Activity 1.

1: A Closer Look At Hardware

Gerrit Lipiec Mr. Predovich
1. What is a computer? What is the difference between a computer and a
computer system?
What a computer is: an electronic device used for storing and processing
data. A computer is a multi-purpose machine that can carry out different
functions with ease. It can be used for work, fun, and other very useful things.
The difference between a computer and a computer system is for example; a
computer is basically a tool, something that can manipulate things to make it
work. What a computer system is: the hardware and technology inside the
machine. It is what makes the computer work. Its what contains the
software, and other stored data. (E.g. programs, work, and passwords)
2. Explain the difference between the following terms: input, output processing
and hardware.
Inputs meaning is to provide or give the computer something, however,
Output means anything that comes from a computer. Processing is an
instance where a computer program is actually running. And so, Hardware is
a collection of physical elements makes the computer system. So basically
Input means in and output means out and Processing is completing the
task and Hardware is what supports the processing to complete it.
3. What are peripherals? Give 3 examples.
A peripheral is a device that can be connected to a computer. In technical
terms an Auxiliary Device. One example of one is a mouse, as it is
connected into the computer so you can move the cursor. A second is the
keyboard, as it is connected to allow typing. And finally headphones, they
allow the user to listen to the sound coming from in the computer, in a more
compact way.

4. Create a web that shows how the components inside a computer connect to
one another. Begin your web with the motherboard in the centre.

5. Think of both a computer and a person as information-processing machines.

Identify the four components of an information-processing device for both
and complete the following table.
Computer

Human

Input is done with

Input Unit, takes

information in.

Our ears, to take in

information

Storage is done with

Computers Storage
Hard drive

Our brain when we

remember things.

Information-processing
is done by

Computer Processor
Unit

Sensory Organs

Output is done with

Output unit,

Speaking, telling people

the information we know

(e.g. email )

6. Using Word, recreate the following table to record this information as shown
below.
a. Write the definition answering the following questions.
i)

What is it?

ii)

What does it do?

b. In the last column, include a photo of the Hardware. Be sure to cite your
work.
Hardware

CPU

Definition
It is the brain of
your computer.
The CPU of your
computer is
what handles
all the
instructions you
give.

Image

Hard Drive

The Hard Drive

is what stores
information. It
houses the hard
disk, where all
the files are
physically
located.

RAM

RAM is random
access memory.
When you load
a website, it
uses memory to
display the site.
(e.g. keeps
website when
you open a new
tab )

ROM

ROM is ReadOnly Memory. It

keeps all your
storage when
your computer
is off.
(Unlike RAM,
where it deletes
that
information)

Expansion
Slot

This is where
an expansion
card can be
inserted. It
allows more
data to be
stored within
the computer.

Video Card

A video card is
a printed circuit
board thats
inserted into
the computer to
control output
to a display
screen.

Sound Card

A sound card is
a device
inserted into
the computer
system to allow
the use of audio
components.

BUS

A BUS is a
communication
device that
transfers data
between
components
inside a
computer.

CD-ROM
Drive

A CD ROM drive
is a device in
the computer
that can take in
and play discs
that are
inserted into it.

7. For this question you will be demonstrating the cost of saving for a variety
of storage devices by completing the chart below. You will need to
research your information by using an online catalogue from a computer
or office-supply retailer.
Storage Device

Cost To Purchase
One Device

Total Storage
Capacity (in GB)

Cost For 1 GB of
Storage (divide
total cost by total
number of GBs.)

Hard Drive

$109.99

2000 GB

$0.05

CD-ROM

$39.99

8.5 GB

$4.70

DVD

$39.99
(pack
of 15)

USB Flash Drive

$74.99

25 GB
(1 DVD)

$0.10
(I
divided 39.99 by
15, then found
the price per GB)

64 GB

$1.17

a. Which storage device is the most expensive to purchase? Which is the

least expensive?
When looking at high expenses, the Hard Drive is the most expensive
($109.99). In terms of least expenses, Id pick the DVD set of 15, because
youre getting more for your money compared to the CD-ROM.
(DVD Set of Fifteen = 25 GB per disc > CD-ROM = 8.5 GB)
b. Which storage device is the most expensive for 1 GB of storage? What is
the least expensive?
The most expensive storage device for 1 GB of storage is the CD-ROM,
because it can only handle 8.5 GB at once (compared to Hard Drive).
However, the least expensive storage device for 1 GB is the Hard Drive,
because you only pay $0.05 per 1 GB.
c. How are your answers for questions 1 and 2 different? Why do you think
that is?

In question 1, the most expensive device was the Hard Drive, but in
question 2 the most expensive device would be the CD-ROM. The least
expensive device varied as well, because is question 1 the least expensive
device was the DVD Set, but in question 2 it was the Hard Drive. I think
the questions vary because in question 1, the prices were according to the
entire price altogether (e.g. plastic, shipping, and materials); however in
question 2 the prices were according to worth per 1 GB. Also, the make of
each device can also drastically change the price; for example, a USB key
can have very significant price differences, just because of the brand.
8. Explain the difference between RAM and ROM.
The difference between RAM and ROM firstly, is that RAM is Random
Access Memory, and ROM is Read-Only Memory. RAM is the memory
available for the operating system so it can be used to run programs and
processes while the computer itself running. ROM, however, is the
memory that is pre-written to hold booting instructions and other saved
data when the computer is off. ROM is permanent (unless selected piece
of data is deleted) and RAM is not.
9. Describe the difference between operating systems and application
software.
The difference between operating systems (OS) and application software
is that OS is for example, Windows or Apple. Application software is
different programs that someone can use. A few examples of which would
be: Microsoft Office, photo shopping programs, or anti-virus applications.
So basically, whatever application software you acquire can be added to
the operating system to be used.
10.Discuss the common features of current graphical interfaces.
A graphical interface is a program that can make use of the computers
graphic capabilities. Some common features that a graphical interface
(GUI) let you change are: pointer, pointing device, icons, desktop, and
menus. Altering some of these things can make your computing
experience easier than without, by allowing the changing of these features
to your personal preferences.