CATEGORIES OF COMPUTER HARDWARE

Reporter: Almonicar, Shovie

Arias, Hazel Leah Khae

THE COMPUTER HARDWARE

Hardware is the physical equipment which includes the input devices, central processing
unit, and output devices.
INPUT DEVICES - The input devices are used to input data into the computer.
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT - It is the brain of the computer. It is stored inside the
computer case placed in a slot within the motherboard together with other components:
 Motherboard
 Power Supply
 Case Fan, Power Cable and SATA Cable
 LAN Card
 Graphics/Video/Sound Card
 Hard Disk Drive
 Optical Drive or CD/DVD-ROM Drive
 Ports and Wires
OUTPUT DEVICES - The output devices allow the user to see the result of the data that has
been processed.
STORAGE DEVICES - Storage devices are used to store the data Storage devices may either be
internally installed in the CPU or removable.
 Hard Drive
 Compact Disk Read Only Memory or CD ROM
 DVD
 Flash Drive
Computer memory that stores data are:
 Random Access Memory or RAM which is the main memory
 Read Only Memory or ROM which is a memory on which data have been prerecorded.

INPUT DEVICES
Input devices allow people to interact with a computer. They allow users to input selected
data into the computer processing.
 Mouse - The mouse acts as the pointing device that you can use to choose programs and
files to open, functions to activate, to determine a typing or drawing starting point,
function selection and to scroll page up and down.
 Keyboard - A computer input device modeled from the keys of a typewriter. It is an
arrangement of keys or button where characters are printed.
 Scanner - The image scanner is a computer input device that scans and copies images,
objects, texts, handwriting and converted them as digital image.
  Graphics and Input Devices - There are many ways to produce and interact with screen
graphics. Aside from the mouse, there is digitizing tablet that allows you to create your
own images.
 Web Camera - Webcam can be used for video conferencing with friends, relatives or
business associates allowing the participants to see each other.
 Gamepad - The game pad, also called joy pad or control pad functions as handheld game
controller for computer games.
 Joystick - The joystick is a computer input device used as a control device that pivots
around so that no one could move in any direction.
 Trackball - A variation on the mouse is the trackball. You may have used a trackball to
play a video game. The trackball is like an upside-down mouse where you roll the ball
directly with your fingers.
 Microphone - An input device connected to the computer to the sound card via
microphone port.

OUTPUT DEVICES
 Monitor - The monitor is an output device that functions as a visual unit for images text,
or graphics generated by the computer.
 Printer - A computer output device that produces a permanent or hard copy human
readable text and/or graphics of documents stored in the computer.

FOUR TYPES OF PRINTER

 Dot Matrix Printer - Is a computer printer that prints by hammering or striking an ink-
soaked cloth ribbon against a paper.
 Laser Jet Printer - Is a computer printer that produces high quality prints of text or
graphics on plain paper. Laser Jet printers have faster speed than dot matrix printer and
inkjet printer.
 Ink Jet Printer - Is a computer printer most common for general use at home or at the
office.
 Plotter - Is a printing device that operates by moving set of four pens in different colors
over a paper surface and can also have shading features.

 Speakers - Computer speakers are your audio output for music, video, and computer
alerts.
 Terminals - Terminal screen may be the monitor of self-contained personal computer, or
it may be part of a terminal that is one of many terminals attached to a large computer.
 Voice Output - Speech synthesis is the process of enabling machines to talk to people.
Machine voices are not real human voices but a product of voice synthesizers which are
also called voice output devices or audio response unit.
 Music Output - Music is created by a sound card installed internally in the computer and
attached to speakers.
 Computer Graphics - Computer graphics can also be found in education, computer art,
science sports, business, etc.

STORAGE DEVICES
Reporter: Atil, Moisessa
Baco, Zylle
A piece of computer equipment on which information can be stored. There are many
available storage devices that are commonly used due to their movability.
  Floppy Disk - A small capacity storage devices inside a plastic case accessible by a
floppy disk drive. It comes in 3 ½ inch size and a capacity of 1.44 MB (Megabyte).
 Optical Disc - Optical Media or optical discs are storage media that use laser technology
to store data onto a circular plastic or metallic disc. The data in the disc are accessed by
the use of an Optical Disk Drive (ODD).
 Compact Disc - Also commonly known as the CD, is the most widely used optical disc
with a standard capacity of around 700 MB (megabytes).
Three types of CD:
- CD-ROM’s
- CDRs
- Rewritable CD
 CD-ROM’s (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) - CD’s with pre-installed data such as
music, movies, and programs. Data or information inside could not be altered and are
only available for access or reading. Read by an optical disk drive or a CD drive.
 CD-R or Compact Disk Recordable - A CD where one can store or write data using CD
writer and once written into the CD, it stays there permanently. Also known as “write
once” CD. Used to store data such as music, movies, word processing and spreadsheet
files, and other future access.
 CD-RW - Also known as Re-writable CD where in data stored inside can be altered,
erased, and then saved again. Versatile disc, can used as temporary storage for work in
progress.
 BLU-RAY - A high definition, high capacity data and video storage device. Blue laser is
used to read and write to the disk that is why called Blu-ray.
 Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) - Better than CDs in terms of capacity, look like CD but
has a capacity of 4.7 GB, which is 17 times the capacity of a CD. DVDs can be accessed
by the of DVD drive; most DVD drives can also read CDs.
 DVD-ROM (DVD-READ ONLY MEMORY) - Used extensively to distribute movies,
since a full-length movie can be stored in one DVD. The music and videos quality are a
lot better compared to CD-ROMs and is comparable to those we view on wide screen
theaters. Data stored DVD-ROM cannot be changed. It can only be read or play.
 DVD Recordable - Has two formats, the DVD-R and DVD+R; these are competing
recording formats for DVD. Data is now permanently stored into the DVD.
 DVD Rewritable or DVD-RW - DVD in which stored data can be altered, erased and
re-stored into the DVD. This is a versatile DVD especially “projects in progress” so that
future insertions and alteration may be possible.
 Mini CD and Mini DVD - Are CDs and DVDs in a smaller size format also known as
the 3-inch CDs or DVDs. Function just like the standard CDs and DVDs but smaller
capacity. They also come in CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-Writable; or DVD-ROM, DVD-
R, and DVD-Writable.
 High Capacity Optical Media - Blu-Ray Disc (BD) is a new generation optical disc,
with the same dimension looks as a DVD or CD, but has a high capacity. Blu-Ray still
uses laser technology but of a different wavelength than the one used for a CD and a
DVD, which called Blue laser (real color of a ray is violet). Blu-Ray can store 25 to 50
GB of data which is between 5 and 10 times compared to DVD.
 External DVD Drives - Use smaller and compact mobile computers such as the
subnotebooks and netbooks, which do not have CD or DVD drives.
 Hard Disks - Almost all personal computers use the hard disk as the main storage where
data and programs are saved, retrieved, modified, then stored again for future use. It is
directly connected to the motherboard by a data cable. Hard disk is a non-volatile. Hard
disk has significantly a lot of storage space and processes (read and write) data faster.
Hard disk has magnetized disk inside, stacked one after another, where data are recorded
by magnetizing.

APPLICATION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF HARD DISKS

 Hard disk provides the permanent storage for the operating system, application programs,
and data when the computer is turned off. The criteria to look for a good hard disk are the
following:
1. STORAGE CAPACITY - Hard disk today have storage capacities starting 80 gigabytes to
few terabytes. The higher the capacity the better it is because this can store more data and
programs without the need for additional storage.
2. ROTATION SPEED - The platter rotates at very high speed with current hard disk rate of
5400 to 7200 revolutions per minute (rpm). The faster the rotations of the hard drive, the better,
since this would mean faster seek time and faster data transfer rate.
3. WIRING CONNECTION - Connection of the hard disk to the CPU motherboard is either
Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), also known as Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment
(SATA) cable. The SATA technology has the advantage of less cable bulk, fast data transfer, and
low cost.

KINDS OF HARD DISK

 Internal Hard Disk - Hard disk is usually associated with non-volatile or permanent
storage inside the computer box, also called internal hard disk. Hard disk gets its power
source from motherboard and is directly connected to the CPU via data cable.
 External Hard Disk - External hard disk are hard disk with enclosure made of plastic or
metal, usually aluminum. Enclosure to protect term from shock and elements. Used for
backup file. The popular size is either the 3.5 inch, used for desktop computers, normally
requires external power to operate; or the 2.5 inch, used for laptop computer, simply
connects to the computer via the USB port without additional external power. External
Hard disk is used as offline storage for less frequently used such as movies, music and
archived documents.
 Flash Memory - Is a non-volatile memory that can be electrically erased and
reprogrammed which is used for general purpose storage and data transfer used in
cellular phones, digital camera, video games and more. Offers low cost, high re-record
ability, power-free storage, small form factor, fast data transfer.

KINDS OF FLASH MEMORY

 Flash Drive - USB Flash Drive is a flash memory storage device with a USB connector,
having a capacity of 4GB to 128GB. Durable, more reliable in data storage, a lot
smaller compared to floppy disk, have large data capacity, fast, and cheaper in term of
cost per memory space.
 Solid State Drive (SSD) - Solid State Drive has the same characteristic of a flash drive
but it has more memory capacity and is used as an alternative to hard disk drives.
Advantage of having no moving parts and therefore it is resistant to movements and
shock, run silently, have faster access time and can be manufactured in smaller
packaging. Commonly used in tablets, and ultra-thin computers. Are three to four time
more expensive than the hard disk.
 Memory Cards - Memory Cards are solid-state electronic data storage devices that use
flash memory. Is a non-volatile, memory that can electrically erased and programmed. It
classified as a general-purpose storage and data transfer used in cellular phones, digital
cameras, video games.

MOST POPULAR CARDS

 Compact Flash - Was produced in 1994 by SanDisk. It is a flash memory mass storage
device mostly used in digital camera that has high memory capacity and reliability. The
 ruggedness and toughness of this card makes it a better choice by photographers “out the
field”.
 Memory Stick - Another model, manufactured by Sony in 1998 for its range of products
including digital camera, video camera, cellular phones, PSP. This memory card comes in
several types as follows: Memory stick PRO, Memory stick Duo, Memory stick Pro Duo,
and Memory stick PRO-HG, are same dimension of 31.0x20.0x1.6 mm and Memory
stick Micro with a dimension of 15.0x12.5x1.2 mm. \
 Multimedia Card (MMC) - Standard flash memory card mostly used in cellular phones
introduced by Siemens AG and SanDisk in 1997. Dimension of 24 mmx 32 mmx 1.4 mm
which is as big as a postage stamp. Variants to this card include ReducedSize
MultiMediaCard (RS-MMC) which is half the size of regular MMC, Dual-Voltage, to
reduce power consumption; and then the newer MMCplus and MMCmobile both offers
dual voltage and other capabilities. The smallest is the MMCmicro which is only has a
dimension of 14 mmx 12 mmx 1.1 mm or called the micro size, this version however, is
not the same as the MicroSD card.
 Secure Digital (SD) - Flash memory card with a dimension of 24 mmx32 mmx 2.1 mm.
This card was developed by Panasonic, SanDisk and Toshiba in 1999 to be used for
digital cameras, mobile phones, video game and GPS receivers. High capacity formats of
this card are called SDHC (SD High Capacity). However, some older gadgets cannot read
the SDHC which often requires a SDHC firmware generally not found in older devices.
 MiniSD Card - Is a card for use for with cell phones, digital cameras and MP3 Players.
Released by SanDisk 2003, it has a small form factor and a dimension of 21.5 x 20 x 1.4
mm. These cards can be used in gadgets that used SD cards by using an adaptor.
 MicroSD Card - Is the smallest removable flash memory in the market, almost the size
of the fingernail at 15 mm x 11 mm x 0.7 mm designed for used in cellular phones.

STORAGE CAPACITY
Data in digital computer system is represented in binary digits called bits or 0s and 1s in
a binary system. All data and information (text, images, and video) in a binary system are
represented and stored as a string of bits. Computers only understand binary digit and inside the
computer, data is represented as 0, 1 or strings of 0s and 1s. Each character of the alphabet and
the numbers represented by a byte. A byte is a unit of information that is equal to 8 bits. For
example, letter A is represented 00000001. Other letters and numbers have their corresponding 8
bits of 0s and 1s. The table below summarizes the storage capacity.

 PRIMARY MEMORY - Primary memory is computer memory that is accessed directly

by the CPU. This includes several types of memory, such as the processor, cache and
system  ROM. However, in most cases, primary memory refers to system RAM.
 SECONDARY STORAGE - This refers to the storage that is not directly accessible by
the CPU. The most common secondary storage is the hard disk inside the CPU. The
secondary storage like hard disk is non-volatile which means that it does not lose its data
when the power is shut down. Data inside the secondary storage is accessed by the CPU
using its input and output channels and are transferred to the primary memory for
processing.
 TERTIARY STORAGE - This refers to the storage used for very large volume of data
that are stored for future use. Low cost is the defining characteristic of tertiary storage.
Generally, tertiary storage is built using removable media. Common examples of
removable media are floppy disks and CD-ROMs; other types are available.
 OFF-LINE STORAGE - Offline Storage is a term that used to describe
any storage medium that must be physically inserted into the computer every time the
user wants to access or edit data. It can be any time of internal or external storage which
the user can easily remove from the computer. Example: USB
PERFROMANCE
 THROUGHPUT - is the amount of data moved successfully from one place to another
in a given time period, and typically measured in bits per second (bps), as in megabits per
second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps).
 LATENCY - In computer networking, latency is an expression of how much time it
takes for a data packet to travel from one designated point to another. One of the major
reasons for poor latency is geography. 
 CAPACITY - Capacity is the complex measurement of the maximum amount of data
that may be transferred between network locations over a link or network path. Because
of the amount of intertwined measurement variables and scenarios, actual network
capacity is rarely accurate.

ACCESSIBILITY
 RANDOM ACCESS - To a file means that the computer system can read or write
information anywhere in the data files. This type of operation is also called “Direct
Access” because the computer system knows where the data is stored (using Indexing)
and hence goes “directly” and reads the data.
 SEQUENTIAL ACCESS - To a data file means that the computer system reads or
writes information to the file sequentially, starting from the beginning of the file and
proceeding step by step.

VOLATILITY
 VOLATILE - Volatile (from the Latin "volatilis" meaning "to fly”) is an adjective used
to describe something unstable or changeable. In computers, volatile is used to describe
memory content that is lost when the power is interrupted or switched off.
Your computer's ordinary memory (or RAM) is volatile memory.
Examples of volatile memory:
- System RAM (DRAM)
- Video RAM (VRAM)
- Processor L1 and L2 cache
- HDD and SSD disk cache
 NON-VOLATILE MEMORY - Non-volatile memory (NVM) is a type of memory that
retains stored data after the power is turned off. Unlike volatile memory, it does not
require an electric charge to maintain the storage state. Only reading and writing data to
non-volatile memory requires power.
Examples of non-volatile memory are listed below:
- Hard disk drive (HDD)
- Solid state drive (SSD)
- Flash drive (USB keychain)
- Optical media (CDs, DVDs, etc.)
- Read-only memory (ROM)

SOLID STATE DRIVE (SSD)

Solid-state drives do not have moving parts because they do not rely on spitting platters.
Instead, data are pooled in an array of NAND flash. A solid-state drive (SSD) is a new
generation of storage device used in computers. SSDs replace traditional mechanical hard disks
by using flash-based memory, which is significantly faster.
Advantages:
Faster boot-up time of 20 seconds vs. 40 seconds (e.g. opening of Windows 7). Faster data
read/write speed of 200-1500 megabytes per second vs. 50-200 megabytes per second. Can
operate in temperatures below freezing point up to -55 °C, whereas HDD can operate at 0 °C.
Very small and lightweight. Consume less power which could contribute to longer battery life for
laptops.
Disadvantages:
As of this writing, SSDs continue to decline in cost but is still 4 times more
expensive than a Hard Disk of the same capacity. NAND Flash in SSDs has a finite number of
times that you can write on it, though the read does not contribute to the decay process, limiting
their usefulness. Manufacturers of SSDs use wear-leveling to show down degradation of NAND
flash by distributing evenly data written on SSD memory block. Still SSD decay over time.

RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY

 DYNAMIC RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (DRAM)
 STATIC RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY

TYPES OF DRAM
1. FPM DRAM - Fast Page Model DRAM was used when the processors were still the 386 and
486 computers. This is now considered obsolete because this RAM operates in a memory bus
frequency below 66MHz.
2. EDO DRAM - Extended Data Output DRAM was used to replace FPM DRAM in 1995. This
provided better speed performance over FPM DRAM. This operates within the memory bus
frequency of 66MHz.
3. BEDO DRAM - Burst EDO DRAM can process four memory address in one burst making it
faster than EDO RAM.

SDRAM
SDRAM stands for Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory. SDRAM operates
more efficiently as it works according to the synchronization of the clock. This makes it easy to
manage faster, and the speed of the SDRAM measured in MHz instead of nanoseconds. SDRAM
introduced in 1969-70. It most widely used in computers. Nowadays it is also used in other
systems.

TYPES OF SDRAM
1. SDR SDRAM - Single Data Rate SDRAM use 168 pin DIMMs and are operating in the clock
rates of 66, 100, and 133MHz. This SDRAM is slower than the later DDR since it can only
accept one command and transfer one word of data per clock cycle.
2. DDR SDRAM - Stands for "Double Data Rate." It is an advanced version of SDRAM, a type
of computer memory. DDR-SDRAM, sometimes called "SDRAM II," can transfer data twice as
fast as regular SDRAM chips. This is because DDR memory can send and receive signals twice
per clock cycle. The efficient operation of DDR-SDRAM makes the memory great for notebook
computers since it uses up less power.
3. DDR2 - Stands for "Double Data Rate 2." DDR2 RAM is an improved version
of DDR memory that is faster and more efficient. Like standard DDR memory, DDR2 memory
can send data on both the rising and falling edges of the processor's clock cycles. This nearly
doubles the amount of work the RAM can do in a given amount of time. DDR and DDR2 are
also both types of SDRAM, which allows them to run faster than conventional memory.
4. DDR3 SDRAM - DDR3 RAM is similar to DDR2 RAM, but uses roughly 30% less power
and can transfer data twice as fast. While DDR2 memory can transfer data at up to 3200 Mbps
(megabytes per second), DDR3 memory supports maximum data transfer rates of 6400 Mbps.
This means computers with DDR3 memory can transfer data to and from the CPU much faster
than systems with DDR2 RAM.
5. DDR4 SDRAM - Stand for "Double Data Rate 4." A type of memory commonly used
in desktop and laptop computers. It was introduced in 2014, though it did not gain widespread
adoption until 2016. Advantages include faster data transfer rates and larger capacities, thanks to
greater memory density and more memory banks (16 rather than 8). DDR4 also operates at a
lower voltage (1.2V compared to 1.5V), so it is more power-efficient.

STATIC RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (SRAM)

SRAM is a type of RAM that stores data using a static method, in which the data remains
constant as long as electric power is supplied to the memory chip.

TYPES OF SRAM
Synchronous RAM is the faster of the two, as it is able to synch with the microprocessor
or CPU’s clock speed. Asynchronous RAM can’t do that, meaning that it can’t perform
operations that are determined and timed by the system clock. Other types of RAM have to take
over those tasks where asynchronous RAM is present.
Test I. Multiple Choice
Directions: Encircle the letter of the correct answer.
1. What is the physical equipment that includes input, output and central processing unit?
a. Central Processing Unit c. Hardware
b. Input Devices d. Storage Devices
2. What device allows people to interact with a computer?
a. Central Processing Unit c. Hardware
b. Input Devices d. Storage Devices
3. What piece of computer equipment on which information can be stored?
a. Central Processing Unit c. Hardware
b. Input Devices d. Storage Devices
4. What type of input device which act as the pointing device that you can use to choose program
and files to open?
a. Keyboard c. Web Camera
b. Mouse c. Scanner
5. What type of output device which functions as a visual unit?
a. Computer Graphics c. Monitor
b. Dot Matrix d. Speakers
6. What type of storage device that comes in 3 ½ inch size and a capacity of 1.44 MB?
a. Compact Disc c. Optical Disc
b. Floppy Disk d. Solid State Drive
7. What device allows the user to see the result of the data that has been processed?
a. Central Processing Unit c. Output Devices
b. Input Devices d. Storage Devices
8. Which of the following is NOT a storage device?
a. Compact Disc c. Motherboard
b. Flash Drive d. RAM
9. What type of input device is used as a control device that pivots around?
a. Mouse c. Joystick
b. Graphics Devices d. Trackball
10. What type of output device that produces a permanent or hard copy human readable text?
a. Monitor c. Graphics and Input Devices
b. Mouse d. Printer
Test II. Identification
Directions: Read the questions carefully. Write your answer on the space provided.
__________________1. A type of memory that retains stored data after the power is turned off.
__________________2. The computer system reads or writes information to the file
sequentially.
__________________3. It is an expression of how much time it takes for a data packet to travel
from one designated point to another.
__________________4. It is the amount of data move successfully from one place to another in
a given time period.
__________________5. It refers to the storage that is not directly accessible by the CPU.
__________________6. It is a computer memory that is accessed directly by the CPU.
__________________7. It is the smallest removable flash memory in the market.
__________________8. It is a card used for cellphones, digital cameras and MP3 Players.
__________________9. A solid state - electronic data storage devices that use flash memory.
__________________10. It is a flash memory storage device having a capacity of 4GB to
128GB.

Test III. Enumeration

Directions: Enumerate the following.
1-2. Enumerate the 2 Types of Random Access Memory
3-6. Enumerate the 4 Kinds of Printer
7-8. Give at least 2 Types of Input Devices
9-10. Give at least 2 Types of Output Devices

Answer Key:
Test I. Multiple Choice
1. b 6. b
2. b 7. c
3. d 8. c
4. b 9. c
5. c 10. D
Test II. Identification
1. Non-Volatile Memory
2. Sequential Access
3. Latency
4. Throughput
5. Secondary Storage
6. Primary Memory
7. MICROSD Card
8. MiniSD Card
9. Memory Cards
10. Flash Drive

Test III.
1. Dynamic Random Access Memory
2. Static Random Access Memory
3. Dot Matrix Printer
4. Laser Jet Printer
5. Ink Jet Printer
6. Plotter
7-8. Mouse, Keyboard, Scanner, Graphics and Input Devices, Web Cam, Game Pad, Joystick,
Trackball, Microphone
9-10. Monitor, Printer, Speakers, Terminals, Voice Output, Music Output, Computer Graphics.