Hardware refers to the tangible parts of computer systems and typically includes support for processing, storage, input, and output. Hardware Processing Storage Input/Output (I/O) Concepts > Hardware In this section:

Computer Hardware Basics Concepts > Hardware

Processing carries out the instructions provided by software using specially designed circuitry and a well-defined routine to transform data into useful outputs. Processing In this section: Transistor Integrated Circuit Central Processing Unit Concepts > Hardware > Processing Multicore Processor Moore’s Law Multiprocessing Motherboard Bus Machine Cycle

Central Processing Unit The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is a group of circuits that perform the processing in a computer, typically in one integrated circuit called a microprocessor. Concepts > Hardware > Processing > Central Processing Unit Most of today’s microprocessors contain multiple CPUs or cores. Multicore processors, such as dual core (two processors) and quad core (four processors), use an architecture that allows the cores to work together for faster processing. Multicore processors are used in computers other than PCs. Some of the fastest multicore processors are used in graphics processors (GPUs) powering game consoles. They are also used in servers, supercomputers, and embedded systems. Links: An Intel Fab

Moore’s Law Moore’s Law states that the number of transistors on a chip will double about every two years. Concepts > Hardware > Processing > Moore’s Law

Motherboard The motherboard is the primary circuit of a computer to which all core components are connected including the CPU. Concepts > Hardware > Processing > Motherboard The motherboard connects all of a computer’s components together and enables them to communicate. Both general-purpose and special-purpose computers utilize motherboards.

Bus The bus is a subsystem on the motherboard that transfers data among system components. Concepts > Hardware > Processing > Bus

In computing and digital technologies, storage refers to the ability to maintain data within the system temporarily or permanently. Storage In this section: Random Access Memory (RAM) Video Memory Read Only Memory (ROM) Concepts > Hardware > Storage Magnetic Storage Optical Storage Solid-State Storage Cloud Storage

Random Access Memory (RAM) Random access memory (RAM) is temporary, or volatile, memory that stores bytes of data and program instructions for the processor to access. Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Random Access Memory (RAM)

Video memory, sometimes called video RAM, VRAM, or graphics memory, is used to store image data for a computer display in order to speed the processing and display of video and graphics images. Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Video Memory Most of today’s PCs come equipped with at least 256 MB of video memory and may include a graphics processing unit (GPU) to process the graphics and take the load off the CPU. Video Memory

Read-only memory (ROM) provides permanent storage for data and instructions that do not change, such as firmware— programs and data from the computer manufacturer, including the boot process used to start the computer. Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Read Only Memory (ROM) Read Only Memory (ROM) The software stored in ROM in many different types of digital devices is sometimes called firmware. Firmware may be updated over time to correct bugs or provide additional functionality.

Magnetic storage is a storage technology that uses the magnetic properties of iron oxide particles to store bits and bytes more permanently than RAM using magnetic properties rather than electric charges. Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Magnetic Storage Magnetic Storage

Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Magnetic Storage Inside a Hard Drive

Optical Storage Optical storage media, such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, store bits by using an optical laser to burn pits into the surface of a highly reflective disc. A pit in a specified location represents a 0 and the lack of a pit represents a 1. Optical storage represents bits using microscopic pits burned into the disc surface with a laser. Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Optical Storage

Holographic Storage Discs? Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Optical Storage

Solid-State Storage A solid-state storage device stores data using solid-state electronics such as transistors, rather than the magnetic technology of disks or tape, and does not require any moving mechanical parts. MicroSD card for cameras and phones. Flash drives attach to a USB port and come in a variety of shapes and styles Solid state drive. Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Solid-State Storage

Cloud Storage Cloud storage refers to storing data files over the Internet (the cloud), using Web-based services, rather than on your own computer. Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Cloud Storage

I/O refers to input and output— the manner in which data is received into a computer system, and the manner in which information and the results of processing are provided to the user from a computer system. Input/Output (I/O) In this section: Input Device General-Purpose Input Device Special-Purpose Input Device Output Device Video Card Display Printer Audio and Special Media Output Expansion Card Concepts > Hardware > I/O

g-speak Concepts > Hardware > I/O

Input Device Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Input Device An input device assists in capturing and entering data into a computer system. A general-purpose input device is one that is designed to be used for a wide variety of computing activities. An special-purpose input device is designed to provide input for one specific type of activity.

Kinect Montage Commercial Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Input Device

Square for iPhone Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Input Device

Output Device An output device allows a user to observe the results of computer processing with one or more senses. Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Output Device

Video Card A video card (graphics card) combines video processing and storage onto an expansion card, or integrated onto the motherboard to manage video images for display. Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Video Card Video cards combine powerful graphics processing and memory for realistic 3D real-time image rendering.

Display A display provides visual computer output for observation on a monitor or screen. Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Display

Dallas Cowboys HD Video Display Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Display

Printer A printer is an output device dedicated to providing a specific type of computer output on paper or three-dimensional output in plastic. Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Printer

uPrint Personal 3D Printer Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Printer

Expansion Card Expansion refers to a computer’s capacity to interface with a variety of external devices such as I/O devices, network devices, and storage devices, by connecting through ports, slots, and wireless technologies. Concepts > Hardware > I/O > Expansion Card The universal serial bus, or USB, standardizes expansion around one type of interface and connector. A Wireless Connect Card utilizes a notebook computer’s PCMCIA port or USB port to connect to the Internet over a cell phone network.

Discussion Questions 1.What is a dual-core processor? What advantages does it offer to users? 2.Smart phones can make phone calls, take pictures, listen to digital music, and help improve the organization of your “stuff.” What else would you like? 3.What are the advantages (and disadvantages) of using magnetic, optical, and solid- state storage devices? 4.How does cloud computing affect existing on-line technologies? 5.Today’s printers produce documents in seconds and photos of the highest quality. What capabilities do you expect 5-10 years from now? 6.Some people speculate that Moore’s Law will cease to apply as transistors become too small to be created out of silicon. Identify new technologies that may replace silicon. 7.Research five ways of storing and sharing digital images over the Internet, in the form of cloud storage (e.g., Photobucket, Picasa). 8.Research haptic output devices: what they are, two current uses, and one application you’d like to see. 9.What’s the most attractive general-purpose input device on the market? Build an argument based on cost, functionality, efficiency, and “coolness.” Concepts > Hardware > Discussion Questions