In this module we have learned about the various options that are available when considering purchasing a computer system. Computer peripherals can be classified as input, output and backing storage devices. The most important component is the processor and, in particular, the speed of the processor. Random Access Memory (RAM) stores parts of the operating system, open programs and any documents before they are saved. There are a variety of backing storage options - magnetic devices such as floppy and hard disks and optical devices such as CDs and DVDs. Monitors are either CRT based like conventional televisions or LCD and TFT based like screens on laptop computers. Their size is measured from corner to the diagonally opposite corner. The operating system is the special software that allows you to interact with the computer hardware. A soundcard and speakers are necessary to output sounds from a computer system. Graphics cards control the quality of graphic that can be displayed on a monitor. Laser printers and inkjet printers are the most common type of printers. Scanners and digital cameras allow you to get images onto your computer system. There are many types of software package available dealing with many different types of data. |
