The document defines and provides explanations and links for key hardware technologies used in game platforms. It discusses the central processing unit (CPU), graphic processors, memory (RAM), display, sound, game storage medium, interface devices, connectivity, and power supply. It explains that these components are important for games because the CPU handles instructions, graphic processors load graphics, RAM temporarily stores content, the display shows images, sound provides audio, storage saves game data, interface devices allow human interaction, connectivity enables online play, and the power supply turns the system on and off. The document aims to educate about the basic hardware that makes game platforms function.

1. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 20: Computer Game Platforms and Technologies
Brief 1_Task 2
Name: Researched Definition (include URL link) Explanation
in your own
words
Imagery Why is this
important to
hardware
technologies
for game
platforms?
Human
Computer
Interface
The means of communication between a human user and a
computer system, referringin particular to the use of
input/output devices with supportingsoftware.
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-
humancomputerinterface.html
Human Computer
Interface is the
means of
communication
between a human
user and a computer
device and involves
the use of input and
output devices.
A Human
Computer
Interface is
important because
it is needed to use
the game platform
and see what you
are doing.
Central
Processing
Unit (CPU)
A central processingunit(CPU) is the electronic circuitry
within a computer that carries outthe instructions of a
computer program by performing the basic arithmetic,logical,
control and input/output operations specified by the
instructions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_processing_unit
A CPU iswhat
carriesout
instructionsof a
computerprogram
inorder forit to
run.
A CPU is important
for game consoles
because bigger
games need more
CPU to work, so a
low CPU will not
allowyou to play
many games
properly.
Graphic
Processors
A Graphic processor isa specialized chip thatis used to rapidly
manipulateand alter memory to acceleratethe creation of
images for output to a display.They are used in Mobile
Phones, computers, embedded systems, game consoles etc.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphics_processing_unit
Graphic processors
are usedto load
graphicsonto the
electronicdevice
such as a mobile
phone,console etc
Graphic Processors
are really
important because
they are used to
load the games up
on your screen.
Without them
there would be no
images or games

2. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 20: Computer Game Platforms and Technologies
Brief 1_Task 2
to play.
Memory
(RAM)
RAM is a type of computer memory that can be accessed
randomly;that is,any byte of memory can be accessed
without touchingthe preceding bytes. RAM is the most
common type of memory found in computers and other
devices, such as printers.
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/R/RAM.html
RAMis a computer
memorythatis
randomlyaccessed
freely.
Whilethe
processor and
graphics card do all
of the calculations,
the RAM is the
area that stores
needed variables
and content.
Display Show (data or an image) on a computer, television,or other
screen:
http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/display
Displayis how
imagesare shown
on your
television/monitors
etc
A Display is
important because
you need it to see
what’s on the
screen and be able
to useyour
devices.
Sound Vibrations thattravel through the air or another medium and
can be heard when they reach a person's or animal's ear.
https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-
instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=what+is+sound
Soundisvibrations
whichcan be heard
whentheyreacha
person’sear.
Sound is used so
you can hear
characters
speaking,in game
sounds etc,
without sound
games wouldn’t be
entertaining.
Game
Storage
Medium
A storagemedium is the technology where data is placed,
kept and retrieved. A storagemedium is usually
a secondary storage such as a hard disk or tape.
http://searchstorage.techtarget.com/definition/storage-medium
A Game storage
mediumiswhere
data isstoredand
retrieved,usually
inhard discs.
Game storage
medium is
important because
it is used to store
data so you will
not need to start
playinga game
from the start
every time you

3. Salford City College
Eccles Sixth Form Centre
BTEC Extended Diploma in GAMES DESIGN
Unit 20: Computer Game Platforms and Technologies
Brief 1_Task 2
startit.
Interface
Devices
An interface device (IDF) is a hardwarecomponent or system
of components that allows a human being to interactwith a
computer, a telephone system, or other electronic
information system.
http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/interface-
device-IDF
An interface device
isa component
that’sallowsa
humanuserto
interactwiththeir
electronicdevices,
computersetc.
An interface
device is
important
because youcan
interactwiththe
computerusing
them.
Connectivity Connectivity is the quality or condition of being connected or
connective, Itis also theability to make and maintain
a connection between two or more points in the
telecommunication system.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/connectivity
Connectivityis
where youconnect
to a live connection
or wifi soyoucan
playonline games
or justuse
computers/mobiles
etc to browse the
web.
Connectivityis
important
because itallows
youto play
multiplayer
gameswithout
lag and
disconnections,
dependingon
howgood the
connectionis.
Power
Supply
A power supply is an electronic devicethat supplies electric
energy to an electrical load.The primary function of a power
supply is to convert one form of electrical energy to another
and, as a result,power supplies aresometimes referred to as
electric power converters.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_supply
A powersupplyis
whatis usedto
turn the computer
on and off by
transferringone
formof electrical
energytoanother.
Thisis very
important
because itallows
youto turn your
computeronand
off.