1 What's hardware?

Carolina and Pablo have a computer that a company threw away'. They want to
"throw away: get rid of see its components so that they can fix and
update it,if possible,
that you no something
longer want. should they do? because they
want to use it. What can they see? What
2RAM: random-access memory.
This is hardware that stores
data Hardware is the physical components of a computer. It includes
allowing the computer to work with
more information. components such as the electrical circuits inside the machine. the different
microprocessor, the memory cards and the monitor.
draw on: use a supply of something.

Be aware in this unit!

Some of the services and
tools listed in this unit have
age restrictions. If you can't
sign up for aservice, try to
find information online or ask
someone you know who uses
this service. Don't try to use any
of equipment without proper
supervision.

Depending on the characteristics of the components, we classify computers

in three categories:
" Low-end personal computers (PCs). These usually have 4 GB of RAM?
and ahard drive of 1 TBor less. They also have a single or dual core
processor with an integrated graphics card. We use them for office
tasks, to surf the Internet andto manage applications and games that
don't need high performance.
" Mid-range PCs. These usually have 8 GB of RAM, a 2 TB hard drive, a
CLIL activities medium-power processor and a dedicated medium-power graphics card.
As well as the tasks abOve, mid-range PCs allow us to use programs tna.
1 Listen to the
documentary about the history Consume more resources, such as design, basic or photo editing, without
decreasing the computer's efficiency.
of computer hardware. What do
these numbers refer to? " High-end PCs. With 16 GB of RAM memory, high-end PCs use
666.66 167 1600 a 500 GB SSD (solid-state drive) hard drive and another with 2 TB,
a high-performance processor and a very powerful graphics card.In this
25 1981 1976 64
category are gaming computers, which allow us to use a second SSDin
2 O Work with a classmate. which the graphics card, the speakers, the monitor and even the keyboard
and the mouse are more advanced. We use them with programsthat draw
Look at an online computer
store. Compare two
different on the computer's memory and speed for video editing, live broadcasts
computers from different (streaming), and for playing games that require higher graphic qualy
categories. What type of speed and precision of movements.
hardware do they have?

TECHNOLOGY
154
BLOCK: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
The parts of acomputer
If Pablo and Carolina want to update their computer, first they have to learn 'casing: the part on the outside of
about its components, what they do and how to connect them to each other.
As well as looking on the Internet, they should also talk to an expert because something that protects it.
it's not easy to fix everything. 'socket: hollow space for sornething
to fit into.
Let's look at the most common hardware components and their main 'motherboard: nain board which
features. The choice of components depends on our budget and how we're Contains or connects all the CircuitS
going to use our computers (office work, gaming, videos or streaming). We
have to try and balance the components we want according to the price
range we're looking at. We don't want to buy an expensive processor if we
have a poor-quality graphics card, and vice versa, for example.

2.1. The central processing unit (CPU) Petting togother or

The CPU (Central Processing Unit), also called the microprocessor or

chip, is an integrated circuit made up of millions of transistors. It's the
updating a computer
Websites that allow us to choose
most important part of acomputer. It's the machine's 'brain' It interprets components can be very helpful.
instructions from programs and processes data, as well as managing and They usually show us components
controlling the entire system. that are compatible with our
previous choices. One example is
ldentification. It's square or rectangular andcovered by a plastic or ceramic the web page pccomponentes.com.
casing!.
Connection. The CPUconnects to a specific socket? in the motherboard³ by a
set of small metal pins. Not all sockets are the same so the motherboard must
be compatible with the microprocessor we choose.

Microprocessor

To install the microprocessor into its socket, first we lift up the retention
bracket. The microprocessor has a triangular mark on it which should line up
with the triangle on the socket. Once it's in, we fix it in place with the retention
bracket.

The CPUwe buy will depend on the memoryand the motherboard we're
using. The biggest-selling chips are made bythe brands Intel and AMD.
Microprocessor connected to the
motherboard

CLIL activitics >

Find out what processors the computers you use at home and at school
have. Write a list in your notebook.

1. Hardware and software 155

 The most important characteristics of a microprocessor
1. The number of cores and
'subdivide: to divide something into threads available. Mid-range to
smaller parts. high-end computers only need a
microprocessor with four cores Ounrs errm CPU

and eight threads. If you're

going to use a computer for
gaming or video processing, six EDDO
or eight cores and 12,16 or even
tor your information... 32 threads are better. S-cre CPU Octacrro CPU
For agaming computer, you need
a chip with at least six cores and six
threads.
What are cores in a microprocessor?
The first processors only had one central processing unit (the nucleus), which
could only do one task at a time. To speed up the
performance and speed, the
microchip industrycreated chips with two or more independent cores in the
same chip. This means that, for example, a single CPUwith two cores has
twO
central processing units, So this one chip can perform more than one task at
a time.

What are threads ina microprocessor?

Threads are a way for the CPUto manage tasks by subdividing' them into
subprocesses. The CPUalternates operations so that it can do several at the
same time. A processor with only one core can only do one
two threads it can, for example, open afile and task, but it if has
to be doing two tasks at the same time. surf the Internet so it appears

2. The processing speed or working

a computer can do in one second. frequency.
This is the number of tasks
It's measured in gigahertz (GHz). The
higher the frequency, the faster the computer
works. The most common
frequency ranges are 3.7 GHz to 4.5 GHz (4.5 billion
second). operations per
3. The cache memory. This is a
Integrated graphics card small,
the most common operations so quick-access memory that executes
Maybe you've heard of processors is much slower. There are three there's no need to ao to the RAM, which
with integrated graphics cards. levels: level1(L), or internal micro cache;
level 2 (L2), or external cache, and level
Computers with this type of 3 (L3), or additional cache.
last two are located in the These
processor don't need a separate motherboard.
graphics card.
Microprocessors can get very hot so they need asuitable cooling system.
This is called the heat sink. We'lltalk
chips are, the more cooling they need. about these later on. The faster the

CLIL activities
Look for information online about
and AMD Ryzen 5 3600. these chips: Intel Core i5 9600R
why? Tella classmate. Compare them. Which one would you use a
The Intel Core i5 96000K is a ...
processor with ...
threads and a...
O Listen to the
conversation
the sales assistant make? in a computer shop.
What mistakes o
Correct them in your notebook.
LOCK: INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
2.2. The motherboard
This is a very important component because it's where we install the rest of
the components and it's in charge of transmitting data between them. 'slot: opening for sornething to be
inserted into
Iodo this, it has many different types of connectors and slots' for the
different components. Here are some of the most important ones: 'peripheral: all the hardware
connected to and controlled by a
. USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports. Standard points for connecting computer.
peripheral? devices.
'storage: the way inforrnation is
Expansion slots. We use these in RAM memory cards. kept on a cornputer.
. RJ-45 port. This is where the network cable connects.
. PCI (peripheral component interconnect) express slots. We use these to ldentification andconnection
Connect graphics cards or an external wi-fi card.
We put the components in the
. Connectors for audio and video. Microphones, speakers and HDMI. boxes and fix them in place so
. M.2SSD (solid state drive) slots. For a faster storage² system than the that they don't nove.
hard drive.
" SATA connectors. For connecting hard drives.
" CPU socket. To hold the microprocessor.
Power connectors for the components that need electrical energy. These
connectors are marked on the motherboard, but it's always a good idea to
check the instructions manual to make sure we're making the connection
in the right place. Because of their design we can only connect them in
one way.

The four most common motherboard formats are:

" ATX plates. These are the largest (305 mm x 244 mm) and the most widely
used. They have several connectors to install numerous components.
" Micro-ATX plates. These are a medium size (284 mm x 208 mm), for
smaller towers or boxes.
Mini-ATX plates. These are slightly smaller in size (244 mm x 244 mm).
They're used for smaller PCs with fewer connectors. They're widely-used
with microprocessors that have an integrated graphics card.
3-pin connector for supplying electrical
" ITXor Mini-ITX plates. These are used in mini-PCs. energy to the fan. We connect the other
It's important to make sure that the tower or box is compatible with the
end to the motherboard.

plates that we want to use.

In the past, many motherboards

had a graphics card but its
performance was very limited.
Nowadays, this isn't the
case, so the audio and video
connectors at the back of the
computer only work when you
installa microprocessor with an
integrated graphics card.

7 Hardware and software 157

 Semi-tower Fr T rc To-Tcars Theri ice ale

dertiftrTreresaly esace f SSce oraaleecer

2riccverrerc.Sraller boHs heemorerctiems wi aveterc

2.4.Graphics or video cards

Treercesdtzfrern the pracessor andoreritinto irages or e

Thers are tuo types cf graphics cards:

1. Integrated graphics cards. These are on the same chip andsharete
sae mnernory s the CPU. They don't perform as well s dedicatet
graphics cads.
2. Dedicated graphics cards. These are independent of the CPU. Theyre
placed on the motherboard and have the following elements:
" GPU (graphics processing unit). The speed or frequency is measured
ínrmegahertz (MHz).
" Video rnemory (VRAM). Has acapacity between 2 GB and 8GB.
" Heat sinks. Alurniíniurn or copper blocks that absortb the heat that the
electroníc cormponents generate.
LIL activities " Cooling system. One or more fans, or liquíd coolant.
6 Find out the narnes of the Different output connections: SVGA, DVI, HDMI.
two most irnportant graphics
cards manufacturers. Choose The power of the graphícs card we need, will depend on what we're going
two rmodels frorneach one and touse our cormputer for. For exarmple, office tasks, editingímages or video.
doscribe their foatures in your strearning, garming, vírtual reality or prograrnning.
notebook. ldentification. Dedicated graphics cards are the printed circuit boards that
7 What do you think are the have video ports.
ndvantagos of a computer with
a dedicated graphics card versus
nn integrated graphics card?

158 BLOCK.INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

 23. Towers, computer chassis or cabincts
These structures protect the internal components of the computer
They're usually made of metal or plastic, and some of them have
Connection. lnsite, we can see methacrylate pieces so that we can see the components from theglass or
sel ses whee we put the In gaming computers, decorations such as LEDlights or spectacular outside.
\arUs Omponents and their
rahets,
systems with coloured cooling liquid are common. cooling
Here are the most commontypes we have at home:
" Tower or full tower. These are the biggest and are designed for ATX-tn
motherboards.
" Semi-tower. For ATX and micro-ATX boards. They're a little smaller th
full towers.
" Micro-ATX case. For micro-ATX boards. They're smaller than the
previoue
ones.

" Mini-|TX case. They're used for mini-ITX motherboards.

ldentification. They're usually the shape of asix-sided box (parallelepiped) but
there are also other, more unusual shapes.
It's very important to create a good flow of air inside these structures to
avoid overheating. Smaller boxes have more problems with overheating.
Connection. We put modern
graphics cards in the PCI express 2.4. Graphics or video cards
slot on the motherboard. There
are also cables that we connect
These process data from the processor and convert it into images on the
on the motherboard to power
the fans, water pumps and monitor.
LED lights. There are two types of graphics cards:
1. Integrated graphics cards. These are on the same chip and share the
same memory as the CPU. They don't perform as well as dedicated
graphics cards.
2. Dedicated graphics cards. These are independent of the CPU.
They're
placed on the motherboard and have the following elements:
" GPU (graphics processing unit). The speed or
in megahertz (MHz).
frequency is measured
Video memory (VRAM). Has a capacity between 2GB and 8GB.
Heat sinks. Aluminium or copper blocks that absorb the heat that the
electronic components generate.
CLIL activitics
Cooling system. One or more fans, or liquid coolant.
6 Find out the names of the " Different output connections: SVGA, DVI, HDMI.
two most important graphics
cards manufacturers. Choose The power of the graphics card we need, will depend on what we're going
two models from each one and to use our computer for. For example, office tasks. editing images or video,
describe their features in your streaming, gaming, virtual reality or programming.
notebook.
Identification. Dedicated graphics cards are the printed circuit boards that
7 What do you think are the have video ports.
advantages of a computer with
a dedicated graphics card versus
an integrated graphics card?

158 BLOCK: INFORMATION ANDCOMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

2.5. Types of memory
The memory is where we store the data and instructions that form the
programs. There are two different types of memory: 'erase: delote.
ROM (read-only memory). The contents of this type of memory can only
he read. ROM stores the data that enables the computer to operate when
we turnit on and also lets the CPU communicate with other components.
s not erased' when we switch off the computer.
. RAM (random-access memory).
RAM temporarily stores the programs
and data that the computer's using.
So its contents can change. It's a Latency
Latency of RAM is the delay
read-write memory and is erased between the introduction of a
when we switch off the computer. We cornrmand and its execution.
measure its speed in megahertz (MHz) and its capacity in gigabytes (GB).
There are two types:
Multi-channel memory. This communicates with the rest of the
computer through a single channel or through several channels,
two, three, four, six or eight, to make the exchange of data faster.
If we use a dual channel architecture, we need two memory buses
(communication systems) or many groups of two memory buses. With
three channels, we need three buses, and so on. The performance is
better because each bus can be doing a separate task. Requirements
" DDR4 memory. This is the most modern RAM, with low energy For gaming, we need at least 8
consumption (<1.5 ) and high speeds at quite low latencies. Some GB, whereas for video editing and
streaming, we need at least 32 GB.
have their own LED lighting systems and heat sinks.
The most common working frequency for mid-range to high-end computers
is between 2400 MHz and 3200 MHz (assuming that the motherboard can
support that much).
Identification. As we can see in this picture, it's rectangular. There are chips
along both sides; slots at each endto hold it in place; and one or more
notches or keys onthe lower edge for correct positioning.

Connection. We put memory

cards into slots that are
easy to identify in our
Computer. These slots have
two lateral brackets that CLIL activities
we have to open before we
put in the card. They close 8 S If you're going to work
automatically when the card with an 8 GB memory, which
is in correctly. Remember is better: an 8 GB memory bus
the positioning notches or or two 5 GB memory buses?
keys must match the holes in
the slots. Explain why in your notebook.
9 Find out the differences
between DDR3 and DDR4 and
present them.
10 Listen and choose the
best explanation. Compare the
explanations with a classmate.

1Hardware and software 159

 L6 Heat sunks
Ilwwt Aeyy theand the rest of the eomponentacool, so We .
h e y x t e m me CU have their own heat sink as
standard bl
hwwwerof heat xik
1. Aà eootùng. theve aie fans, Iheye installed in ditterent places:
ntirtent tionsaond the boNto create a continual fMow

" tireent monents, sch as tthe graphics and memory cards.

IN N ttheirmvn eletical connectionto the motherboardthrough
aale nithasyeial plug.
.Liquid ooling. There are vo types:
"All-in-one kits. These are closed circuit cooling systems.They're
alia assembled and ready to install quickly. They don't need
Nintenance,
" Modular liquid cooling. These
eensìve andmore
aitiut to install, We use thenn
in the highest-end computers
(maly to overclock' devices),
Many of them are lly spectacu
a, bcUse they allow the Users
to design the circuit the way they
want, so it's possible to include
wour ooling liquids or to
light them with LEDs.
Thermal paste is a paste that conducts
het. We can use it to joìn the
minessor to the heat sink so
that it maximises heat transfer, In
general, it's best to use only a little of
this product and to spread it uniformly
using a special tool. It's very important
to red the instructions carefully. We
can also Use this paste on high-end
CLIL actiitis graphicS cards.

Serch for the prices of ldentification. Fan and liquid cooling systems are easy to identify as you ca
Sferent hezt sinks orcng see in the pictures.
Systes Mae notes in your
notebook Then ciscuss them Connection. We connect heat sinks to the motherboard and/or to the power
Qur oasSTtes supply. depending on the model and our power needs. We should check that
the heat sink's connectors are compatible with the motherboard.
2Find avideo that
pins how to Use thermal
paste. Copy the ddress and
Share it with the cdass

CATION TECHNOLOGY
 2.6. Heat sinks
We need to keep the CPU and the rest of the components cool, so we m.
'overclock: increase a component's have a coolingsystem. Some CPUs have their own heat sink as standard dbut
clock rate using it at afaster speed others don't.
than it was designed to run at. Ihis
There are two types of heat sinks.
generates more heat.
'maximise: increase as much as 1. Air cooling. These are fans. They're installed in different places:
possible. " In different locations around the box to create a continual flow
of clean, new air inside it.
" Onthe microprocessor.
" On different components, such as the graphics and memory cards.
Fans need their own electrical connection to the motherboard throuah
Fan quality a cable with a special plug.
When we buy this type of device,
we should look for a good balance 2. Liquid cooling. There are two types:
between power and noise level, so "All-in-one kits. These are closed-circuit cooling systems. They're
that we get the best performance
at the best price. already assembled and ready to install quickly. They don't need
any maintenance.
" Modular liquid cooling. These
are more expensive and more
difficult to install, We use them
in the highest-end computers
(normally to overclock' devices).
Many of them are really spectacu
lar, because they allow the users
to design the circuit the way they
want, so it's possible to include
coloured cooling liquids or to
light them with LEDs.
Thermal paste is a paste that conducts
heat. We can use it to ijoin the
microprocessor to the heat sink so
that it maximises² heat transfer. In
general, it's best to use only a little of
this product and to spread it uniformly
using aspecial tool. It's very important
to read the instructions carefully. We
can also use this paste on high-end
CLIL activitics graphics cards.
11 Search for the prices of Identification. Fan and liquid cooling systems are easy to identify as you Cal
different heat sinks or cooling see in the pictures.
systems. Make notes in your
notebook. Then, discuss them Connection. We connect heat sinks to the motherboard and/or to the power
supply,depending on the modeland our power needs. We should check that
with your classmates. the heat sink's connectors are compatible with the motherboard.
12 Find a video that
xplains how to use thermal
paste. Copy the address and
share it with the class.

160 BLOCK: INFORMATIONANDCOMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

 2.7.Storage devices
These devices store data. This saves information for us even after we switch
the computer oft. There are two types of data:
. Software. This is the different programs and the operating system.
. Documents. These can be text, sound or video files.
There are three types of storage devices:
Optical. These encode information using microscopic grooves on the
Surface of the device. We don't use them much nowadays. CD-ROMs,
DVDs and Blu-ray discs (BD) are all compact discs that a computer can
read. They have very large storage capacity: 700 MB (CD-ROM), 4.7 GB
(DVD) and 25 GB (DB). BDs are especially good for saving high-definition
flms. To read the data onthese discs, youneed a computer with a player.
" Magnetic (hard disk drive-HDD). These store Information through the
magnetic arrangement of particles on the device. HDDs are slower and
cheaper than SSD units. They can have a very large capacity (several CD-ROM and pendrive
terabytes) and people still use them to save docunments even when their
computers have an SSD.
Solid state (solid state drive - SSD). These storage devices are made
of tiny electronic components called transistors. SSDs are faster and
more expensive than HDDs. They have less capacity and we use them to
store operating systems and programs. You can buy them with 256 GB.
However, it's better to have an SSD with 500 GB if you can afford one.
There are three types:
" Normal SSD. These connect to the motherboard and to a power supply.
Their read/write speed can be as fast as 500 MB/s.
"M.2. SSD. These are much faster SSDs (around 1 600 MB/s) that
SSt
Connect to M.2 ports on the motherboard.
PCle SSD. These connect to the PCl express ports and are much faster HDD,SSD and M.2.SSD storage
devices
(up to 4 500 MB/s) and more expensive.
Connecting. HDDs and SSDs connect to
the motherboard and a power supply. M.2.
SSDs need a specific connector (M.2) on the
motherboard.

Flash memory. We use these in pendrives (USB memories) and memory

cards. Ihey're very compact, external SSD devices with large storage
capacity and quick access speeds.
CLIL activities >
Look on the Internet and write a paragraph in your notebook to explain MemoryCard
why HDDs are slower and have a shorter life than SSDs.
HDDs are slower than SSDs because... 128 GB
4 In your notebook, explain what SD cards are, what types there are and
what they're used for.

2Hardware and software 161

 2.8. Power supply
The power supply unit (PSU) transforms the alternating current
into direct current to make the components of the computer work from
a plug
The range oscillates between 350 Wand 1000 W. It's not necessary
to buy a
very expensive PSU, but we should make sure that it provides the
need. There are websites where we can calculate the pOwer sourcepower
based o
we
the characteristics of the computer's cornponents.
There are several types of power supply:
1. SPX. These are the cheapest ones. They come with a fixed number of
cables, which might not all be used, so there are cables left unconnected
2. Semi-modular. Some cables are fixed and others are removable.
3. Modular. The cables are connected one by one to the
supply, so there are
no unconnected cables left in the box.

Connection. PSUs are fastened to the box in aspecificplace. The connection

cables supply electricity to the different conponents, such as the motherboard.
graphics card and fans. When youput them in correctly, the fan is facing
outwards.

2.9. Peripherals
Ihe buttons on 2 mouSe
Peripheral devices are used to communicate what's inside the computer to the
Garning míce usually have extra outside world, which might be people, other computers and other
buttons which youcan program. devices.
They also include LEDs. Theycan be for iinput, output, or input/output. We
connect them to ports,
slotsand bays found at the front and the back of the
computer case.
Input peripherals
Mouse
Thís allows us to do lots of different actions by
clicking the button. It has two buttons - the leftjust moving the cursor and
one is the main one and the
right one is the secondary one but we can
switch these functions.
There's usually a wheel between the buttons, which
through documents. When we click the right allows us to scroll
for the most common tasks. button, this displays amenu
CLIL activitics The two main features of a
mouse are:
15 What type of PSUs can 1. The response speed or
polling rate. We
yousee on this page? Write the mouse with a polling rate of 500 Hz measure this in hertz(Hz). A
answers in your notebook. 500 times a informs the computer of its position
second.
16 Search for information 2. The mouse's sensitivity. We
about the 80 PLUS certification the number of pixels that measure this in dots per inch (DP). It shows
the cursor moves across on
for energy efficiency. What's we move the mouse one the screen when
it for? inch. A very high DPl can make the
impossible use. You can adjust the DPl on
to mouse
17 How many pixels willthe high-end mice.
cursor move across when you Connection. Wireless mice use Bluetooth
move a mouse with 8 000 DPI technology. A mini USB antenna
connects the mouse and the computer, which
of cables. allows us to keep our desks free
5.08 on the screen?

BLOCK: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Keyboard
With this device, you can enter data (characters, letters, and numbers)
and perform certain specific functions on your computer. This is the most
common keyboard:
Escape key. Function keys. May have Backspace. Moves the Delete and Home and End keys.
cursor to the left and These move the cursor
Stops a process one or more functions Insert keys.
or cancels a deletes a character. to the beginning and
depending on the program.
command. end of a line.

Page Up and
Page Down.
Tab key. Moves
These move
the cursor
the cursor tO
several spaces the previous
to the right. X or the next
Screen.

Shift and Caps Number

lock keys. keypad.

Enter or Return key. Confirms Cursor

Control and Alt keys. These perform Typing keys. an action or moves the cursor control keys.
special functions when we press them to the next line.
at the same time as another key. Space bar.

Gaming keyboard have special functions and greater precision. Many of

them have LED lights. 'cartridge: a case or smali box
containing ink for a printer.
Output peripherals Zbeam: line of light
Printer
use it to print photos and documents. Many printers also have a scanner.
erinter's main features are:

Resolution. We measure this in dots per inch. This is the number of dots
f ink that the printer can make in a line one inch across.
Speed. This is the number of pages that the printer can print in one minute.
Printers have internal memory and we connect them with a cable or wi-fi.
There are different categories of printer depending on the printing
technology:
1. Inkjet printers. These are the most common and the cheapest. They
work by spraying tiny dots of ink onto the paper to form the image or
characters.The ink comes in cartridges' which we have to replace when
they run out.
2. Laser printers. These are more expensive but they offer better quality and
precision, and they make less noise than inkjet printers. They use a beam?
of light to fix ink powder, which is inside a toner cartridge, onto the paper.
3.3D printers. These print objects in three dimensions. The most common
and ABS.
ones are filament printers. They use plastic materials called PLA
These are the cheapest of this type of 3D printer, but are less precise
than others.

1Hardware and software 163

 Monitor
There's uch awide variety of rnonitors on the market that you need tte
'trail: .f Ies, Gf iark. Ieft by realexpert tochoose theone with the right features. Here are orme fh
'.oiothing or .ormeo i that i. rnost irnportant fatures:
" Image format or aspect ratio. This is the ratio between the width and the
height of the rnonítor. The rnost cornnon forrnat is 16:9, or panorarnic.
ones,21:9 and 32:9, which people use for garníng, graphic design and
watching filrns, We no longer use rmonitors with the 4:3 forrnat.
4:3 16:9 " Size. This is the diagonal width of the screen and vwe neasure ít in inches
The most cornrmon sizes and 24", 27" and 32".
" Resolution. Thís is the nurmberof pizels that rnake up the creen, The
greater the resolution ís, the clearer the irnages willbe,
HD Full HD QHD/ 2K
21:9 1220z 720 pz 1920 /1 080 pz 2560 /1440 pr
UHD 4K 8K
3840 2 160 p 4096/ 2160 pz 7 680 4 320 p

" Response time. This is the tirne that apizel needs to change colour and
then go back toits original colour.We rneasure thís ín milliseconds (rns).
For garning,the best value is 1ms, and for any other purpose it's best to
have aresponse tine of no more than 4 ms.
Ghosting offect Refresh rate. This is the nurmber of irnages that the monitor can show
Thís happens when a noving inage inone second. We rmeasure it in hertz (Hz). A 240 Hz rnonitor can show
leaves atrail' because the response 240 irnages per second(fps, frarnes per second). Most nonitors have a
tirne of the moítor ís high. refresh rate of 60 Hz.
" Viewing angles. These are the maxirnurn vertícal and horizontal angles
from which we can't see the image on the screern properly. Curved
rnonitor screens offer the greatest viewing angles.
Connection. Nowadays, arnonitor rnust have a HDMIconnection and
VGA and DVI. The nore, the better.
When we're choosing the cormponents to build a balanced cornputer, we
must check if it already has amonitor or if we have to buy a nevw one, and
any possible consequences of this.

0ther peripherals
There are lots of other accessories that we can connect to our cormputer,
for exarnple, scanners, webcarns, wi-fi antennas, snall USB toys and
gadgets, graphics tablets (not tablet cornputers)and bar code readers.

CLIL activities
18 Cormpare Spanish and English language keyboards with aclassnate.
This keyboard has the ...key here, whereas/however the...keyboard has it
here.

19 )Listen to the student talking about printers. Take notes. Use your
notes to write ashort paragraph about printers in your notebook.

AOCK,INFORMATIONAND COMMUNICATIONTECHNOLOGT