Basic concepts of Information Technology -Hardware

Rasika Dayarathna

Information Technology
In simple terms, Information Technology is the use of computers and software to manage information. An umbrella term It includes hardware, software, communication technology, and the administration and use of computer systems.

Hardware
refers to the physical components of a computer. Parts that one can see and touch Some examples are CPU, keyboard, monitor, memory, cables, mouse, and printer.

Software
Refers to the programs that give instruction to the computer. The computer function according to these instructions. A program is a set of instructions that the computer obeys.

Types of computers
Mainframe - very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously. Supercomputers - advanced version of mainframe.

Mainframe computer

Personal Computer (PC)

Invented by IBM in 1981 PC compatible computer that are very similar but manufactured by other companies.
Similar to specification of PC

Apple computers
Apple Mac is a computer, but NOT a PC Different operating system Hardware add-ons

Laptops
Small portable computers Portability and a longer battery life Notebooks is a smaller version of laptops. Palmtops are even smaller version of computers. Laptops > Notebook > Palmtop >PDA

Notebook

PDA / Personal Digital Assistant

PDA / Personal Digital Assistant

A calculator, a clock and a calendar Access the Internet

Mobile phones (cell phones)

Mobile communication Text messaging, Emailing, Accessing the Internet May be locked by mountains, or even buildings. Satellite phones

Media players
Store digital music and video

Smartphones
Is a mobile phone with advanced computing ability and connectivity Include an operating system

Parts of a computer
Central processing unit (CPU) Types of memory The hard disk Input and output devices

Central processing unit (CPU)

Execute instructions in the program Brain of a computer Determines the speed of the computer CPU speed is measured by its MHz or GHz Control unit - loading and interpreting the individual instructions Arithmetic Logic Unit -carrying out arithmetic operations Registers Bus

Computer memory
RAM ROM Hard disks
Internal External

CDs CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) drive.

CD-ROM discs

DVDs - Digital Versatile Disk Recordable CDs, DVDs

 USB flash drives (memory sticks) Memory cards Flash memory cards Floppy disks (diskettes)

Memory (RAM)
RAM (Random Access Memory) Holds the current running program and its associated data Operating system is loaded into RAM All data is initially held in RAM Volatile More RAM -> Increase speed

ROM (Read Only Memory)

In the mother board Start-up routines boot-up process Performs self-diagnostic to check that the computer is working properly Non-volatile Cant change or delete Contains software to work with the operating system Copying operating system into RAM

Hard (Fixed) Disk

Fixed Contains
Operating system Application programs Data

Faster and larger than CD/DVD

Cache memory
High speed memory Holds very next instructions and data

Speed of a computer
CPU -megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz).
1 MHz = million cycles per second

Cache memory RAM Virtual memory disk access time Number of applications Graphics cards

Measuring computer memory

Bits individual ones (1s) and zeros (0s) Byte A set of eight bits
kB - kilobyte = 2^10 = 1 024 bytes approx - 1 000 bytes
Mb Megabyte = 2^20 =1 048 576 bytes approx. 1 000 000 bytes

Gb Gigabyte = 2^30 bytes approx. 1000 000 000 bytes Tb Terabyte = 2^40 bytes approx. 1000 000 000 000 bytes

Input/output ports
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port Serial Port Parallel Port Network Port FireWire Port

Input devices
Keyboard Mouse Scanners OCR Tracker balls Touch pad Joystick Webcams Digital cameras Microphones

Output devices
Monitor - cathode ray tube (CRT), Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) Flat screen What is meant by 17 inch screen Resolution

Printers Speakers Headphones Projectors Printers

Laser - toner cartridge Dot matrix Inkjet printers
toner cartridge

Printers
Dot matrix Initial cost Cost per page Speed High volumes Noise level Quality Print source Low Low Low No High Low Ribbon Inkjet Medium High Medium No Low Medium Ink Laser High Medium High Yes Low High Toner