Unit 2. Hardware Basics: The availability of digital devices.

Hardware security. The issue of e-waste.

Hardware includes any machinery (now digital) that assist in the input, processing,
storage and output activities of an information system. The ability to store its own
instructions makes it possible for a computer to perform many operations. Computers do
so many things and come in such a variety of shapes and sizes that it might seem difficult
to distil their common characteristics into an all-purpose definition. A computer is a
multipurpose device that accepts input, processes data, stores data, and produces output,
all according to a series of stored instructions. Computers that operate in essentially the
same way and use the same software are said to be compatible or having the same
platform.
A stationary desktop computer is placed on a desk and runs on power from an
electrical wall outlet. A desktop computer’s keyboard, mouse, and display screen are
typically separate components that are connected to the main unit by cables or wireless
technology. A desktop computer’s system unit can be housed in a vertical case, a
horizontal case, or the display device. The first personal computers were desktop models,
and this style remains popular for offices, schools, and homes. Because their components
can be manufactured economically, desktop computers generally provide the most
computing power for your dollar.
A portable computer is a small, lightweight personal computer with input, output,
storage, and processing components integrated into a single unit that runs on power
supplied by an electrical outlet or a battery. Portable computers are ideal for mobile uses
because they are easy to carry and can be used outdoors, in airports, and in classrooms
without the need for a nearby electrical outlet. Portable computer form factors include
clamshell styles and slate styles. Types of portable personal computers: an enhanced
media player; a smartphone; a tablet computer; laptops or notebooks; netbooks.
A typical desktop computer system includes several components. Many of these
components can also be found in portable computers.
The system unit is the case that holds the computer’s main circuit boards,
microprocessor, memory, power supply, and storage devices. Depending on the computer
design, the system unit might also include other built-in devices, such as a keyboard and
speakers. Most desktop computer systems are equipped with a keyboard as the primary
input device. A mouse is an input device designed to manipulate on-screen graphical
objects and controls. A hard disk drive is the main storage device on many computer
systems. It is usually mounted inside the computer’s system unit and can store billions of
characters of data. Some portable computers use a solid state drive as an alternative for
main storage. An optical drive is a storage device that works with CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray
discs, or some combination of these storage media. Removable storage is represented by
solid state storage options, such as USB flash drives and memory cards. The sound
system for a personal computer can output digital music, digitally recorded speech, and
a variety of sound effects called system sounds designed to draw your attention to various
messages and events. To produce sounds, a computer uses a circuit board called a sound
card, which is housed in the system unit. A computer’s sound card sends signals to
speakers, which can be external devices or built into the system unit. A personal
computer display system consists of two parts. Circuitry, called a graphics card, converts
raw digital data into images that can be shown on a display device. Display devices,
often called computer screens or monitors, present visual output, such as documents,
photos, and videos. Display devices are usually integrated with the system unit of
portable computers, but exist as standalone devices for computers that spend most of
their time on a desk. Network and Internet access. Many personal computer systems
include built-in circuitry for wired or wireless connections to a computer network.
Networking circuitry is useful for constructing a home network or connecting to public
networks in coffee shops and airports. A computer printer is an output device that
produces computer-generated text or graphical images on paper.
For trouble-free computer use, it is important to secure and regularly maintain your
computer equipment. Computers are prime targets for thieves. Your chances of
recovering a stolen computer improve if you take some steps in advance, such as
recording the computer’s , serial number or installing tracking software.
To ensure that your computer stays in good running condition, it is essential to protect
it from power surges. A power surge is a sudden increase in electrical energy affecting
the current that flows to electrical outlets. You can protect your computer equipment
from power surges by plugging it into a surge suppressor, instead of directly into a wall
outlet.
To prevent hardware problems you can undertake some preventive maintenance to
extend the life of your computer equipment. Regularly clean your computer components
and peripheral devices to keep them in good condition.
Today, we are all simply so excited about being part of the virtual revolution in the
digital age that few have stopped to think about the questions of e-waste and digital
waste. Current approaches focus mostly on improving the hardware and compression
techniques (images, videos and other files use less bandwidth as they are transmitted
across networks) rather than focusing on making individual system components more
efficient, seeks to understand the impact of any particular digital service and re-
designing the software involved to make better, more efficient use of the technology that
supports it. With the explosive growth of digital services and the infrastructure needed to
support them it’s essential that we take their environmental impact seriously and strive to
reduce it wherever possible.
Computers and other electronic gear contain toxic substances. When discarded
equipment is buried in landfills, these substances can leach into groundwater and streams.
When burned, electronic components can emit toxic dioxin. It is called ewaste, e-
garbage, or technotrash—all the unwanted and outdated computers, monitors, printers,
cell phones, disk drives, disks, CDs, and DVDs. Ewaste is a global problem.
Every country generates ewaste, but the bulk of it comes from prosperous,
technology-forward countries. Despite laws that ban ewaste transhipping, tons of
donations arrive every day in port cities,where they follow a shadowy route to
unregulated workshops and dump sites. Without careful monitoring, that ewaste can be
diverted to offshore locations where it piles up, waiting to be disassembled by backstreet
laborers ungoverned by environmental protection regulations. The high cost of properly
processing ewaste makes gray market options attractive. Ewaste can be handled more
cost-effectively in emerging countries where environmental regulations are ignored,
wages are pitiful, and workers are not covered by health and safety laws.