1. 1 Computer Literacy Chapter 6 Evaluating Your System: Understanding and Assessing Hardware

2. 2 Topics To buy or upgrade?To buy or upgrade? Evaluating your system:Evaluating your system: –CPU –RAM –Storage devices –Video output –Sound systems –Computer ports System reliabilitySystem reliability

3. 3 To Buy or To Upgrade? Things to consider:Things to consider: –Moore’s Law –Cost of upgrading vs. buying –Time installing software and files –Needs and wants

4. 4 Assessing Your Hardware: Evaluating Your System Assess the computer’s subsystemsAssess the computer’s subsystems The subsystems include:The subsystems include: –CPU –RAM –Virtual memory –Storage devices –Video –Audio –Ports

5. 5 Evaluating the CPU How does the CPU work?How does the CPU work? –Control unit –Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) –Machine cycle: Instruction CycleInstruction Cycle –Fetch –Decode Execution CycleExecution Cycle –Execute –Store –Speed: MhzMhz GhzGhz

6. 6 Upgrading the CPU ExpensiveExpensive Easy to installEasy to install Motherboard compatibilityMotherboard compatibility

7. 7 Evaluating RAM Random access memory (RAM):Random access memory (RAM): –Temporary storage (memory) –Volatile Memory modules:Memory modules: –SIMM single in-line memory module –DIMM dual in-line memory module –RIMM rambus in-line memory module Types of RAM:Types of RAM: –SRAM static random access memory –DRAM dynamic random access memory –SDRAM synchronous dynamic random access memory

8. 8 How Much Ram is Needed RAM for System SoftwareRAM for System Software RAM for Productivity SoftwareRAM for Productivity Software RAM for EntertainmentRAM for Entertainment RAM for Graphics ProgramsRAM for Graphics Programs System Software Windows XP 128 MB Productivity Software MS Office Pro 128 MB Entertainment Software Windows Media Player 64 MB Graphics MS Picture It! 128 MB

9. 9 Adding RAM Increase system performanceIncrease system performance Things to consider:Things to consider: –Type of RAM module –Amount of RAM: Maximum limitMaximum limit Number of slotsNumber of slots Operating systemOperating system Applications running at the same timeApplications running at the same time

10. 10 Evaluating Storage Types of storage devices:Types of storage devices: –Hard drive –Floppy drive –Zip disk drive –CD/DVD –Flash memory Nonvolatile storageNonvolatile storage

11. 11 The Hard Disk Drive Storage capacity up to 400 GBStorage capacity up to 400 GB Access time is measured in millisecondsAccess time is measured in milliseconds Data transfer rate is measured in megabits or megabytes per secondData transfer rate is measured in megabits or megabytes per second Spindle speed is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm)Spindle speed is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm)

12. 12 How a Hard Disk Works Composed of several coated platters stacked on a spindleComposed of several coated platters stacked on a spindle Data saved to the disk: pattern of magnetized spots – Spots = 1 – Spaces = 0Data saved to the disk: pattern of magnetized spots – Spots = 1 – Spaces = 0 Between platters are read/write heads that read and write magnetized dataBetween platters are read/write heads that read and write magnetized data Spots are translated into dataSpots are translated into data Platters Read/write head Access arms

13. 13 Portable Storage Gives us the ability to move data from one computer to anotherGives us the ability to move data from one computer to another Types of portable storage devices:Types of portable storage devices: –Floppy disk: Capacity 1.44 MBCapacity 1.44 MB –Zip disk: Capacity 100 MB to 750 MBCapacity 100 MB to 750 MB –CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD- RW: Capacity 700 MB to 9.4 GBCapacity 700 MB to 9.4 GB –Flash drive: Capacity 32 MB to 1 GBCapacity 32 MB to 1 GB

14. 14 Magnetic Storage Magnetic media:Magnetic media: –Metal platters: Hard disksHard disks –Plastic film: Floppy disksFloppy disks Zip disksZip disks TracksTracks SectorsSectors File Allocation TableFile Allocation Table Track Sector

15. 15 Optical Storage Optical media:Optical media: –CD ROM –CD-R –CD-RW –DVD ROM –DVD-R –DVD-RW LaserLaser PitPit

16. 16 Upgrading Storage Hard drive options:Hard drive options: –Replace current drive with a larger capacity drive –Install an additional hard drive Other options:Other options: –Zip drive –Replace CD ROM with CD- R/RW or DVD-R/RW –Flash card reader –Flash memory drive

17. 17 Evaluating Video Two components:Two components: –Video card (adapter) –Monitor

18. 18 Video Cards Process binary data into imagesProcess binary data into images Contain memory known as video RAM (VRAM)Contain memory known as video RAM (VRAM) Control the number of colors a monitor can display (bit depth)Control the number of colors a monitor can display (bit depth) –Standard VGA 4 bits4 bits 16 colors16 colors –True color (SVGA) 24 bits24 bits 16 million colors16 million colors

19. 19 Monitors Things to consider:Things to consider: –Types: CRT or LCDCRT or LCD –Size: –15, 17, 19, or 21 inch –Resolution: Increasing resolution allows more to be displayedIncreasing resolution allows more to be displayed –Dot pitch:.31mm or less.31mm or less –Refresh rate: 75 Hz or higher75 Hz or higher

20. 20 Evaluating Audio Sound card:Sound card: –Process digital data into sounds –3D sound cards –Surround sound Dolby Digital 5.1Dolby Digital 5.1

21. 21 Evaluating Audio Speakers:Speakers: –Amplified –Not amplified –Sub-woofer –Surround sound

22. 22 Evaluating Ports Ports are used to connect peripheral devices to the computerPorts are used to connect peripheral devices to the computer Things to consider:Things to consider: –Devices you want to use –Ports needed for the devices

23. 23 PS/2 Port COM 1 Port PS/2 Connectors Serial Connector Types of Ports Serial PortSerial Port –Transfers data one bit at a time; 56Kbps

24. 24 Types of Ports ParallelParallel – Transfers eight bits of data simultaneously; 12Mbps LPT 1 Port Printer Cable Connector

25. 25 Types of Ports Universal serial busUniversal serial bus –Transfer speed up to 480Mbps; Hot swapping USB Port USB Connector

26. 26 Types of Ports FireWireFireWire –Transfer rate of 400 Mbps; Digital cameras FireWire Port FireWire Connector

27. 27 Types of Ports EthernetEthernet –Transfer rate of 100 Mbps; connects computers to networks Ethernet Port Ethernet jack

28. 28 Types of Ports IrDAIrDA –Transfer rate of 4 Mbps; Uses infrared light waves IrDA

29. 29 Types of Ports BluetoothBluetooth –Transfer rate of 1 Mbps; radio waves send data over short distances Bluetooth

30. 30 Types of Ports MIDI PortMIDI Port –Musical Instrument Digital Interface –31.5 Kbps transfer rate

31. 31 Adding Ports Expansion cards:Expansion cards: –New port standards Expansion hubs:Expansion hubs: –Enables several devices to be connected to a port

32. 32 Evaluating System Reliability Performance:Performance: –Slow –Freezes –Crashes Upkeep and maintenance:Upkeep and maintenance: –System tools –Control panel –Update software and hardware drivers The last resortThe last resort

33. 33 Upkeep and Maintenance System tools:System tools: –Disk defragmenter –Disk cleanup Unnecessary filesUnnecessary files Control panel:Control panel: –Add/remove programs –Display –System Device managerDevice manager

34. 34 Update Software and Hardware Drivers Software:Software: –Automatic updates –Patches Hardware:Hardware: –Download updated drivers

35. 35 The Last Resort If problems persist:If problems persist: –Reinstall the operating system –Upgrade the operating system to the latest version

36. 36 The Final Decision How closely does your system come to meeting your needs?How closely does your system come to meeting your needs? How much would it cost to upgrade your system?How much would it cost to upgrade your system? How much would it cost to purchase a new system?How much would it cost to purchase a new system?

37. 37 Chapter 6 Summary Questions How can I determine whether I should upgrade my existing computer or buy a new one?How can I determine whether I should upgrade my existing computer or buy a new one?

38. 38 Chapter 6 Summary Questions What does the CPU do and how can I evaluate its performance?What does the CPU do and how can I evaluate its performance?

39. 39 Chapter 6 Summary Questions How does memory work and how can I evaluate how much memory I need?How does memory work and how can I evaluate how much memory I need?

40. 40 Chapter 6 Summary Questions What are the computer’s main storage devices and how can I evaluate whether they match my needs?What are the computer’s main storage devices and how can I evaluate whether they match my needs?

41. 41 Chapter 6 Summary Questions What components affect the output of video and how can I evaluate whether they are meeting my needs?What components affect the output of video and how can I evaluate whether they are meeting my needs?

42. 42 Chapter 6 Summary Questions What components affect the quality of sound and how can I evaluate whether they are meeting my needs?What components affect the quality of sound and how can I evaluate whether they are meeting my needs?

43. 43 Chapter 6 Summary Questions What are the ports available on desktop computers and how can I determine what ports I need?What are the ports available on desktop computers and how can I determine what ports I need?

44. 44 Chapter 6 Summary Questions How can I ensure the reliability of my system?How can I ensure the reliability of my system?

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