Graphics Adapter 320 x 200

EGA Extended Graphics 640 x 350

Adapter

VGA Video Graphics Adapter 640 x 480

SVGA Super VGA 800 x 600, 1024 x 768, or 1280 x 1024

etc.

New systems now come with super VGA with a picture size of 800 x
600 pixels (as a minimum) and 16 million colors

Color

The number of colors displayed

can vary from 16 to 256 to 64 thousand to 16.7 million. The more
colors, the smoother graphics appear, especially photos.

The number of colors available actually depends more on the video

card used and on how much memory is devoted to the display. It takes
8 bits to describe 1 pixel when using 256 colors. It takes 24 bits per
pixel when using 16 million colors. So a LOT of memory is needed to
get those millions of colors. Video cards now come with extra memory
chips on them to help handle the load.