Name: Adrianna Mangalsingh Lower sixth

1. Define the following computers terms:

a) hardware- Hardware refers to the external and internal devices that enable you to
perform major functions such as input, output, processing and storage. There are two types
of computer hardware: external and internal. External hardware devices include monitors,
keyboards whereas internal hardware devices include motherboards and RAM.

b) computer peripherals- A computer peripheral also known as a peripheral device is an

external device that connects to a computer to expand its capabilities. These devices can be
input devices, output devices, or both. Examples of input devices include a keyboard and
mouse. output devices include a printer and speaker. Other peripherals include storage
devices such as external hard drives and flash drives.

speaker monitor
CPU

Optical drive

Computer
casing

mouse
keyboard
  CPU - The CPU also referred to as the “central” or “main” processor is a complex set
of electronic circuitry that runs the machine's operating system and apps. The CPU
interprets, processes and executes instructions most often from the hardware and
software programs running on the device.
 Optical drive- The optical drive is a piece of computer hardware that reads and
writes data on optical discs. The most common use of an optical drive is to install
software or operating systems from disc. Optical discs are also used to store music,
movies, and photos.
 Computer casing - A Computer Case is the outer shell of a computer. This case is
what the motherboard, hard drives, cd drives are mounted to make the computer
complete.
 Mouse - A mouse is used to select items on the screen and to give instructions to
your computer to perform tasks.
 Keyboard- A computer keyboard is an input device used to enter characters and
functions into the computer system by pressing buttons, or keys.
 Speaker- A speaker is a device that converts electrical signals into sound waves. It
allows you to hear audio output from various devices such as computers,
smartphones, televisions, and music players.
 Monitor - A monitor is an electronic output device used to display information being
entered and processed on a computer. The primary use of a monitor is to display
images, text, video, and graphics information generated by the computer via a
computer's video card.

3.

components Definitions and functions

Power supply  A power supply is an electrical
device that offers electric power to
an electrical load such as laptop
computer, server, or other electronic
devices. The main function of a
power supply is to convert electric
current from a source to the correct
voltage, current, and frequency to
power the load.

Motherboard  Motherboard - A motherboard is the

main circuit board in a computer
system. It connects all of the internal
components, like the memory,
processor, graphics card and other
 hardware. It also provides power to
each component and allows them to
communicate with each other.

CPU  CPU- The CPU also referred to as the

“central” or “main” processor is a
complex set of electronic circuitry
that runs the machine's operating
system and apps. The CPU
interprets, processes and executes
instructions most often from the
hardware and software programs
running on the device.

External cache memory  Temporarily stores frequently

accessed data and instructions,
enabling the CPU to retrieve them
more quickly than from the main
memory.

Internal cache memory  - used to improve the processing

speed and efficiency of a computer
system. It does this by temporarily
storing frequently accessed or
recently used data from the main
memory (RAM) in a smaller, faster
storage area that is closer to the
CPU.

Expansion slots  expansion slot is a type of slot that

allows you to add additional cards to
your computer system. These slots
are typically used to add sound
cards, network cards, or other types
of interface cards.
Hard drive  A hard drive is the hardware
component that stores all of your
digital content. Your documents,
pictures, music, videos, programs
and application preferences. Hard
drives can be external or internal
BUS  A bus in computing and digital
technology, is an electronic pathway
through which data can be
transferred. This pathway uses
signals that move at different speeds
and are sent through different
 channels to communicate
information between components
within a computer or network.
RAM (random access memory)  A computer's short-term memory,
where the data that the processor is
currently using is stored
ROM (random access memory)  A type of computer storage
containing non-volatile, permanent
data that can only be read, not
written to. ROM contains the
programming that allows a computer
to start up or regenerate each time it
is turned on.

4. What is the unit that a CPU’s performance is measured in ?

A CPU is measured in GHz (gigahertz).
 What is GHz (gigahertz) - gigahertz is a unit of frequency that is equal to one billion
hertz. It is commonly used to measure computer processing speed.
 Examples of CPU’s- Intel,AMD

5. What Is Binary code ?

Binary code is the fundamental form of the programming data that is directly interpreted by
a computer. It's composed of a string of 0s and 1s, and ordered and structured in a way that
can be read and executed as part of a larger computer program.
 Why do computers use binary code?
Computers use binary code to process and store information.
6. Bit- A bit (short for "binary digit") is the smallest unit of digital information.
Byte – a byte is a unit of data that is eight binary digits long.
Kilobyte (KB)- a unit of memory or data equal to 1,024 bytes
Megabyte (MB)- a unit of information equal to one million or, strictly, 1,048,576 bytes
Gigabyte (GB)- A gigabyte is a specific unit of data that's equal to about 1 billion bytes
Terabyte (TB)- is a unit of digital data that is equal to about 1 trillion bytes
PART 2

STORAGE OPTION Advantage Disadvantage

Internal hard drive Relatively cheap per unit of Can be easily damaged, will
storage. Fast access and slow down and eventually
retrieval times compared to break over time
 other storage devices.
USB memory keys or sticks Ease-to-use Convenient to They can be lost or stolen
carry Safe and reliable High-
capacity
CD-RW and DVD -RW Both has reusability, data However, they also have
protection, and has slower write speeds, lower
compatibility. storage capacity, and
reduced durability.
External hard drive large storage capacity, security risks, connectivity
portability, ease of use issues and cost
Clouds  Backup your data to  You need an internet
the cloud connection
 No more external  Extra storage space
hard drives comes at a cost
 Remotely update &  Security & privacy
sync your files concerns with some
 Share files easily providers
 Remote work made
easy
 Keep your files
encrypted
 Storage for a lifetime

PART 3

Comparison criteria Chromebook Desktop

RAM Laptops have SO-DIMM The average size of desktop
modules, which are much RAM is 4.5 GB to 8 GB.
smaller than a desktop
computer's DIMM modules.
They have around 4 GB
Power supply On average, a Chromebook Generally, computers
uses 45 watts of electricity use between 30 and 70
per hour. watts (W) of electricity,
depending on the model.
Larger desktop and gaming
computers can use up to
500 W.
Cooling system Chromebook computers maintainS the temperatures
have vents on the bottom within safe limits,
and sides to allow air to preventing overheating and
flow through the inside and potential damage
cool the internal parts. If
these vents become clogged
or the heat generating parts
get covered in dust, the fan
cannot cool the internal
components properly.