Management Module A Homework The resolution of a screen is the number of pixels or dots it has

Extended Learning Module A – Computer Hardware and Software

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• This slide discusses some of the factors that consumers should consider

when selecting a monitor.

• This slide shows photos three of the printers discussed in the next

slide.

• This slide presents Figure A.11 on page 337.

• This slide discusses resolution of printers.

• The resolution of a printer is analogous to the resolution of a monitor

in that both measure the number of dots that make up the image.

• This slide graphically illustrates the various types of storage devices.

• This slide presents Figure A.12 on page 339.

• The three main types of long-term storage are magnetic (the oldest),

• This slide discusses the units that measure the space on storage

media.

• The amount of storage space is measured in millions, billions, or

Extended Learning Module A – Computer Hardware and Software

Mod A-13

• This slide defines magnetic hard disk storage.

• The principle behind magnetic storage is a thin surface of metal or

plastic that has coating of ferrous oxide (rust), the particles of which

• This slide is the first of three that present optical or laser storage

media.

• The principle behind optical or laser storage is that a strong beam of

• This slide introduces the three types of CDs.

• A CD can store up to 800 MB.

• This slide discusses DVDs.

• DVDs can have

o one layer with one side with information

SLIDE 50

• Solid state media include solid state hard drives, where microchips are

sealed inside a box.

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• This slide presents Figure A.13 on page 340.

• Solid state or flash memory cards

• This slide shows photos of a CPU and a RAM memory module.

• This slide presents Figure A.14 on page 340.

• This slide presents definitions of the CPU cycle and GHz.

• The CPU and RAM work together in processing instructions.

• This slide describes components of the CPU.

• These components are all involved in the machine cycle, a description

of which is coming up on slide 56.

• The control unit directs all operations in a computer

• This slide presents the system bus.

• The system bus is one of the two bus systems in a computer.

Extended Learning Module A – Computer Hardware and Software

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• This slide details the four steps of the CPU or machine cycle.

• First, the instructions and any information that is needed moves from

RAM into the CPU.

• This slide is an illustration of a machine cycle, a description of which is

on the next slide.

• This slide deals with the differences between desktops and notebooks

with respect to CPU and RAM.

• This slide illustrates the categories of ports and connectors.

• This slide defines the port, which is the point of contact between the

motherboard and devices outside it.

Extended Learning Module A – Computer Hardware and Software

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• This slide presents the modern features of plug and play and hot swap.

• Only USB and Firewire connectors and ports have these features.

• This slide continues with the port theme showing the definitions for

two ports/connectors.

• This slide defines PS/2, DVI and VGA ports

• This slide discusses wireless connections.

• Infrared transmission is useful over very short distances with no

impediments, like a TV remote controller.

• This slide defines expansion cards, slots, and bus.

• You need an expansion card or board if there is no port directly on the

motherboard.

• An expansion card is interface hardware and is always necessary

Extended Learning Module A – Computer Hardware and Software

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• This slide explains the expansion system for notebooks.

Back to Jump List

Extended Learning Module A – Computer Hardware and Software

SHORT-ANSWER QUESTIONS (p. 348)

1. What are the two categories of information technology (IT)?

2. What are the six categories of hardware?

3. What is the difference between application and system software?

4. Dollar for dollar with comparable characteristics, which is faster and more powerful – a

desktop computer or notebook computer?

5. What is the difference between vertical market and horizontal market software?

6. What do the terms bits and bytes mean?

7. What is a gaming wheel and how does it differ from a gamepad?

8. What is the difference between a CRT and a flat-panel display?

9. How would you measure the size of a screen?

10. How is the resolution of a printer comparable to the resolution of a screen?

Mod A-19

11. How does a CD differ from a flash drive?

12. What are three types of flash memory cards?

13. What is a mobile CPU?

14. Which wireless standard is used by networks?

Extended Learning Module A – Computer Hardware and Software

Mod A-20

ASSIGNMENTS & EXERCISES (p. 349)

1. Comparing different types of computer systems

Computers come in varying sizes and levels of power and performance. Use the Web to

find out about computer system configurations. Do some comparison shopping for three

types of computers: desktops, notebooks, and tablet PCs. Choose three Web sites that sell

computer systems. From each of these sites, choose the most expensive and least

expensive computer systems you can find for each of the three types of computers. Create

a table for each of the three types of computers and compare them based on the following

criteria:

• Type and speed of CPU

• Type and speed of RAM

• Amount of CPU cache

• System bus speed

• Hard disk capacity and speed (revolutions per minute or rpm)

• Number and type of ports

DISCUSSION:

2. Customizing a Computer Purchase.

One of the great things about the Web is the number of e-tailers that are now online

offering you a variety of products and services. One such e-tailer is Dell, which allows you

to customize and buy a computer. Connect to Dell’s site at www.dell.com. Go to the

portion of Dell’s site that allows you to customize either a notebook or a desktop

computer. First, choose an already prepared system and note its price and capability in

terms of CPU speed, RAM size, monitor quality, and storage capacity. Now, customize that

system to increase CPU speed, add more RAM, increase monitor size and quality, and add

more storage capacity. What’s the difference in price between the two? Which system is

more in your price range? Which system has the speed and capacity you need?

DISCUSSION:

3. Understanding the Complexity of Software

Software instructions on how to open Word or send information to a printer must be

provided to a computer in great detail and with excruciating accuracy. Writing code to

make the computer execute these instructions properly and in the right order is not a

simple task. To understand how detailed you must be, pick a partner for this project and

envision that you are standing in a kitchen. The task for one of you is to write down all the

instructions that are necessary to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. When

complete, have the other person follow those instructions exactly. How successful was the

second person in making the sandwich? Did your instructions include every single step?

What did you leave out?

DISCUSSION:

4. Adding Media to a Presentation

We certainly live in a “multimedia” society, in which it’s often easy to present and receive

information using a variety (multi) of media. Presentation tools such as Microsoft’s

PowerPoint can help you easily build presentations that include audio, animation, and

video. And this may help you get a better grade. Using your preferred presentation

software, document the steps necessary to add a short audio or video clip to a

presentation. How does the representation of the clip appear on a slide? How can you

initiate it? Does your presentation software include any clips that you can insert or do you

have to record your own? Now, try recording a short audio clip. What steps must you

perform?

DISCUSSION:

5. Compare Smartphones.

This is a subject that your students are likely to know quite a bit about. However, they are

probably a bit hazy on the details. This exercise is good for getting the differences

established. You could add operating system considerations to the exercise and the

wireless standards supported by the phone, i.e. Bluetooth and/or WiFi.

Extended Learning Module A – Computer Hardware and Software

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DISCUSSION:

• Most phones are going to 4G now which is quite a bit faster than 3G.