LO1: IDENTIFY COMPUTER SYSTEMS

COMPONENTS
 Computer hardware is a collective term used to describe any of the physical
components of an analogue or digital computer.
 A software, which consists of written, machine-readable instructions
or programs that tell physical components what to do and when to execute the
instructions.
Hardware and software are complementary. A computing device can function
efficiently and produce useful output only when both hardware and software work
together appropriately.
Computer hardware can be categorized as being either internal or external
components. Generally, internal hardware components are those necessary for the
proper functioning of the computer, while external hardware components are
attached to the computer to add or enhance functionality.

What are internal computer hardware components?

Internal components collectively process or store the instructions delivered by the
program or operating system (OS). These include the following:
 Motherboard. This is a printed circuit board that holds the central processing unit
(CPU) and other essential internal hardware and functions as the central hub that all
other hardware components run through.
 CPU. The CPU is the brain of the computer that processes and executes digital
instructions from various programs; its clock speed determines the computer's
performance and efficiency in processing data.
 RAM. RAM -- or dynamic RAM -- is temporary memory storage that makes
information immediately accessible to programs; RAM is volatile memory, so stored
data is cleared when the computer powers off.
 Hard drive. Hard disk drives are physical storage devices that store both permanent
and temporary data in different formats, including programs, OSes, device files,
photos, etc.
 Solid-state drive (SSD). SSDs are solid-state storage devices based on NAND flash
memory technology; SSDs are non-volatile, so they can safely store data even when
the computer is powered down.
 Optical drive. Optical drives typically reside in an on-device drive bay; they enable
the computer to read and interact with nonmagnetic external media, such as compact
disc read-only memory or digital video discs.
 Heat sink. This is a passive piece of hardware that draws heat away from
components to regulate/reduce their temperature to help ensure they continue to
function properly. Typically, a heat sink is installed directly atop the CPU, which
produces the most heat among internal components.
 Graphics processing unit. This chip-based device processes graphical data and
often functions as an extension to the main CPU.
 Network interface card (NIC). A NIC is a circuit board or chip that enables the
computer to connect to a network; also known as a network adapter or local area
network adapter, it typically supports connection to an Ethernet network.
 Other computing components, such as USB ports, power supplies, transistors and
chips, are also types of internal hardware.
This computer hardware chart below illustrates what typical internal computer
hardware components look like.

LO1: IDENTIFY COMPUTER SYSTEMS

COMPONENTS
State motherboard form factors
Here, form factor describes a specification that includes the overall length and width of the
board, the arrangement of attachment holes and the placement of I/O ports and slots for add-in
cards (whether AGP, PCI or SCSI). The form factor also defines board component height-
restriction zones and mounting holes — elements that interface with the chassis and power
supply.

 AT form factor: is the oldest and the biggest form factor. It was popular until the
Baby AT was released, which was around the time of the 386 processor (1992-93).
The reason that prompted the Baby AT was the width of the AT (12") and the fact
that the board was difficult to install, service, and upgrade.
 Some issues with the AT and Baby AT design is the location of the features on the
board. The CPUsocket is placed so that it may interfere with longer bus cards. In
some designs the memory sockets aresimilarly placed. This can limit the amount and
selection of peripheral cards you can install. Also the IOports are separate and
mounted on the case and connected to pin-outs on the motherboard. These
areusually located near the floppy and IDE pin-outs and can result in quite a jumble
of ribbon cables.

 ATX: was developed as an evolution of the Baby AT form factor and was defined to
address four areas of improvement: enhanced ease of use, better support for current
and future I/O, better support for current and future processor technology, and
reduced total system cost.

Identify types of power supplies

 ATX POWER SUPPLY — one of the most popular power supplies available on the
market. The standard dimensions for ATX are 150x140x86 mm, but depending on
the power their dimensions may vary slightly. Akyga has prepared 3 lines of such
power supplies for its customers to choose from. Basic — dedicated to supply power
to standard desktop computers. Pro — designed for more complex structures and
the Ultimate line — created to satisfy even the most demanding customers. It is also
worth mentioning that the Ultimate desktop PSU will be perfect for Bitcoin miners.
 ITX POWER SUPPLY - these are much smaller and more compact than the standard
ATX, usually measuring 150x40x85 mm. These power supplies are designed to
minimise space, allowing you to build small, portable PCs or HTPC kits.
  TFX POWER SUPPLY — it is the smallest available computer power supply on the
market. Its dimensions are usually 175x85x65 mm. Akyga offers it in two
versions: 250 W and 300 W.

Building your own computer considerations.

1. CPU characteristics
Into the Motherboard’s Socket, the CPU is plugged in. Every CPU type has a specific
Socket, that has a name such as LGA1700, AM4, AM5, or TR4, to name a few
popular ones, and the Motherboard will need the exact same socket to be compatible
with the CPU.
Almost everything you do on a computer will have to be calculated by the CPU in
some way, so having a fast CPU (high frequency and high core count) will make
your PC faster.
Some CPUs like many of AMD’s Ryzen Series already have CPU-Coolers included
in the CPU Box, but many others, like the popular high-end Intel i9 CPUs, do not.
There are two popular CPU-Cooler types. One is the Air-Cooled Tower Cooler, and
the other is an AIO (All-In-One) Closed Waterloop CPU Cooler.

2. Motherboard speed
The motherboard's bus transfers data between parts. The term "bus speed" refers
to how quickly the system bus can move data from one computer component to the
other. The faster the bus, the more data it can move within a given amount of time.

A motherboard that has a sufficient or excessive bus speed for the CPU will offer
the optimal performance speed. If the bus is fast enough, the CPU will consistently
have new data to process ready to go when it completes a cycle.

3. Size of RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is the “short-term” memory part of the computer if you
would compare it to a brain. The RAM stores data that is actively being worked on by the
CPU. RAM can read and write data extremely fast (much faster than any permanent storage
solutions) but can’t retain information once the power is turned off.
You can get just one Module, 2 Modules, 4 Modules, or even 8 Modules and more as long
as your Motherboard has sufficient RAM Slots.
There are 3 typical mass-storage types:
1. The HDD (Hard Disc Drive)
2. the SSD (Solid State Drive)
3. and the NVMe SSD (Non-Volatile Memory Express Solid State Drive)
 4. Expansion cards characteristics
Next up is the Graphics Card. Its purpose is the processing of anything that has to do with
visuals and outputs these visuals (Images, User Interface, GUI, Video) onto the Monitor(s).

5. Display types and characteristics

Any PC that you want to interact with needs a display device such as a monitor, to be able to
see what’s going on. Monitors come in all kinds of sizes, colors, resolutions, aspect ratios,
and so on.

6. Cooling
This is done by attaching Case Fans to the inside of the case. These then pull in cool air at
the front of your PC and blow the hot air out the back of your PC, creating so-called airflow
throughout the case.

7. Operating system
Windows 10 is the currently leading Operating System that will let you use your PC. Many
online stores offer Volume License Keys that don’t cost you more than 15$ per license.
What are external hardware components?
External hardware components, also called peripheral components, are those items
that are often externally connected to the computer to control either input or output
functions. These hardware devices are designed to either provide instructions to the
software (input) or render results from its execution (output).

Common input hardware components include the following:

 Mouse. A mouse is a hand-held pointing device that moves a cursor around a

computer screen and enables interaction with objects on the screen. It may be
wired or wireless.

 Keyboard. A keyboard is an input device featuring a standard QWERTY

keyset that enables users to input text, numbers or special characters.

 Microphone. A microphone is a device that translates sound waves into

electrical signals and supports computer-based audio communications.

 Camera. A camera captures visual images and streams them to the computer or
through a computer to a network device.

 Touchpad. A touchpad is an input device, external or built into a laptop, used to

control the pointer on a display screen. It is typically an alternative to an external
mouse.

 USB flash drive. A USB flash drive is an external, removable storage device that
uses flash memory and interfaces with a computer through a USB port.

 Memory card. A memory card is a type of portable external storage media, such
as a CompactFlash card, used to store media or data files.

Other input hardware components include joysticks, styluses and scanners.

Examples of output hardware components include the following:

 Monitor. A monitor is an output device similar to a TV screen that displays

information, documents or images generated by the computing device.

 Printer. Printers render electronic data from a computer into printed material.
 Speaker. A speaker is an external audio output device that connects to a
computer to generate a sound output.

 Headphones, earphones, earbuds. Similar to speakers, these devices provide

audio output that's audible only to a single listener.