Hardware Basics:

Hardware refers to the tangible

electronic components that make
up a computer system
 What Is a Computer?
 How is a computer defined?
 Electronic device operating under the control of
instructions stored in its own memory.

The computer
• first, Accepts data such as raw facts, figures, and symbol
• then, Processes data into information (Data that is
organized, meaningful, and useful )
• finally, Produces and stores results
What Computers Do

Receive input Process Produce Output

Information
What Computers Do
Store
Information
 The Components of a Computer
 What is the system unit?
 Box-like case
containing
electronic
components
used to
process
data
 The Components of a Computer
 What is an input device?
 Hardware used
to enter data
and
instructions
 The Components of a Computer
 What is an output device?
 Hardware that
conveys
information
to a user
 Personal Computers
 What are the two most popular series of personal
computers?
 Apple Macintosh
 PC and compatibles uses the Macintosh
use the Windows operating system
operating system (Mac OS)
 Personal Computers
 The desktop PC has a central processing unit
housed in a metal or plastic case (often called a
tower unit).
 Useful for various tasks:
• Running office applications
• CAD design e.g. designing kitchens
• Editing videos
• Creating and playing music
• Accessing the Internet
 Used by businesses and at home
 Affordable for individuals
 Laptop Computer
 Also called a Notebook
 Portable computer
 Screen and keyboard built into computer
 Touchpad (optional)
 Slightly more expensive
than desktop
 Same capabilities as desktop
 Used by Sales Reps, Journalists,
Photographers
 Used in business and at home
Handheld Portable Digital Devices

 PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)

 Mobile Phone
 Smart Phone
 Portable
Multimedia Player (PMP)
Handheld Computers
 What is a personal digital assistant (PDA)?
 Provides personal organiser
functions
• Calendar
• Appointment book
• Address book
• Calculator
• Notepad
Apple iPhone
Smartphone Applications
Qwerty
 Tablet PC

 Same size as laptop

 Touchscreen instead of keyboard/mouse
• Operate with stylus, touch and virtual keyboard
 Used for handling large
amounts of text
 Used by stock controllers,
graphic designers,
digital artists
 E.g. I-Pad