Chapter 2

Hardware
 Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this chapter, you
will be able to:
• describe information systems hardware;
• identify the primary components of a
computer and the functions they perform;
• explain the effect of the commoditization of
the personal computer
 Hardware Defined
• Digital devices that you can touch:
– Desktop computers
– Laptop computers
– Mobile phones
– Tablets
– E-readers
– Storage devices such as USB drives
– Input devices such as keyboard, mouse, scanners, or stylus
– Output devices such as printers and speakers
• Digital devices process electronic signals in 1’s and 0’s
– The physical parts of a computing device
Understanding Binary

• Binary:
 Moore’s Law

• The number of
transistors on a
chip will double
every 2 years.
• Or…The amount
of computing
power will double
every 2 years.
 PC Components
Components of a PC:
• Circuit board – also known as the motherboard that holds
the CPU, memory, and storage components
• CPU (central processing unit) – carries out the commands
sent to it by the software and returns results
– Faster is better
• Memory – temporary working area called random-access
memory (RAM)
– Applications are loaded into RAM to run faster
– When computer is powered off, the RAM is cleared
– Bigger is better
 Chapter 2: Hardware
RAM

CPU and Water Block

Radiator and Cooling Fans

Motherboard Removable Media

Hard Disk and

Sound Card
Solid State Drives
Graphics Card

Power Supply Case with Wiring

 PC Components continued
• Storage – longer, permanent storage of data
– Hard disk – permanently affixed to motherboard using
cables???
– Removable media – USB drives that can be connected and
removed for use on a different computer
– Bigger and faster is best
• Input/output devices – allows the addition of devices for
input and output purposes via ports on the motherboard
or today by USB
– Keyboard for entering data
– Printer for printing output
 Other Computing Devices
• Portable computers
• Smartphones
• Tablets
• Mobile devices such as fitness trackers
• Medical devices such as a
pacemaker/defibrillator
• Everyday items – the Internet of Things
 Types of Wiring
• Wire Type – Port Type – Connected Event
o CAT5 – Ethernet Port – Network/Internet to
Computer
o Serial ATA – SATA Port – Motherboard to Disk
Drives
o USB Cable – USB Port – Peripherals to Computer
o HDMI – HDMI Port – High quality graphic displays
(Monitors) to Computer
Sidebar: How can I make my
computer fast?
• RAM (Random-access Memory)
• CPU (Central Processing Unit)

SPEED
Other Computing Devices

• Portable Computers
• Smartphones
• Tablet Computers
• Mobile Devices

• Integrated Computing
• Transportation: Cars/Planes/Motorcycles
• Appliances: Refrigerator/Thermostats
 Wired and Wireless Connectivity
• Wired devices have limited mobility because
they must be directly connected via a wire to
the network (either a closed network or the
internet)
• Wireless devices have portable connectivity
when paired with services like 3G/4G or Wi-fi
Commoditization of the Personal Computer

• PC is a commodity
– Little differentiation between computers.
– Primary factor that controls their sale is the price.
– Hundreds of manufacturers world-wide create parts for personal
computers.
– Low profit margins on PCs push manufacturers to seek the lowest-
cost manufacturing.
• Apple
– No open standards.
– Unique product, not easily copied.
– Apple can charge more.
– Differentiation strategy. (more in Chapter 7.)
Cloud Computing

• Makes powerful portable

computing possible by
utilizing cloud services
• Cloud services remove the
burden of storage and
operational ability from
your device
• Potential for security
issues as your documents
are stored on a server
E-Waste

• What is it?
o Cell phones
o Remote Controls
o Cables and Wires
o Cartridge Games
o Consumer Electronics
• Hazardous Waste
E-Waste Continued

• Who is it hurting?
o Effects on Global Communities
• What do we do with it?
• Where do we recycle?
o www.epa.gov
o www.earthday.org
 Summary
• Described different types of hardware (more in
networking);
• Showed the primary components of a
computer and the functions they perform;
• Explained the effect of the commoditization of
the personal computer.