Research with ICT 11

1. The Computer
BY: JESSA VERGARA

2. Definition
an electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in binary form, according to
instructions given to it in a variable program.

3. Four functions of a Computer
The four basic functions of a computer system are as
follows:
 input
 output
 processing
 storage

4. Input Devices
Keyboard- is one of the primary input devices used
with a computer that looks similar to those found on
electric typewriters, but with some additional keys.
Microphone- is a device that translates sound vibrations in the air into electronic
signals or scribes them to a recording medium. Microphones enable many types of
audio recording devices for purposes including communications of many kinds, as
well as music and speech recording.
Gamepad, game controller, joypad, or video game controller -is a
peripheral device designed to be connected to a computer or console gaming
system.
Mouse- is an input device that is most often used with a personal computer. Moving a
mouse along a flat surface can move the on-screen cursor to different items on the screen.
Items can be moved or selected by pressing the mouse buttons (called clicking).

5. OUTPUT DEVICES
Monitor- is an output device that displays video images
and text.
Headphones- are a hardware output device that either plug into
your computer line out or your speakers to privately listen to audio
without disturbing others.
Speaker -is a term used to describe the user who is giving vocal commands to a
software program.
Projector- is an output device that can take images generated by a computer
.

6. Processing Devices
NIC- is also referred to as an Ethernet card and
network adapter. It is an expansion card that enables
a computer to connect to a network.
A Sound card- is an expansion card or IC for producing sound on a
computer that can be heard through speakers or headphones.
A Computer's CPU- handles all instructions it
receives from hardware and software running on
the computer.
The Motherboard is the main circuit board of your computer and is also known
as the mainboard or logic board. If you ever open your computer, the biggest
piece of silicon you see is the motherboard.

7. Storage Devices
A Hard drive consists of one or more platters to which data
is written using a magnetic head, all inside of an air-sealed
casing.
Flash drives are an easy way to store and transfer
information. They are available in sizes ranging
from 2 GB to 1 TB.
A Floppy Disk Drive, also called FDD or FD for short, is a
computer disk drive that enables a user to save data to
removable disk.
Alternatively referred to as a flash memory card, a Memory card is a
type of storage media that is often used to store photos, videos, or
other data in electronic devices.

8. Types of Computer

A Minicomputer- is a type of computer that possesses most of
the features and capabilities of a large computer but is smaller
in physical size.
A Microcomputer- is a computer with a central processing unit
(CPU) as a microprocessor. Designed for individual use, a
microcomputer is smaller than a mainframe or a minicomputer.
The Personal computer (PC)- defines a computer designed for
general use by a single person.
A desktop computer -is a personal computer designed for regular
use at a single location on or near a desk or table due to its size and
power requirements.

9. Types of Computer
Server- usually have powerful processors, lots of memory and large
hard drives. The next type of computer can fill an entire room.
Supercomputers- are single computer systems, most are composed of
multiple high performance computers working in parallel as a single
system. The best known supercomputers are built by Cray
Supercomputers.
Laptop -are portable computers that integrate the display,
keyboard, a pointing device or trackball, processor, memory and
hard drive all in a battery-operated package slightly larger than
an average hardcover book.

10. Computer Networks
Computer Network is a set of connected
computers. Computers on a network are called
nodes. The connection between computers can be
done via cabling, most commonly the Ethernet
cable, or wirelessly through radio waves.
Connected computers can share resources, like
access to the Internet, printers, file servers, and
others. A network is a multipurpose connection,
which allows a single computer to do more.

11. Transmission Media
Transmission media is a pathway that carries the information
from sender to receiver. We use different types of cables or waves to
transmit data. Data is transmitted normally through electrical or
electromagnetic signals.

12. Types of Transmission Media
Wired or Guided Media or Bound Transmission Media: Bound transmission media are the cables that
are tangible or have physical existence and are limited by the physical geography.
• Optical fiber consists of thin glass fibers or plastic that can carry information at frequencies in the visible light
spectrum and beyond.
• Twisted pairs may be shielded, metal sheath surrounding completely metallic pairs or unshielded.
Wireless or Unguided Media or Unbound Transmission Media: Unbound transmission media are the
ways of transmitting data without using any cables.
• Radio waves are a type of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum longer than
infrared light.

13. Types of Computer Networks
Wireless Local Area Network - A LAN based on Wi-Fi wireless network technology
Metropolitan Area Network - A network spanning a physical area larger than a LAN but
smaller than a WAN, such as a city. A MAN is typically owned and operated by a single entity
such as a government body or large corporation.
Campus Area Network - A network spanning multiple LANs but smaller than a MAN, such as
on a university or local business campus.
Storage Area Network - Connects servers to data storage devices through a technology like
Fibre Channel.
System Area Network (also known as Cluster Area Network) - Links high-performance
computers with high-speed connections in a cluster configuration.

14. Major Parts of the Computer
The motherboard provides connections for all the
peripheral (child) devices. It's becoming increasingly
common for a motherboard to perform these peripheral
functions without a separate device.
The central processing unit (CPU) is the "brain" of the
computer and performs most of the actual computing
functions. The CPU determines how quickly the computer can
perform most tasks.
The hard drive provides the permanent storage for
information. This information is still recorded when the
computer is turned off.
RAM (Random
Access Memory) is
the internal memory
of the CPU for storing
data, program, and
program result.

15. Computer Parts Label
PCI Slot (x5)
CPU Socket
20-pin ATX Power
Connector
CPU Fan &
heatsink
mounting points
Connectors for integrated
Peripherals
P5/2 Keyboard and Mouse,
Serial Port, Parallel, USB(X6),
Ethernet, Audio(x3)
DRAM Memory
Slot (x2)
APG Slot
IDE Connector(x2)
Northbridge (with
heatsink)
Southbridge

16. Computer Parts Label
“PS2” port for older
keyboard or mice
DVI Video out
port
VGA Video out
port
HDMI in or out
port
Ethernet Port
Power In
Graphics card
video out ports
USB 2.0 Ports
Keyboard