Multimedia
Task 1 - Basic Multimedia Hardware


A.M.D.G.

Multimedia is the presentation of information using different media types, including text, sound, animation, pictures and video.

Presenting information in a variety of ways can make the information more interesting and engaging for a computer user.

A basic multimedia computer systems contains the following hardware:
  • central processing unit
  • random access memory (RAM)
  • hard disc
  • floppy disc
  • CD or DVD drive
  • sound card and speakers
  • graphics card and colour monitor
  • keyboard and mouse

These devices can be broken down into 3 headings: input, processing and output.

Answer the following questions in your jotter.

1. Why are Encarta and Grolier encyclopaedias termed ‘multimedia’?

2. Name one other program that uses multimedia.

3. Copy and complete the table below, categorizing each of the items in the list above.

Input
Processing
Output
 

 

 

 

 

 

4. For your computer system in school or at home, answer the following questions.

(a) Which type of processor do you have?

(b) What is the speed of your processor?

(c) How much RAM do you have?

(d) What size of hard disk do you have?

(e) Do you have a CD or DVD drive?

(f) Do you have speakers?

(g) Do you have a microphone?

(h) Do you have a floppy disk drive?

(i) Describe your mouse.

(j) What size of monitor do you have?

(k) Which type of monitor do you have?

(l) What kind of sound card do you have?

(m) What kind of graphics card do you have?