A Closer Look At Hardware

By Evan G.
1. What is a computer? What is the difference between a
computer and a computer system?
A computer is an electronic device for processing data and
storing data in virtual folders. Also using programs to
manipulate that data in many ways such a browsing the
internet.
A computer consists of Hardware and Software. Hardware is,
like a mouse and keyboard, the physical parts of the device.
Software is like a program that tells what the computer to
do, like Windows OS. A Computer System consists of
Hardware, Software, User, and Data. Users are people who
use computers so solve different problems instead of playing
games or posting pictures on Facebook. Data is what the
Computer System processes to convert into helpful
information.
2. Explain the difference between the following terms: input,
output, processing, hardware
Input: An Input Device is what you plug in to a computer,
such as a keyboard, mouse, or a disk with files on it.
Output: Since input is receiving data, output is sending data.
An example is sending a word document to a printer.
Processing: Processing is running a program on a computer.
Programs are made up of specific codes also called
processing.
Hardware: Hardware is the parts that make up a computer
such as a GPU, CPU, and motherboard

3. What are peripherals, give three examples

-Input: Device that sends data to a computer such as a
keyboard
-Output: Computer sends data to device such as a
monitor, or printer
-Storage: The computer stores data in hard drives/flash
drives.
4. Create a web that shows how the components inside a
computer connect to one another. Begin you web with the
motherboard in the center.

5.
Computer

Human

Input

Keyboard Mouse

Listening/Learning

Storage

Hard Drives

Storing information
in our minds

Information
processing

CPU

Thinking

Output

Sending data to
printer

Talking

6.
Hardware

Definition

CPU

CPU is a
Computer
Processing Unit. It
is Used to
process data in a
computer.

Hard Drive

Hard Drives are

devices that store
memory in your
computer.

Image

RAM

Random Access
Memory is
erasable memory
on the go for
loading up and
running programs

ROM

ROM or Read
Only Memory is a
type of storage
used in
computers. It is
for storing
firmware that is
hard to edit.

Expansion Slot

An expansion slot
is a port for
connecting
additional boards
to your computer.
It is useful for
adding multiple
video cards and
other hardware.

Video Card

A video card is a
computer part
that renders
graphics and
sends it to your
monitor. Without
this you cannot
see what you are
doing!

Sound Card

The sound card it

another type of
card for a
computer. This
time it sends
audio signals to
your speakers or
headset instead
of pictures.

BUS

A BUS as a type
of communication
system for your
computer. It
sends or transfers
data to all parts
of your computer.

CD-ROM Drive

A CD-ROM drive
is a device that
holds CD or Rom
Disks. These are
useful for
transferring data
or playing games.

7.
Storage
Device

Cost to
Purchase

Total
Storage
In GB

Cost for 1
GB of
Storage

Hard Drive

74.99

1000 GB

0.07499 GB

CD-ROM

39.99

8.5 GB

4.704 GB

25 GB per
disk

1.598

64 GB

1.171

DVD
USB

39.95 for
15
74.99

a. Which storage device is most expensive and which is the

least?
The USB and the hard drive are the most expensive. The
DVD disc set is the least.
b. Which storage device is the most expensive for 1 GB of
storage? What is the least expensive?
CD-ROM Player is the most expensive per 1GB. The hard
drive is the least.
c. How are your answers for question 1 and two different? Why
do you think that is?
Sometimes, it depends on what brand of device you get or
how much storage is in the device. The CD-ROM player is
from HP, a recognized brand, whilst the hard drive is Western
Digital. Though most of the time it depends on the quality of
the device. The higher the quality the more expensive it is.
A plastic hard drive compared to a metal hard drive is less
expensive. That is the variable for figuring out the price for
how much per GB.
8. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
RAM, when running, always requires a source of power. ROM
on the other hand does not.

9. Describe the difference between an operating system and

an application?
An Operating System, or OS, is used to manage or run other
programs. Like Windows or Linux. Applications, such as the
Internet, are programs that the Operating System runs.
10. Discuss the common features of current graphical
interfaces.
Desktop icons, start menu, taskbar icons, Hi-Resolution
Graphical Support, Window icons. Also a welcome screen, credits,
help info, contact info for who designed the GUI, and rights and
terms of use.