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What is computer hardware?

The machines, wiring, and other physical components of a computer or other electronic system. The 5 main categories of hardware are: Input, CPU, Output, Storage Devices and communication devices.

Input
Input devices take an input from the user and put it into the computer. Examples of these devices are: Mouse This is a pointing device that allows you to select and click on items on the screen (mainly used in PCs) Microphone A sound input device that inputs a sound wave into the computer

Output
Output devices are devices that display something or create a physical item from an input. Examples of these are: Monitor this is a screen that displays items. Printer this gives a physical copy (mainly in the form of ink on a page) to the user.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)


A CPU is the processor of the computer, this converts an input to an output. Examples of these are: Motherboard these are mainly found in PC systems, and are quite powerful. Microchip these are scaled down motherboards and arent as powerful. These are mainly used in small devices like phones.

Storage Devices
Storage Devices are devices that store data, ready to be used by the system. Examples of this include: Hard Drive Disks (HDD) These are mainly found in big systems like PCs and store vast amounts of data. They have a spinning disk that reads/writes via a needle. Memory Chip These are for just small amounts of memory and are often found in small devices like speakers.

Communication
Communication Devices are devices that the system uses to communicate with other devices. Examples of these include: Wi-Fi Card These are cards that go into computer systems that have Wi-Fi access. These communicate and send/receive data from a router. Router These are network communication devices that house networks.

Virtual Memory
Virtual memory is very important as it can speed up the computer significantly, as a computer can only have a certain amount of physical memory, whereas virtual memory can expand the memory available to speed up the system. The processor decides when this memory is needed, and thus can assign a certain amount of physical memory to store data on, this amount can be set by the user in most systems How changes in memory leads to innovative computer designs Systems with more memory can run faster, store more data and process more tasks at once. This can lead to better program design, better graphics, and more uses of the modern computer system.

Cache Memory
Cache This is smaller, faster memory, that the computer stores its data that it needs to be easily accessible. Cache can get clogged up however, with unused data being left there, can often slow your computer down, so it is important to clear the cache every now and again if you can (usually available on smart devices, like PCs, smartphones, smart TVs, iPods/iPads etc), as this can have a significant affect on the computers speed.

Buying RAM
RAM is super-fast memory that the computer stores all its open files and programs on. With no ram your computer cant start.When upgrading RAM you Must make sure you have compatible RAM to work with your computer. A good place to start is fairly reliable place to start is www.crucial.com, where you can download a free program which will scan your computer and find out the type you need. Then shop around, and find a good type that is compatible. For example, with my ASUS N53J laptop, I needed some Corsair DDR3 RAM, which I bought for about 30 for 8Gb, so it isnt too pricy and can make a significant difference to the speed of your computer. Generally desktops can have more RAM that notebooks, and they have more that netbooks, then tablets, phones and so on.

What Is Memory?
Memory simply is the place where the computer stores its data. It is fairly Compatible, much more so that RAM, and is readily available from most computer/hardware shops. It often comes in big amounts, in the hundreds of Gigabytes and even in the Terabytes. You can generally get a 1TB Hard Drive for about 65, however, if you want a super fast hard drive, get a SSD (Solid State Drive) which has no moving parts, that also substantially increases battery life of a portable computer. This will cost a substantial amount depending on the size. Flash memory is slower memory, generally used in tablets, phones and memory sticks, these come in smaller amounts from small (MBs) to bigger (hundreds of GB). The hard drives can easily be bought and they fit most computers however internal flash is much harder to replace. Be warned to copy the whole of your old hard drive to the new one before replacing, or the computer wont start.

What Is ROM?
ROM (Read Only Memory) is memory usually used for firmware and files that a company does not want to be edited or updated regularly, such as an operating system. As the name suggests, ROM can only be read, and not changed, although some allow slight changes through an electronic device. Things such as a CD ROM, literally means a CD drive that cannot write to the disc.

Software Utilities Activity

Antivirus
Antivirus software is an operating system add-on which protects the computer from malicious computer viruses which can corrupt data. They scan all the computers files for viruses and alert the sure and delete the corrupted files. Good antivirus software will scan all downloaded content before you can open it. Typical examples include: Webroot SecureAnywhere antivirus is a fast and compact yet effective piece of software, typically costing 29.99 RRP AVG Antivirus Free is a free antivirus program that does basic virus scanning and management Lookout mobile security is a free android app that scans files regularly and blocks viruses and spyware Spyware Protection Spyware protection blocks malicious software that tracks information you input, such as key strokes or form data. There are 4 main types: system monitors, Trojans, adware, and tracking cookies. Adware gets information from the user to give more relevant ads, usually for more money. Tracking cookies track the users IP address, for example for time restrictions on multiple download servers. Typical examples include: PC tools spyware Dr is a paid piece of software that protects the user from spyware. It costs 17.94 on Amazon 1-2-3 Spyware Free is a simple piece of free spyware protection software Lookout mobile security is a free android app that deletes and blocks spyware Firewalls Firewalls control network traffic by controlling what data and programs is allowed access to the network connection or to the computers files. Typical examples include: Norton 360 is a full feature firewall allowing a detailed traffic control interface, it costs 35.99 from their website A free firewall is Windows firewall Mac Snow Leopard OSXs firewall is like windows firewall but for mac

By Tyler Woodward & Tom Torgerson

What is it??

When software is used it is referring to the programs our computer runs. Software allows hardware to do its job without Software then hardware would be useless There are different types that do their own individual things

System and Application Software

These are the two main categories of computer software: System software-the operating system, utility programmes and drivers

Application software-the everyday programmes that you use such as PowerPoint, word and most of Microsoft office

Operating systems

The operating system is part of the system software. All computers have an operating system, and cant work without one. Types of operating systems include: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8 Mac OS Mountain Lion Linux/Ubuntu/Mint/Debian Chrome OS An operating system does many jobs. For example: Sorting Data & organising files Data transfer from CPU to the peripherals like a monitor Executing programs and opening/saving/deleting/closing files

User Interface

It is a way of people interacting with the computer system A user interface enables you to provide instructions and control the device

By writing your own things in the Input boxes. You can choose the logic gates you have learnt. Name the logic gates. Test the Chooser by answering Yes or Not ( True or false ).

Plays Sport
OR

GSOH

AND AND YES, She/He is OK

Good Looking

A Man

NOT

7. OFF ON OFF
OR

ON

ON OFF ON

10.
AND

8.
ON ON ON OFF 9. ON ON ON ON ON ON

NOT

OR

AND

OFF

OFF ON OFF

OR

AND

ON

NOT

AND

NOT

OFF

OFF

NOT

AND

ON

The output is ON or OFF ?

Adding Binary Numbers


Rules 0+0=0 0 0 =0 + 0+1=1 0 1 =1 + 1 + 1 = 10 1 1 =10 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 11 1 1 =11 +

Example 0 1 1

0 0 0

0 0 1 1

1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1

1 0 1 0

0 1 1 0

1 1 0

Row 1 and 2 contains the binary numbers to be added Row 3 is the carry over row Row 4 contains the answer Task 1 0 0 1 1 Task 2 1 0 1 Task 3 0 0 1

1 1 1 1

1 1 0

1 0 1

1 0 1

1 0 1

0 1 1 1

1 0

1 0 1

0 0 0

1 0 1

0 0 1 1

0 1 1 0

1 1 0

0 0 0

1 0 1 0

1 1 0

0 0 0

0 0 0

1 0 1

1 0 1

0 1 1

Task 7 0 0 1 1 Task 8 1 0 1 Task 9 0 0 1 1 Task 10 1 0 1 Task 11 0 0 0

1 1 1 1

1 1 0

0 0 0

0 0 1 1

0 1 1 0

1 1 1 1

1 1 0

0 0 0

0 0 1 1

1 1 1 1

0 1 1 0

1 0 1 0

0 1 1 0

1 1 0

1 1 0

0 1 1

0 1 1

0 0 0

1 0 1

1 0 1

1 0 1

0 0 1 1

1 1 0

0 0 0

0 0 1 1

1 1 1 1

0 1 1 0

1 1 0

0 1 1

0 0 0

1 0 1

1 0 1

0 0 0

0 1 1

0 1 1

Converting Denary to Binary


Calculating binary numbers 128 0 64 0 32 0 16 0 8 0 4 0 2 1 1 1

Example Answer in binary Calculation for answer

Denary = 3 00000011 (1 * 1) + (2 * 1) = 3

128 0

64 0

32 0

16 0

8 0

4 1

2 1

1 0

Task 1 Answer in binary Calculation for answer

Denary = 6 00000110 (2*1) + (4*1) = 6

128 0

64 0

32 0

16 0

8 1

4 1

2 1

1 1

Task 2 Answer in binary Calculation for answer

Denary = 15 00001111 8+4=12 12+2+1=15

Task 9 Answer in binary Calculation for answer

Denary = 180 10110100 128+32=160 160+16=176 176+4=180

128 1 Task 10

64 1

32 0

16 0 Denary = 200 11001000 128+64=192 192+8=200

8 1

4 0

2 0

1 0

Answer in binary Calculation for answer

128 1 Task 11

64 1

32 1

16 1 Denary = 250 11111010 128+64+32=224 224+16=240 240+8+2=250

8 1

4 0 1

1 0

Answer in binary Calculation for answer

Converting Binary to Denary


Calculating a denary number from a binary number Example 1: binary number = 00000011 128 64 32 16 0 128 * 0 0 Answer 0 64 * 0 0 2+1=3 0 32 * 0 0 0 16 * 0 0

8 0 8*0 0

4 0 4*0 0

2 1 2*1 2

1 1 1*1 1

Example 2: binary number = 00001011 128 64 32 16 0 128 * 0 0 Answer 0 64 * 0 0 8 + 2 + 1 = 11 0 32 * 0 0 0 16 * 0 0

8 1 8*1 8

4 0 4*0 0

2 1 2*1 2

1 1 1*1 1

Task 1: binary number = 00001111 128 64 32 0 128 * 0 0 Answer 0 64 * 0 0 8+4+2+1=15 0 32 * 0 0

16 0 16 * 0 0

8 1 8*1 8

4 1 4*1 4

2 1 2*1 2

1 1 1*1 1

Task 10: binary number = 00100111 128 64 32 0 0 1

16 0 0

4 1

2 1

1 1

1 Answer 32+7=39

Task 11: binary number = 11101110 128 64 32 1 1 1

16 0

8 1

4 1

2 1

1 0

128 Answer

64

32

128+64=192. 192+32=224. 224+8+4+2=238

Task 12: binary number = 01010101 128 64 32 0 1 0

16 1

8 0

4 1

2 0

1 1

Answer

80+5=85

Task 13: binary number = 11010100 128 64 32 1 1 0

16 1

8 0

4 1

2 0

1 0

Answer

192+16+4+1=113

Learning Objectives
Consider how images work on a computer Determine the difference between lossy and lossless images

Digital Images
1. How are images represented as pixels? What are pixels? Pixels are small recangular dots of colour. These pixels can only be 1 colour at a time and are coded via binary numbers.

1. How is binary involved in pixels? An 8 bit byte has 256 layers. This can therefore be converted into 256 shades of red, for example. So with a 3 byte number system, there are 256x256x256 possibilities 16.8 Million colours, the shades Red, Green and Blue. 1. How do images show lots of different colours? Images show these different colours by each pixel using this 3 byte system. Then each pixel can be one of 16.8 million colours, allowing a nearly infinite amount of colours on one picture.

Digital Images
4. What is image resolution? Image resolution is a measurement of the detail in the image. For example, 50dpi is 50 dots per inch, which is a low resolution. Modern cameras use multiple megapixels (1million pixels) in their images, making these much higher resolution images. These are usually arranged in a rectangular structure, but a megapixel rating does not show the dimensions. 4. Why is image compression important? Image compression compresses multiple groups of the same colour into a shorter code to save disk space. For example, if there was a picture of the night sky, and the first 6 rows were the same shade of black, good compression would save these 6 rows into a short amount of code, rather than register each pixel separately.

4. What are lossy and lossless images? Lossy and lossless are forms of image compression. Lossless compresses the image without losing any detail (e.g. TIF images) and is good for long term image storing and professional images. A lossy compression (e.g. JPEG images) removes some of the detail but does so in a way that it is hard to notice. The downside of this is if you edit the photo and resave it multiple times then it will keep losing quality until the bad quality is noticeable.

Digital Images
7. Give some examples of:
Lossy file types .JPG/.JPEG Lossless file types - .TIF

What is a CPU?
A CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the part of the computer in which operations are controlled execution.

What is the purpose of the CPU?


The CPU is responsible for computing data, controlling inputs and outputs, and executes operations. Without the CPU, the computer would not be able to understand inputted data, and would cease to be a computer system.

What is the function of a CPU?


The CPUs function is to execute tasks, through the use of commands, either inputted by the user or the programmer. These are decoded by the processor, then converted into an output and sent to one of the various output devices.

What can effect a CPUs performance?


Clock speed this is the general speed of the CPU. This is often measured in Hz (Hertz), but a lot of processors are measured bigger amounts, like KHz (1000 Hz), MHz (1000000 Hz) and GHz (1000000000 Hz). Overclocking is a common term meaning to make the processor faster by manipulating it, however in some cases it can overheat the system. Cache This is smaller, faster memory, that the computer stores its data that it needs to be easily accessible. Cache can get clogged up however, with unused data being left there, can often slow your computer down, so it is important to clear the cache every now and again if you can (usually available on smart devices, like PCs, smartphones, smart TVs, iPods/iPads etc), as this can have a significant affect on the computers speed. Cores are, as the name suggests, centres of a processor. Each individual core has a Hz rating, and contributes towards the total clock speed of the computer. Only a certain amount of physical cores can be included in a device at this moment in time, as too many would cause a computer to overheat. Virtual cores are often used in modern systems, as they trick the computer system into having more power and a better Hz rating, causing, but too many can also cause a computer to overheat. Most smaller systems such as smartphones are usually single or possibly dual core, whereas big computer systems (like PCs) often are quad cored, or even more.

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