Hardware Basics from Chapter 1

Central Processing Unit of a computer. It is composed of three units: The control unit (retrieves and sends signals to computer), the arithmetic logic unit (mathematical calculator) and the memory unit (composed of RAM - temporary memory, and ROM - permanent memory).

An input device that allows for the input of alphabet, numbers, and computer operational functions.

An input device that allows printed materials to be converted to a digital format. Flatbed or sheet-fed. Uses OCR (optical recognition software) to convert text.

An output device that transfers digital data to a hard copy. Ink jet or Laser. Resolution is determined by dpi (dots per inch). Higher the dpi, higher the resolution.

Project sound. Some are made for single use, and some are made for large groups to hear, so considering the type of speaker is important when presenting to a classroom. Although headphones are still required for individual use.

Pen, flash, or jump drives. Plugged into USB ports (Universal Serial Bus), not platform specific, and hold from 28 MB to 4 GB of info. They are small, though, and easily lost - always have information backed up!

Input device. Some computers have them built in, others do not. Connect to the port that is connected to the sound card which allows input of sound.

Wireless input devices that allow students to respond to questions which the teacher can record and review.

Screens or Displays. Output device which displays information of what functions the computer is performing.

Combine an LCD (liquid crystal display) unit with a light source. Displays, like a screen, information of what functions the computer is performing but without the use of a screen.