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Computer Hardware Design

The document discusses the main hardware components of a personal computer. It describes the central processing unit (CPU) as the "brains" of the computer that processes instructions and data. The motherboard contains most essential components and connects other parts like memory, storage devices, and input/output ports. Common storage devices include hard drives for permanent storage and RAM for temporary memory. Key input devices are keyboards, mice, and cameras to provide instructions and data to the computer. Output devices like monitors, printers, and speakers display the information processed by the computer.

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439 views24 pages

Computer Hardware Design

The document discusses the main hardware components of a personal computer. It describes the central processing unit (CPU) as the "brains" of the computer that processes instructions and data. The motherboard contains most essential components and connects other parts like memory, storage devices, and input/output ports. Common storage devices include hard drives for permanent storage and RAM for temporary memory. Key input devices are keyboards, mice, and cameras to provide instructions and data to the computer. Output devices like monitors, printers, and speakers display the information processed by the computer.

Uploaded by

api-356800314
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PERSONAL COMPUTER

HARDWARE DESIGN AND COMPONENTS

Images from: pixabay.com


COMPUTER HARDWARE

Each
component,
or part, of a
computers
hardware has
a purpose.
HARDWARE CATEGORIES
HARDWARE CATEGORIES
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)
The brains inside the box and other stuff
A central processing unit (CPU) is
the brains of the computer. It
interprets computer program
instructions and process data.

The CPU is typically one of the


larger chips on the main computer
board, or motherboard.
CPU

Motherboard
HOW FAST IS MY COMPUTER?
A CPUs speed is determined by two main factors:
1) How fast it runs each instruction (clock frequency)
2) How much it remembers at one time (cache memory)

The higher these values, the faster the computer.


MOTHERBOARD
Most of the essential components are built
onto the main circuit board.
Other components and external devices are
typically attached via edge connectors and
cables.
memory/storage
video/sound cards
keyboard/mouse
networking
HARDWARE CATEGORIES
STORAGE
Saving information to use later on
TYPES OF STORAGE DEVICES
Storage Devices

Primary Secondary
Storage Storage

Read-Only
Memory (ROM)

Random-Access
Memory (RAM)
PRIMARY STORAGE
Memory directly accessible by the CPU (typically on the
motherboard).

ROM RAM
Read-only memory Random-access memory
cannot be modified. is the main memory used
This information gets the to store information.
computer started upon Information can be access
power up. in any order (random).
Data remains unchanged Information is lost when
even when power is power goes out.
turned off.
Typically can add more.
SECONDARY STORAGE
Memory that is not directly accessible by the CPU, unless
using input or output channels.

Hard Drive
Used to store data that is not in
active use.
Slower than primary storage.
Holds a lot more information than
primary storage (e.g., terabytes).
Data remains unchanged even
when power is turned off.

DVD Flash Drive


Memory
Card
HARDWARE CATEGORIES
INPUT DEVICES
How we tell the computer what to do
INPUT DEVICES
Keyboard Inputs text characters
and sends commands
to the computer

Mouse / A pointing device that


sends 2D position and
Trackpad movement information
to the computer, along
with mouse clicks

Scanner A device that captures


images and converts
them into digital
information
INPUT DEVICES
Microphone Converts sound into
electronic signals that
can be understood by
the computer

Web Cam A real-time camera to


capture images and
videos in a digital
format

Other Many other devices


can capture digital
information and then
transfer it to the
computer
Input devices allow us to tell a computer what to do
(i.e., programming) or send information to a program
someone else wrote.
HARDWARE COMPONENTS
OUTPUT DEVICES
Displaying what the computer knows
Unlike the characters
in The Matrix, we
cannot read the
information stored in
a computer unless it
is displayed for us in
a way we understand
(e.g., text, images,
videos, sounds).
OUTPUT DEVICES
Monitor Converts electronic
signals into text and
graphics that can be
understood by a
human

Printer Produces a hard copy


(permanent record) of
documents stored in
electronic form

Speaker Converts electronic


signals into sound that
can be understood by
a human
HARDWARE COMPONENTS

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