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Chapter 06 The System Unit

Competencies
After you have read this chapter must be able to: 1. Discuss memory including RAM, ROM, and flash memory. 2. Discuss expansion slots and cards

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Memory

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Memory
Memory is Holding area for data, instructions, and information. Like microprocessor , Memory is contained on chips connected to the system board. Types of memory chips:
1) RAM (Random-access memory) Programs and data 2) ROM (Read-only memory) Fixed start-up instructions. 3) Flash memory Flexible start-up instructions.

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Memory
1) RAM: Random Access Memory (RAM) chips hold the program and data. Ram is called temporary or volatile because every thing in most types of ram is lost as soon as the microcomputer is turned of . Cache memory improves processing by acting as a temporary high-speed holding area between the memory and CPU. Other types of RAM
DRAM, SDRAM, DDR, Direct RDRAM.

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Memory
2) ROM: Read-only memory (ROM) chips are not volatile and cannot be changed by the user. CPU can read, or retrieve) (data and programs but the computer cannot write. Contain special instructions for basic computer operations.
Rom instructions are Needed to start a computer , to access memory, and handle keyboard input. Give keyboard keys their special capabilities Put characters on screen

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Memory
3) Flash memory: offers a combination of the features of RAM and ROM. Like ROM , it dose not lose that information when power to the computer system is turned off. Flash memory is used for a wide of range of applications. If changes are made to the computer system, these changes are reflected in flash memory.

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Expansion Slots and Cards

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Expansion Slots and Cards

Allows for new devices to be added
Slots provide for expansion.

Expansion cards are also called:

Plug-in boards Controller cards Adapter cards Interface cards
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Commonly Used Expansion Cards

The most expansion cards are: 1) Graphics cards 2) Sound cards 3) Network interface cards (NIC) 4) Wireless network cards 5) TV tuner cards 6) PC cards & Express cards

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Commonly Used Expansion Cards

The most expansion cards are: 1) Graphics cards:
Provide high quality 3D graphics and animation for games and simulations. accept audio input from microphones. And convert it into a form that can be processed by the computer. convert internal electronic signals to audio signals.so they can be heard from external speakers or home theater system.
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2) Sound cards:

Commonly Used Expansion Cards

The most expansion cards are: 3) Network interface cards (NIC): Also known as(Network adapter card):
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Used to connect a computer to a network. the Network adapter card typically connects the system unit to a cable that connects to the network.

The network allows connected computers to share data, programs, and hardware.

Commonly Used Expansion Cards

The most expansion cards are:
4) Wireless network cards: Allow computer to be connected without cables.
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Commonly Used Expansion Cards

The most expansion cards are: 5) TV Tuner Cards And Video Clips
Contain a TV tuner and video converter that changes a traditional TV signals into one that can be displayed on your monitor.
.

Allows you to view your favorite TV shows while running other applications such as Excel.

Video can be captured to a file, added to a Web page, attached to an email, or added to a class presentation. Inexpensive and easy to install.

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Plug and Play

Plug and play has become a generic term that is associated with the ability to plug any device into a computer and have it play or work immediately.
.

Creating devices that are able to configure themselves when installed

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Commonly Used Expansion Cards

The most expansion cards are: 6) PC cards & Express card slots: accept credit card- sized cards in notebook computers.

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