Hardware: Input, Processing, and Output Devices

1
Chapter 3

• Hardware Input, Processing, and Output Devices

Most information in this presentation has been
copied from the Dell.com web site
2
Agenda

• Computer System
• How to buy a computer
• Other Computer System Hardware

3
What is a Computer System?

• A computer system is a special subsystem of an
  organizations overall information system used to
  input, process, store and output data and
  information.
• Putting together a complete computer system is
  more than just connecting computer devices.
  Components must be selected and organized with an
  understanding of the tradeoff between overall
  system effectiveness and efficiency, and
  considerations of cost, control and complexity.
• When selecting computer system devices, it is
  necessary to consider the current and future
  needs of the overall information system.

4
Computer System Hardware Components

• Computer system hardware components include
  devices that perform the functions of input,
  processing, communication, data storage and
  output of an information system.

5
Part I How to Buy a Computer
Most information in this presentation has been
copied from the Dell.com web site
6
DimensionTM  XPS Gen 4 NEW! Extreme Performance
with Expandability

• The most advanced Dimension ever built _at_ 5,573
  (configured system)
• Pentium 4 Processor w/ HT Tech Extreme Edition
  (3.40GHz, 800 FSB)
• 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz (4x1GB)
• 400GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
• 256MB PCI Express x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI
  Radeon X850 XT PE
• 20 inch Ultrasharp 2001FP Digital Flat Panel
• Dual Drives 48x CD-RW Drive 16x DVD/-RW w/
  double layer write capable
• 1GB Compact Flash Card
• Dell Wireless Keyboard and Optical Mouse
• Dell 5650 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System with
  Subwoofer
• IEEE 1394 Adapter
• 56K PCI Telephony Modem

7
Pentium 4 Processor w/ HT Tech Extreme Edition
(3.40GHz, 800 FSB)

• The processor is the brain of a computer. It is
  also called the central processing unit (CPU). It
  interprets and executes instructions of computer
  programs or the operating system. In terms of
  computing power, the CPU is the most important
  element of a computer system. The combination of
  processor clock speed, architecture, cache, and
  front side bus decides the performance of a
  processor.
• Clock Speed Speed of the processor's internal
  clock which dictates how fast the processor can
  process the data. Clock speed is usually measured
  in GHz (gigahertz, or billions of pulses per
  second).
• Architecture Basic design of a microprocessor.
  It may include processor technology and/or other
  architectural enhancements.
• Cache A temporary storage for frequently
  accessed or recently accessed data. Having
  certain data stored in a cache speeds up the
  operation of the computer. Cache size is measured
  in megabytes (MB) or kilobytes (KB). Level 1
  Cache is a small, fast memory cache that is built
  in to the main chip and helps speed access to
  important and frequently-used data. Level 2 Cache
  is a collection of built-in memory chips, slower
  than the Level 1 Cache but faster than the main
  memory area. Level 2 (L2) Cache can help speed
  the operation of some applications.
• Front Side Bus The connecting path between the
  processor and other key components such as the
  memory controller hub. FSB speed is measured in
  GHz or MHz.

8
4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz (4x1GB)

• Random Access Memory (RAM) is the workhorse
  behind the performance of the computer. RAM
  temporarily stores information from the operating
  system, applications, and data in current use.
  This gives the processor easy access to the
  critical information that makes the programs run.
  The amount of RAM determines how many programs
  can be executed at one time and how much data can
  be readily available to a program. It also
  determines how quickly the applications perform
  and how many applications can easily be toggled
  between at one time. Simply put, the more RAM the
  computer has, the more programs can be run
  smoothly and simultaneously. Upgrading your
  memory is truly one of the most cost-effective
  way to boost the system performance.
• Tests show that increasing memory from 128MB to
  256MB increases system performance up to 37.
  Increasing memory from 128MB to 512MB improves
  system performance up to 50.
• DDR SDRAM Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic
  Random Access Memory is memory that provides
  higher bandwidth than ordinary SDRAM memory.
• Frequency The number of repetitions in a signal
  or waveform, measured in Mega-Hertz (MHz). A
  higher frequency improves system performance and
  speed.
• Dual Channel Memory technology that delivers
  twice the peak bandwidth of the single channel
  memory.

9
400GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)

• The hard drive is the primary storage unit of the
  computer. It is where the operating system,
  applications, files and data are kept.
• RAID hard drive combines multiple hard drives
  into one disk to achieve the performance and
  security. RAID 0 (data striping) for maximum
  performance or RAID 1 (data mirroring) for data
  security. The video editor often utilizes RAID 0.
  User with the data integrity concern, often
  utilizes RAID 1. With RAID 0 all capacity on both
  hard drives is usable. With RAID 1 only half the
  capacity is usable and the other half is devoted
  to back-up.
• Storage Capacity Why buy a higher capacity hard
  drive? - Higher capacity drives can store larger
  amount of data. It is necessary to buy a larger
  size hard drive or RAID in order to store digital
  video, audio file storage or to work with
  intense applications.
• Rotational Speed Why Buy a Higher RPM Drive? -
  Rotational speed is a major factor in hard drive
  selection as it determines how quickly data can
  be retrieved. Typical rotational speeds are 5400
  RPM or 7200 RPM for desktops, and 4200 RPM or
  5400 RPM for notebooks. The higher the RPM
  (revolutions per minute), the less time is
  required for the computer to access the file.
• Interface (Parallel or Serial) Is interface
  important? - The interface is the link between
  the hard drive and the computer used to transfer
  data. It is important because it regulates the
  speed of data throughput from the system to the
  hard drive. The new SATA (Serial Advanced
  Technology Attachment) is the evolutionary
  follow-on to IDE. SATA is capable of higher data
  throughput than the UATA-100 interface.

10
256MB PCI Express x16 (DVI/VGA/TV-out) ATI
Radeon X850 XT PE

• A video card is the part of the computer that
  transforms video data into the visual display you
  see on the monitor. The video card plugs into the
  computer's motherboard, and is responsible for
  decoding and processing the video signal. The
  quality of video on the monitor depends on both
  the video card and the monitor. More video card
  memory and faster graphics processors can result
  in more stunning and enjoyable visual effects
  when running games and programs with detailed
  graphic design.
• Memory Video card has their own memory, which is
  reserved for storing graphical images. Video
  memory on a video card frees the computer's RAM,
  so the computer's memory does not have to store
  graphics. Video memory is available in standard
  sizes 32MB, 64MB, 128MB, etc. Typically, a card
  with a higher memory capacity will be capable of
  more advanced rendering and support for 2-D and
  3-D graphics. It is better to have at least 128MB
  video memory for performing the tasks of
  presentation, desktop publishing, gaming, or
  video editing.Processor In addition to memory,
  video card has its own graphics processor for
  creating images. A graphics processor is
  specially designed for computing graphical
  transformations, and achieving faster graphics
  results than the general-purpose CPU used by the
  computer. An integrated graphics solution uses
  the CPU of your computer to create graphics that
  is slower than a video card with its own
  processor since it takes thousands of calculation
  to produce even basic images on the monitor. The
  video card processor is also known as the
  controller or graphics engine.
• PCI Express PCI Express (PCIe) is the latest
  interface specification designed to improve a
  system's graphic performance by increasing its
  bandwidth. It helps speed the communication flow
  between the CPU and the graphics controller. This
  enhancement allows texture maps with greater
  size, detail, and realism. It also enables 3D
  applications to run faster because of even higher
  bandwidth compared to AGP.

11
20 inch Ultrasharp 2001FP Digital Flat Panel

• Size The monitor is measured in inches and refer
  to the diagonal length from one corner of the
  monitor box to the other. The actual viewable
  area (or screen measurement) is the measurement
  in parentheses and labeled as VIS (viewable image
  size). The monitor is usually listed as 17-in
  (16.0 viewable). This is very important when
  comparing flat panels to CRT's. A flat panel
  usually has the same VIS as its size category a
  17" flat panel has a 17.0" VIS. However a 17" CRT
  may have a 16.0" VIS or less as the width of the
  CRT bezel ? is included in the monitor size
  measurement. Also keep in mind that the most
  conventional CRT monitors are as deep as they are
  wide. Purchasing a flat panel display is more
  suitable for the limited space environment.
• Flat panel quality is determined by resolution.
  Resolution refers to the number of individual
  pixels contained on a display. The higher the
  resolution, the more pixels can fit onto the
  screen and so the sharper and more detailed
  images can be displayed. The resolution together
  with contrast ratio, brightness, and viewing
  angle determine the overall quality of a flat
  panel.
• CRT quality is measured in dot pitch or strip
  pitch. Dot pitch is the measure of space between
  a display's pixels the smaller the pitch, the
  sharper the images. A measurement of .27mm is
  average for dot pitch. The monitor's viewable
  area, refresh rate and dot pitch all directly
  affect the display quality of a monitor.
• Active Matrix TFT LCD technology displays sharp,
  brilliant images with resolution ranging from
  1024 x 768 to 1600 x 1200 pixels, depending on
  the display model.
• A wide viewing angle allows viewing from various
  angles without compromising image quality for the
  viewing flexibility or the multiple user viewing.
• Digital DVI functionality provides seamless
  digital connection, helping to maintain image
  integrity. ?

12
Dual Drives 48x CD-RW Drive 16x DVD/-RW w/
double layer write capable

• The DVD/-RW Burner is an all-in-one drive to
  read or burn DVDR, DVD-R, DVDRW, DVD-RW, CD-R
  and CD-RW discs, as well as read CD-ROM and
  DVD-ROM.
• What is Double Layer? The combination of a double
  layer DVD/-RW drive and double layer capable
  media support writing up to 8.5GB of data or
  video to a double layer DVDR or DVD-R.
• 16x is a measurement of CD or DVD drive speed.
  Each x translates to either 153,600 bytes of data
  per second for the data rate of the CD-audio or
  1,250,000 bytes per second for the data rate of
  the DVD-video. ?
• What is a CD-RW? A CD-RW will allow an user to
  create custom music CDs and data CDs for data
  back-up or data transfer purposes. It can also
  store and share video files, large data files,
  digital photos, and other large files with other
  people that have access to a CD-ROM drive.
• DVDRW is a DVD-Rewritable disc, a DVD that can
  be written to erased many times (up to 1000).

13
1GB Compact Flash Card / Other Storage

• The 1 GB CompactFlash (CF) Card retains data
  even if the system's power supply is switched
  off, thus offering significant data protection.
  The CF card features an integrated controller
  which stores all IDE and ATA commands, making the
  CF card fully compatible with all operating
  systems, utilities and application programs that
  support industry-standard IDE disk drives.
  CompactFlash requires no special Flash File
  systems or drivers.?
• The USB Memory Key is an active device with its
  own central processing unit (CPU) and is capable
  of supporting and running multiple applications
  directly from the product.
• Floppy drive records up to 1.44 MB of data on a
  rugged 3.5" removable magnetic diskette. Floppy
  disk drive has been available in the industry for
  many years and is ideal for inexpensively
  transferring small file from one computer to
  another, backing up the small amount of data, or
  creating a boot disk

14
Dell Wireless Keyboard and Optical Mouse

• The keyboard is the primary tool used to
  interface with the computer. It is a necessary
  and often overlooked component to an enjoyable
  computer experience.
• Key factors when choosing the right keyboard
  include comfort, convenience and ease of use. For
  customers who wish to minimize the appearance of
  wires/cords on their desktop, a wireless keyboard
  and mouse solution is available.
• Radio technology is used to communicate between
  the keyboard and the receiver
• There are three general types of keyboard
  technology
• PS/2 - PS/2 technology is an older, stable and
  very reliable technology. PS/2 keyboards plug
  into the PS/2 connector ports located on the back
  of the computer.
• USB - USB technology is newer than PS/2 It is
  generally more responsive to the touch than PS/2.
  USB keyboards plug into the USB connector ports
  located on the back of the computer.
• Wireless - Wireless technology is fairly new in
  the marketplace It was created to answer the
  customer needs for a clutter free desktop.
  Wireless products consist of the actual keyboard
  as well as a receiver. The receiver communicates
  between the computer and the wireless keyboard
  using either radio or infrared technology. Some
  wireless solutions include both the wireless
  keyboard and the wireless mouse.
• Great mouse performance! Optical technology
  records motion more precisely, glides more easily
  than a mouse ball, and has no moving parts to
  wear out or clean.

15
Dell 5650 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker System with
Subwoofer

• Speakers are a good choice for improving the
  quality of multimedia presentations, online
  training / web casts, music listening, gaming,
  and DVD playback on the computer system.
• Dell 5650 5.1 Surround Speakers Total surround
  sound, great for listening to DVD-Audio,
  DVD-Video, or that 3D audio gaming experience.
  Center channel speaker features unique flat panel
  mountable capability.
• Multi-Channel Audio Many popular multimedia
  formats support multi-channel audio or surround
  sound. Dolby Digital 5.1 DVD movies and
  DirectSound3D games support multi-channel
  playback. The stereo is two channels, meaning two
  speakers.

16
IEEE 1394 Adapter

• This adapter enables the computer to capture
  video from a digital camcorder or connect
  external hard drives. The IEEE 1394 adapter is a
  connection standard like the USB (Universal
  Serial Bus) and because of its ability to move
  data quickly (up to 400Mbits/sec) it is primarily
  used to capture video from digital camcorders or
  to connect external hard drives.

17
56K PCI Telephony Modem

• Modems will be discussed in chapter 6.

18
Part II Other Computer System Hardware
19
Computer System Types

• Personal Computers (PCs) are used by individual
  users (desktops, laptops, notebooks,
  sub-notebooks, Handheld (palmtop)
• Network computers are cheaper versions of PCs and
  are primarily used to access the Internet and
  other networks
• Workstations are high-end microcomputers and use
  RISC processors
• Midrange computers (mini computers) are systems
  that accommodate several users at a time
• Mainframe computers are large, powerful computers
  often shared by hundreds of concurrent users
• Supercomputers are the most powerful computer
  systems used often in military and research
  organizations trying to solve complex problems.

20
The Mainboard

• A mainboard is the foundation of the computer.
• Important mainboard components
• Microprocessor Socket houses the Central
  Processing Unit (CPU).
• Memory Sockets are used to add memory to the
  computer.
• Expansion slots house controller cards.
• Buses transfer the data in the mainboard.
• BIOS (basic input/output system) gives the first
  instructions to the computer (look for BIOS that
  supports Plug and Play).
• Chip Sets control the memory I/O, the bus I/O,
  the interrupt requests (IRQs) and in many cases
  the hard disk controllers. If the CPU is the
  heart of the computer, chip sets are the
  pacemakers.

21
The Processor

• The processor or Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  is the heart of the computer because it
  ultimately controls all its functions. There are
• CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing) and
• RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing)
  processors

22
Execution of an Instruction

• The execution of a machine-level instruction
  involves two phases the instruction and the
  execution phase.
• In the instruction phase (I-time)
• Step 1 Fetch instruction The control unit
  accesses the instruction from memory
• Step 2 Decode instruction The instruction is
  decoded and relevant data is moved from memory to
  the register storage area, and the location of
  the next instruction is identified
• In the execution phase (E-time)
• Step 3 Execute the Instruction- The ALU does
  what is instructed to do (arithmetic operation or
  comparison)
• Step 4 Store results- The results are stored in
  registers or memory

• Measurements
• Microseconds (1 millionth)
• Nanoseconds (1 billionth)
• Picoseconds (1 trillionth)
• MIPS

23
CPU characteristics

• Machine cycle time is the time in which a machine
  cycle occurs (instruction execution phases).
  Machine cycle is usually measured in time
  intervals (i.e.microseconds) or MIPS (million
  instructions per second).
• Wordlength is the number of bits the CPU can
  process at any one time. Wordlenght is measured
  in bits (i.e., 64 bits).
• Bus line width is the number of bits a bus line
  can transfer from the CPU to other components and
  is also measured in bits (i.e., 64 bits).

24
RAM and ROM

• Random Access Memory (RAM) is a volatile primary
  storage location that the processor uses to store
  our data during processing.
• Read Only Memory (ROM) is a non volatile memory
  and as a result its content is permanent.

25
Cache memory

• Cache memory (SRAM-Static RAM) is a very fast and
  expensive memory type that holds data frequently
  used by the CPU so the CPU does not have to rely
  only on slower RAM. When we talk about cache, we
  are usually talking about Level 2 cache (external
  to the processor). Many vendors will offer
  cache-less PCs at a lower price.

26
Controller Cards

• Controller cards are hardware devices that
  control the operations of hardware peripherals.
  Every component that is attached to the computer
  needs a controller card.
• The monitor needs a monitor controller card to
  function
• The hard drive and the floppy drives need a
  controller card
• Speakers attached to the computer need a sound
  card
• A CD-ROM needs a CD-ROM controller card
• The controller card must be compatible with the
  peripheral and the mainboard (i.e., a VGA monitor
  needs a VGA controller card, a SCSI CD-ROM needs
  a SCSI controller card)

27
Ports

• Ports are hardware devices used to connect the
  computer with other hardware components called
  peripherals. Ports are the attachment points of
  these peripherals to the computer.
• Some peripheral hardware components are the
  mouse, the printer and the CD-ROM drive
• Common port types are
• The Serial Port
• The Parallel Port
• The Game Port
• USB Port

28
Other Input Devices

• Voice-recognition devices
• Digital computer cameras
• Scanning devices
• Optical data readers (OCR and OMR)
• Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR)
• Point-of-sale (POS) devices
• Automatic teller machines (ATM) devices
• Pen input devices
• Touch-sensitive screens
• Bar code scanners

29
Points to Remember

• Computer System
• How to buy a computer
• Other Computer System Hardware