What Is Computer Equipment

Equipment of Computer

CPU-  Central Processing Unit. The “brain” of the computer. It executes commands which, eventually, we see as a response to our input. Without the CPU, the computer is nothing.

Disk-  A storage medium to keep data while the computer is turned off.

RAM- “Random Access Memory“. A pool of storage for the CPU. It can be written to/read from in any order (unlike a VCR tape which is serial—you have to wind to the place you want). There are several types of RAM: SRAM, DRAM, EDO-RAM. ROM “Read Only Memory“. Memory that has imprinted in it data and programs for the CPU which cannot be erased or written to.

SRAM- RAM that does not “lose its mind” if not refreshed. This is typically used in caches. It tends to be much more complicated than DRAM and thus much more costly.

DRAM-  RAM that uses a device called a “capacitor” to store each bit. The problem with this is the capacitor loses the charge very quickly. Therefore, the DRAM has to be “refreshed” to keep the data valid. This is thus far the cheapest RAM.

CD-ROM- A disk made of plastic and aluminum which can store up to 650MB of data. Usually these disks cannot be written to, instead they often are used to distribute software from companies.

DVD- The next generation CD-ROM which will store 10-20x the current capacity.

Floppy-  A disk that has flexible media (the actual material onto which the data is recorded). The material and flexibility is a lot like that of a cassette tape.

Glide point-  A mouse-replacement that has a little pad that you can use to move the mouse pointer. Simply glide your finger over the surface and the pointer will move. To “click”, tap the pad. To “double-click” double-tap the pad.

Hard disk-  A medium to store data for the computer while the power is out. It uses a hard material (typically aluminum).

Keyboard- A typewriter-like tool that has keys. Sends letters or commands to the computer.

Microprocessor- A CPU that composes only one chip. Some CPUs may actually be several square feet is size; but, the microprocessor is designed to be 100% self-contained in a single chip.

Modem- A device that will let your computer talk to other computers through the telephone line.

Monitor- The CRT or display that shows the words, graphics, etc., to the user. It is a critical part of a user’s interface.

Motherboard-  A printed circuit board that has (at least) slots to connect cards into. Often, they also include a CPU and memory.

Mouse- An input device which has one to three buttons and when you move it, it causes the arrow in a Windows display to move.

Open Architecture- The original computer companies hid their secrets from competitors by keeping their architecture closed (proprietary). IBM made the IBM PC an open architecture, allowing anyone to make options for it.

Adapter - Adapter Most of the time it refers to a card that plugs into the motherboard adding special capabilities not originally found on the computer. Other times it refers to tools to convert one connector type to another.

Cables-  A thick wire that connects the computer to the external device or power.

Cache-  An interface between the CPU and the memory (RAM and ROM). It helps the CPU keep running even though the RAM may be too slow. It does this by keeping a copy of what the processor has read/written.

Card Slot- The slots found on the PC motherboard may be one of five types: ISA, EISA, MCA, VESA & PCI.. Slower adapters (like I/O boards) can be ISA. But for the best performance, use VESA or PCI for hard drives, CD-ROMs or Video adapters.

Cards-  An option (adapter) which is a printed circuit board that plugs into the motherboard.

Parallel- A type of port which transmits and receives several bits of data at a time (typically 8 bits). Typically used to connect to printers. Ports Connectors (usually in the back of the computer) which connect to external devices (e.g. mouse, keyboard, modem, printer, display, etc.)

Power Supply-  A basic component in the computer that converts the outlet power into power that the computer can use.

Printer-  An external device that takes commands and data from the computer to place on paper. There are several types of printers: daisy-wheel, matrix, laser, thermal, inkjet, and plotter.

Scanner- An external device that is able to optically read in printed material—kind of like a copier, but it stores the image on the computer instead.

Serial- A type of port that transmits only one bit at a time. In order to send a byte of data, the data has to be “turned on its side” and send out bit by bit.

Surge protector- A device that will isolate your computer from outlet power problems (spikes and noise).

Trackball-  A mouse replacement that is a small box with a ball in the center. You roll the ball in the direction you want the pointer to go.

Track point- A mouse replacement with a little rubber post between the “g” and “h” keys on some laptop computers. Gently push the post in the direction you want the mouse pointer to go.

UPS- “Uninterrupted Power Supply”. This is a box that is like a surge protector but will keep you going even if you lose power. You can plug your computer into. If you have a brown- or black-out, this unit will keep you running for 3 minutes to an hour (certainly enough time to save your work and shutdown the computer).

There are many pieces to a computer, as you can see by the jargon list. The computers we use today are many times more complex than those from twenty years ago. We want our machines to do so much that the industry is always striving to reach these seemingly endless (and nearly unattainable) goals.