Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Professor Stefanelli
1/22/14
Can connect to your computer with a cable, transmit data wirelessly or transfer
data automatically through the Internet
Scanners can also input images; converts optical to digital
Microphones
Close talk, omnidirectional, unidirectional and clip on are examples
Fax
Combination scanner and modem
Sensors
Output- displays data and information in a form suitable for the user
*Converts digital to non-digital
Devices:
Monitors
Displays text, graphics, and video as soft copies
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is most common; light and energy efficient
Light-emitting diode (LED) are newer monitors that are more energy efficient and
have better color accuracy
Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays use organic compounds that
produce light when exposed to an electric current; brighter and more
environmentally friendly than LCDs
Aspect radio (the width-to-height proportion of a monitor) and resolution
(clearness of the image) affect the quality of an LCD monitor
Projectors let you project images from your computer onto a wall
Printers
Two primary categories of printers: inkjet and laser
Both are nonimpact printers, which spray ink or use laser beams to transfer marks
onto the paper
An impact printer has tiny hammer-like keys that strike the paper
Inkjet printers are popular because theyre affordable and produce high-quality
printouts quickly
Laser printers use laser beams to deliver toner onto the correct areas of the page
Laser printers are used in classrooms and offices
Wireless printers let several people print to the same computer from different
places
WiFi and Bluetooth are examples of wireless printers
All-in-one printer combines the functions of a printer, scanner, copier and fax into
one machine
A plotter prints oversize pictures that require the drawing of continuous lines
(maps)
Thermal printers work by melting wax-based ink onto paper by burning dots onto
specially coated paper
Speakers
Surround-sound speakers are systems of speakers and audio processing that
envelops the listener in a 360 degree field of sound
Motherboard- the main circuit board that contains the central electronic components of
the computer, including the computers processor (CPU) and its memory (RAM)
Devices:
Expansion Cards
Circuit boards that provide additional functionality
Provide a means for network and Internet connections
Typical expansion cards found in the system unit are sound and video cards
Sound Card provides a connection for the speakers and microphone
Video Card provides a connection for the monitor
Network Interface Card (NIC) enables your computer to connect with other
computers or to a cable modem to facilitate a high speed Internet connection
Memory
Random access memory (RAM) is the place in the computer where the programs
and data the computer is using are stored
RAM is a volatile storage location because the entire contents of RAM are erased
when the computer turns off
In addition to RAM, the motherboard contains a memory called read-only
memory (ROM)
It holds the instructions the computer needs to start up when its powered on
Processing
Central processing unit (CPU) controls all the functions performed by the
computers other components and processes all the commands issued to it by
software instructions
Processor speed is measured in units of hertz (Hz)
Current systems run at speeds measured in gigahertz (GHz), billions of machine
cycles per second
Extra Credit:
The microprocessor is a set of circuits that connect the rest of the computer to the CPU,
allowing the system to execute directions. Without it, the computer cannot function. It is
so advanced that it has become advantageous for manufacturers to utilize the
microprocessor in almost every part of the computer. An example is the Intel 8085,
introduced by Intel in 1977. It is an 8-bit microprocessor and didnt require much
hardware, thus allowing simpler microcomputers to be built. The memory on the Intel
8085 wasnt as great as newer microprocessors created by Intel. Another example of a
microprocessor is the Athlon 64, an eighth-generation, AMD64-architecture
microprocessor produced by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). The Athlon 64 features an
on-die memory controller. Not only does this mean the controller runs at the same clock
rate as the CPU itself, it also means the electrical signals have a shorter physical distance
to travel.