Computer Hardware
2nd Year ICT
Hard Drive/SSD
A hard drive is a component inside a computer that is used to read and write data, and to store the computer’s data, operating system and software. It contains a moving mechanical arm which writes and reads data. A SSD (solid state drive) has exactly the same function but is much smaller than a hard drive and contains no moving parts, which makes it faster. However an SSD costs a lot more than a hard drive.
Optical Drive
An optical drive uses a laser to read and write dvd, cd and blu-ray media that has been inserted into the computer.
DVD Player
Reads DVDs
XBox
Reads game disks
Blu-Ray Player
Plays blu-ray media
Monitor
A monitor is a device with a screen that displays the output from the computer.
CPU
A CPU (central processing unit) is the so-called ‘brain’ of the computer. It processes all of the information the computer is trying to run.
RAM
RAM (random access memory) is a form of computer data storage that remembers what you have opened on the computer so that it can be re-opened very quickly in a random order (This means that when you have many programs opened at the same time you can easily switch from program to program). The higher the RAM the faster the computer runs.
Motherboard
Inputs/Outputs
Inputs are signals or data recieved by a computer system and input devices for computers are devices that send signals or data to the computer. An example of an input device for a computer is a mouse.
Outputs are signals sent by a computer system to an output device for the computer. An example of an output device is a monitor.
Keyboard
Input Device
Microphone
Input Device
Printer
Output Device