CSC 201 Chapter 2- Hardware, Fall 2001

Notre Dame University Hardware – Slide No. 1 - CHAPTER 2 – Hardware Notre Dame University Hardware – Slide No. 2 Central Processing Unit Notre Dame University Hardware – Slide No. 3 Understand the Term Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Know What the CPU Does • The CPU is the brains within your computer. – It performs most of the calculations within the computer and is responsible for the smooth running of your operating system (Microsoft Windows) as well as your application programs, such as word-processors, spreadsheets and databases. – It is divided into 2 logical parts: • CU (Control Unit) • ALU (Arithmetic/Logic Unit) Notre Dame University Hardware – Slide No. 4 Input Devices Notre Dame University Hardware – Slide No. 5 Devices for Inputting Data • The Mouse – Used to ‘drive’ Microsoft Windows • The Keyboard – The keyboard is still the commonest way of entering information into a computer • Tracker Balls – an alternative to the traditional mouse and often used by graphic designers Notre Dame University Hardware – Slide No. 6 Devices for Inputting Data • Scanners – A scanner allows you to scan printed material and convert it into a file format that may be used within the PC • Touch Pads – A device that lays on the desktop and responds to pressure • Light Pens – Used to allow users to point to areas on a screen • Joysticks – Many games require a joystick for the proper playing of the game Notre Dame University Hardware – Slide No. 7 Devices for Inputting Data • Voice Input for PCs – Such as Microphone. • Web Cams – For sound and Video communication. • Digital Cameras – To store pictures digitally on disks. Notre Dame University Hardware – Slide No. 8 Output Devices Notre Dame University Hardware – Slide No. 9 Common Output Devices • VDU (Visual Display Unit) – The computer screen is used for outputting information in an understandable format for humans – Things to consider in screens: • Normal vs. Flat Screens • Size (diagonally) • VGA (256 colors, 640x480 dots max.)”VIDEO GRAPHIC ARRAY” • SVGA (more colors, higher resolution) • XGA (even higher resolution) • Graphics for games. • Computer presentation Projection Devices. Notre Dame University Hardware – Slide No. 10 Common Output Devices • Printers – There are many different types of printers. (Dot Matrix, Laser, Inkjet, DeskJet, Bubble Jet) – In large organizations laser printers are most commonly used due to the fact that they can print very fast and give a very high quality output. – Things to consider in printers: • Resolution • Resolution Image Enhancement • Printer Memory • Duplex Printing • Cost of printer peripherals (Toners) Notre Dame University Hardware – Slide No. 11 Common Output Devices • Plotters – A plotter is an output device similar to a printer, but normally allows you to print larger images. • Speakers – Enhances the value of educational and presentation products. • Speech synthesisers – Gives you the ability to not only to display text on a monitor but also to read the text to you