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THE HARDWARE

V. Ryan © 2002

Throughout the course you will use computers for a range of processes. This will include; spreadsheets, modelling, databases, word processing, graphics and control. It is important that you show evidence of this range of software as part of your projects. (See I.T. Skills Sheet).
Below is an introduction to the various parts that are put together to make up a computer.

   
     

 

     

THE BASIC PARTS

 

1. The VDU or visual display unit is used as the ‘interface’ between the person and the computer (ie. The microprocessor inside the unit). It displays all the software so that it can be used.

2. The computer unit is looked upon as the main part of the computer. It contains the main components including the processor, memory and graphics card.

3. The keyboard is used to type data into the computer. For example, when word processing text is typed into the computer, via the keyboard.

4. The mouse is sometimes called a pointing device. It is used to activate menus displayed on the screen. There are other similar devices such as roller balls which do exactly the same job.

5. The printer allows the user to produce ‘hard copies’ or printouts, usually on paper. There are different types of printers including inkjet, bubble- jet and laser printers.

   

 

 

MORE PARTS OF A COMPUTER

 

Print out the picture above and identify the following additional parts:

The disk drive holds floppy diskettes. These are normally used to save data/files. Files can be loaded from diskettes.

A CD-ROM drive is used to load software.

A DVD drive is used to play DVDs including films.

   
   

1. Can you describe other parts of a computer or pieces of equipment that can be used with a computer? You may wish to consider:  hard drive, plotter, scanner etc...
2. What is a Network?
3. What is an interface - such as a ‘Smart Box’?
4. Draw a block diagram of the main parts of a micro-computer.

   

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