COMPUTER HARDWARE

IF YOU WERE TO GO AND BUY A COMPUTER

TODAY, WHAT WOULD YOU CARE ABOUT?
• Memory (RAM, or Random Access Memory)
• Secondary storage (hard drive)
• CPU (processor) speed
• Number of processors
• Other?
HARDWARE TERMINOLOGY

• Memory
• Capacity measures in bytes (8 bits) (kB, MB, GB, TB, PB)
• Secondary Storage
• Also measures in bytes
• Processor
• Measured in Hertz (kHz, MHz, GHz)
• Some have multiple “cores”
PERIPHERALS AND OTHER STUFF

• Peripherals
• Things attached to the computer for different purposes (display, mouse, keyboard, speakers,
CD/DVD, Hard/Flash drive, SSD)
• Handle Input and Output

• Laptop vs. Desktop

• Daughterboard? Graphics Cards, modems, other special-purpose pieces

MORE TERMINOLOGY

• Software vs. Hardware

• Storage options
• Magnetic, optical, flash
• Volatile vs. Non-volatile
INSIDE A COMPUTER
IF A COMPUTER WAS THE HUMAN BODY

Computer Human Body

Central Processing Unit Brain
Random Access Memory Short-term Memory
Hard-drive Long-term Memory
Display Face / Body
Mouse / Keyboard Five Senses
BRING TO CLASS TOMORROW…

• The specs of the computer that you most commonly use

• Collect data about:

• Laptop vs. Desktop, Primary Use, Operating System
• CPU, Amount of RAM, Type/Amount of Storage
IN-CLASS EXERCISE (ROLES)

• Form a group of three people you don’t know well and designate:
1. A Speaker
• Speaks for the group to the class
2. A Recorder
• Records what the group’s answer is
3. A Manager
• Makes sure that the group stays on task, the work is divided equally and that one person
does not dominate the discussion or responses
DISCUSSION: COMPUTER SPECS…

What are the specs for the computer you most

commonly use?

(Hand in before you leave)