RAM (Random Access Memory)

Alternatively referred to as main memory, primary memory, or system memory, RAM (random access
memory) is a hardware device that allows information to be stored and retrieved on a computer.

The first form of RAM came about in 1947 with the use of the Williams tube.

The second widely used form of RAM was magnetic-core memory, invented in 1947 by Frederick Viehe

RAM as we know it today, as solid-state memory, was first invented in 1968 by Robert Dennard
Input / Output Devices

Monitor

 CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors

 LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors
 LED (light-emitting diodes) monitors

• Video graphics array (VGA)

• Digital visual interface (DVI)

• High-definition multimedia interface (HDMI)

• DisplayPort

KEYBOARD
Multimedia Keyboard Mechanical keyboard Wireless Keyboard Virtual Keyboard USB Keyboard
QWERTY Keyboard Gaming Keyboard

MOUSE

Mechanical mouse Optical mouse Infrared (IR) or radio frequency cordless mouse

A mouse with many buttons Trackball mouse Stylus mouse Cordless 3-D mouse
STORAGE DEVICES
Computer Hard Disk Drives
Computers rely on hard disk drives (HDDs) to store data permanently. They are storage devices used to
save and retrieve digital information that will be required for future reference.
Hard Drive Types
• Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment (PATA)
These drives utilize either a 40 or an 80 wire cable with a broad 40-pin connector
• Serial ATA (SATA)
SATA drives are more efficient, and use less power.
• Small Computer System Interface (SCSI)
Spin at 10,000 to 15,000 rpm.
• Solid State Drives (SSD)
Doesn’t use spinning disk uses semiconductors.
HARD DRIVE Controllers
HDC allows the computer or its processor to control the hard disk.

Different HDD types of Manufacturers

 Western Digital Hard Drives.

 Seagate
 Toshiba
 Fujitsu Hard Drives and RAID Servers
 Hitachi
 G-Technology
 Maxtor Types of Diskettes
 Quantum
 Single Sided
 Samsung
 Double Sided
 iOmega
 Micro Floppy
 Comparative Reliability
Networking
Networking is the practice of linking two or more computing devices together for the purpose of sharing data.
Networks are built with a mix of computer hardware and computer software.

BUS Topology
Connected to single cable and has exactly two end
points

RING Topology

Each computer is connected to another computer, with the last one connected to the first

STAR Topology

Computers are connected to a single hub through a cable

MESH Topology

All the network nodes are connected to each other

TREE Topology

Root node and all other nodes are connected

HYBRID Topology

Two different types of topologies which is a mixture of two or more

topologies