Objective:
This section introduces you to computer hardware components and gives you practice setting up external devices for desktop systems. After finishing this section, you should be able to:
- Identify common peripheral devices by sight.
- Identify common ports and connectors by sight.
- Connect cables and peripherals to a computer system.
- Select appropriate cables and hardware devices for particular scenarios.
- Troubleshoot common problems when installing external devices to a computer system.
Links:
- TestOut Courseware: https://testout.com
Key Terms:
- Peripheral A device, usually external to a computer, that is plugged into a computer’s communication port or is connected wirelessly. Common peripherals are keyboards, mice, monitors, speakers, and printers.
- Touch Screen A display device that allows a user to interact with a computer by touching, tapping, and swiping areas on the screen.
- Scanner A device that can be connected to a computer or network that scans paper documents and converts them into digital files.
- Universal Serial Bus (USB) A common interface used to connect peripherals, such as mice, keyboards, printers, and digital cameras to a computer.
- FireWire Another common interface used to connect peripherals such as digital cameras and external hard drives to a computer.
- Video Graphics Array (VGA) Connector A connector, identified by its blue color and three rows of pins, that is used to connect older monitors to a computer.
- Digital Visual Interface (DVI) Connector A connector, typically white with three rows of eight pins, designed to connect digital monitors to a computer.
- High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) Connector A connector used to connect a computer to an HDMI monitor or TV.
- Registered Jack 45 (RJ-45) Connector A connector used to connect a computer to a wired network.
- Thunderbolt An interface primarily used on Apple computers that typically connects a monitor to a computer and can also provide DC power.
- Infrared A communication technology that uses light waves to transmit information through the air.
- Bluetooth A short-range wireless communication technology used to connect peripherals such as wireless headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, smart watches, printers, and game controllers to a computer, including smartphones.
Topics Discussed:
- What hardware components are generally required for a desktop computer system?
- What are the most commonly used interfaces for computer peripherals, displays, and networking devices?
- How do you connect a computer monitor and other peripheral devices to a desktop system?
Assignment:
- Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
- Study Section 1.3: Peripheral Devices, and achieve a score of 80% or higher on the 11 question Exam to complete the Section.
Assigned: September 3rd, 2019
Teacher Pacing Due Date: September 4th, 2019