1. Hardware
Tangible parts of a computer or digital device. Typically includes support for processing, storage, input, and output. The foundation for digital technologies.
Learning about these underlying processes and their components develops a better understanding of what computing devices are capable of and how you can benefit from those capabilities. You become empowered to competently use digital devices whether they’re old or the latest rage. Understanding hardware allows you to be a wise consumer, purchasing computers and digital devices that best suit your needs.
In this section: Processing, Storage and Input/Output (I/O)
Links:
Video: Jonathan Ive explaining Unibody-Design
Concepts > Hardware

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

3. Computing History
The electronic computer dates from around 1940 where it played a significant role in World War II, initially using electric relays for processing, progressing to vacuum tubes, then to diodes and transistors, and finally to the integrated circuits used today.
The computer is responsible for ushering us into the digital age.
Understanding its evolution assists us in understanding its impact on humanity.
Concepts > Hardware > History

4. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
A group of circuits that perform the processing in a computer, typically in one integrated circuit called a microprocessor.
Developing the CPU enabled computer engineers to further consolidate transistors from several chips and circuit boards to a single chip called a microprocessor. The CPU is a microprocessor that governs all actions that a computer of any type carries out.
Links:
Video: Mark Bohr Gets Small
Concepts > Hardware > Processing > Central Processing Unit

5. Moore’s Law
States the number of transistors on a chip will double about every two years. It is an understanding of the exponential rate of advancement in processor technologies.
Using Moore’s Law, we can gauge how fast processors might be in coming years.
Links:
Video: What is Moore's Law
Concepts > Hardware > Processing > Moore’s Law

6. Motherboard
The primary circuit of a computer to which all components are connected, including the CPU.
The motherboard connects all of a computer’s components and enables them to communicate.
Both general-purpose and special-purpose computers utilize motherboards.
Links:
Video: Toshiba Notebook Disassembly
Concepts > Hardware > Processing > Motherboard

7. Machine Cycle
Provides CPU with orderly method of processing software instructions.
Without the machine cycle, the processor would be unable to execute software code.
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Concepts > Hardware > Processing > Machine Cycle

8. Processing Terms Qubit Registers Hardware DNA computing Processing
Transistor
Integrated Circuit
Microchips (chips)
Processors
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Control unit
Arithmetic/logic unit (ALU)
Registers
Cache
Clock speed
Multicore Processor
Moore’s Law
High-k materials
Optical computing
Optical processors
Three-dimensional processing
Quantum computing
Qubit
DNA computing
Multiprocessing
Parallel processing
Massive parallel processing
Motherboard
Bus
Front side bus (FSB)
PCI bus
LPC bus
Machine Cycle
Concepts > Hardware > Processing > See your eBook for more information about these terms

9. Storage
Refers to storage used by a computer system in its normal operations, which includes RAM, ROM, and video memory. Without system memory, the processor would not function.
In this section: Random Access Memory (RAM), Video Memory, Read Only Memory (ROM), Magnetic Storage, Optical Storage and Solid-State Storage
Concepts > Hardware > Storage

10. Magnetic Storage
Storage technology that uses the magnetic properties of iron oxide particles rather than electrical charges to store bits and bytes more permanently than RAM.
Magnetically stored data lasts years, even decades, before deteriorating. Magnetic storage, in the form of a hard disk drive, provides an inexpensive, high-capacity form of permanent storage which acts as the main storage medium in most desktop and notebook computers.
Links:
Video: Inside of Hard Drive
Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Magnetic Storage

11. Optical Storage Media
CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, store bits by using an optical laser to burn pits into the surface of a highly reflective disc.
Optical storage provides an extremely portable storage medium for quantities of data up to several gigabytes.
It does not match the high capacity and data access rates of magnetic and solid-state storage, but is ideal for storing music, movies, photos, software, and data for mobile access and sharing.
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Links:
Video: InPhase Technologies/Nintendo
Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Optical Storage

12. Solid-State Storage
A device which stores data using solid-state electronics such as transistors and, unlike magnetic and optical media, does not require any moving mechanical parts.
Solid-state storage devices offer fast access times because they have no moving parts.
They are also increasing in capacity each year and can store nearly as much as hard drives—unfortunately, at a significantly higher price. As the cost of solid-state storage continues to decrease, it will continue to replace uses of magnetic storage on many devices.
Links:
Video: Samsung SSD vs HDD
Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Solid-State Storage

13. Cloud Storage
Data on Internet servers for access from any Internet-connected device.
Cloud storage is fundamentally changing the way people use digital technologies.
It offers important benefits, including the ability to store files and media in a single location for access from any location or device.
Links:
Video: 5 Reasons To Use iCloud Drive
Concepts > Hardware > Storage > Cloud Storage

14. Storage Terms Recordable (R) Read only memory (ROM)
Storage, device, media
Local storage
Network storage
Random access memory (RAM)
Single in-line memory module (SIMM)
Dual in-line memory module (DIMM)
Video memory
Graphics processing unit (GPU)
Read only memory (ROM)
Firmware
BIOS, Flash BIOS
Magnetic storage, disks, tape
Direct access
Microdrives
Sequential access
Storage area network (SAN)
Optical storage
Burning
Recordable (R)
Rewritable (RW)
Compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)
Digital video disc read-only memory (DVD-ROM)
Blu-ray discs (BDs)
Solid-state storage
Flash memory, memory card
Media cards
Flash drive/USB drive/thumb drive
Concepts > Hardware > Storage > See your eBook for more information about these terms

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

16. Input Device
An input device helps capture and enter data into a computer system.
Getting data into a computer system rapidly and accurately is the purpose of input devices.
Self-checkout systems include many input devices such as touch screens, keypads, bar code scanners, sensors, and scales.
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Links:
Cortana vs Siri vs Google Now battle
Concepts > Hardware > Input/Output (I/O) > Input Device

17. General-Purpose Input Device
Designed to be used for a wide variety of computing activities. This category of I/O devices includes keyboards and mice.
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Links:
Video: Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad
Concepts > Hardware > Input/Output (I/O) > General-Purpose Input Device

18. Special-Purpose Input Device
Designed for one unique purpose.
An example of a special-purpose input device is the pill-sized camera from Given Imaging, called the PillCam. When it is swallowed it records images of the stomach and small intestine as it passes through the digestive system.
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Concepts > Hardware > Input/Output (I/O) > Special-Purpose Input Device

19. Output Device
Allows a user to observe the results of computer processing with one or more senses.
A good output device delivers information- visual, audio, or other- in a manner that allows the information to be interpreted easily and, in some situations, enjoyably.
Links:
Video: Cisco Telepresence - Video Data Sheet
Concepts > Hardware > Input/Output (I/O) > Output Device

20. Display
Provides visual computer output for observation on a monitor or screen.
From checkout counter displays to hi-def television displays; from small smartphone displays to jumbo LCD displays at stadiums, displays are an ever-increasing part of our daily lives.
Links:
Video: Dallas Cowboys Giant Stadium TV
Concepts > Hardware > Input/Output (I/O) > Display

21. Printer
An output device dedicated to providing computer output on paper or three-dimensional output in plastic.
There are many types of printers that provide varying quality of paper-based output, as well as specialized printers that produce three-dimensional output.
Links:
CNET printer reviews
Concepts > Hardware > Input/Output (I/O) > Printer

22. 3D Printer
Builds 3D objects by adding one layer of material at a time from the bottom up until the object is completed.
3D printing is empowering individuals to transform ideas into usable objects, powering the “maker” revolution.
In addition to inspiring hobbyists, 3D printing is transforming every industry from healthcare to food and fashion, to engineering and manufacturing by allowing professionals to test ideas, and easily manufacture custom products.
Links:
Video: The MakerBot Replicator 2 - How It Works
Concepts > Hardware > Input/Output (I/O) > 3D Printer

23. Audio and Special Media Output
There are a number of audio and special media output devices designed to provide output to all of the senses.
Output devices have been designed for every human sense. A silenced mobile phone set to vibrate to is referred to as haptic output. Digital scent technology includes a USB device that can deliver thousands of fragrances as commanded by the computer. There is even a printer designed to print flavored pieces of paper for tasting samples sent over the Internet.
Links:
Video: Microsoft HoloLens - Possibilities
Concepts > Hardware > Input/Output (I/O) > Audio and Special Media Output

24. Expansion
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.
Expansion allows computer users to enjoy computing benefits above and beyond those provided by the computer alone.
Links:
Video: Understanding expansion slots
Concepts > Hardware > Input/Output (I/O) > Expansion

25. Input/Output (I/O) Terms
Optical character recognition (OCR)
Point-of-sale (POS) devices
Output device
Video card
Display
Pixels
Display resolution
Responsive designs
High definition TV (HDTV)
Input/Output (I/O) Terms
Input device
Human-readable
Machine-readable
Source data automation
General-purpose input device
QWERTY keyboards
Pointing devices
Touch screens
Multitouch displays
Special-purpose input device
Game controller
Joystick
Webcam
Page scanners
Handheld scanners
Magnet ink character recognition (MICR)
Optical mark recognition (OMR)
Concepts > Hardware > Input/Output (I/O) > See your eBook for more information about these terms

26. Input/Output (I/O) Terms (continued)
Flexible display
Cathode ray tube (CRT) display
Heads Up display (HUD)
Printer
Hard copy
Pages printed per minute (PPM)
Multifunction printer
Input/Output (I/O) Terms (continued)
3D displays
LCD projectors
Liquid crystal diode (LCD) display
Plasma display
Light emitting diode (LED) display
Organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display
Electronic paper (e-paper)
Laser printer
Ink-jet printer
3D printer
Audio & special media output
Haptic output
Expansion
Universal serial bus (USB)
Expansion board/card/slot
Concepts > Hardware > Input/Output (I/O) > See your eBook for more information about these terms