Objective: 

This section introduces you to the internal components of computer systems, including processing, storage, and memory. After finishing this section, you should be able to:  

• Describe the most common internal components of a typical computer system, including processor, RAM, motherboard, power supply, GPU, NIC, and cooling system.
• Compare and contrast the features of different external storage devices, including hard disk drives, optical drives, flash storage, and solid state drives.
• Distinguish between the two main types of consumer-level CPUs.
• Identify the proper sequence of steps to follow in the troubleshooting methodology.
• Identify the proper cable to connect a computer to an Ethernet port.
• Set up a desktop computer system, including peripherals, power cables, and networking cable.

Links:

• TestOut Courseware: https://testout.com

Key Terms:

• Central Processing Unit (CPU) The most important part of any modern computer system that controls the other parts of the computer.
• Random Access Memory (RAM) The main memory of a computer that can be quickly accessed by the CPU and where the computer stores data and instructions that it is actively using.
• Motherboard A large, flat computer component that connects the important components of the computer, such as the CPU, RAM, and the BIOS chip. It also has power and other communications connections.
• Power Supply The component of a computer that supplies the right amount and form of electricity to the motherboard and other computer components.
• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) An additional computer processor that provides graphics processing, providing better performance by relieving the CPU of this duty.
• Network Interface Card (NIC) A component, sometimes built into and sometimes plugged into the motherboard, that provides wired or wireless (or both) network connectivity.
• Cooling System Heat sinks and fans that keep computer components, especially the CPU, from overheating.
• Hard Disk Drive (HDD) The most common type of long-term storage that uses thick, magnetic disks encased in a protective housing to store data.
• Optical Drive A storage device that uses light instead of magnetism to store information. This include CD-ROM, DVD, and Blu-ray devices.
• Flash Storage A compact, portable storage device that uses special memory chips to store data. Flash storage devices can be removed from a power source and its contents will remain intact.
• Solid State Devices (SSD) A device with similar capacity to an HDD that uses flash storage instead of magnetic disks to store data. SSDs are much faster and more durable than hard disk drives but usually are more expensive.
• External Hard Disk Drives An HDD that can be connected as a peripheral to a computer.
• x86 Processors A family of processors manufactured by Intl and AMD that use a common instruction set, or list of commands that the processor can execute.
• Advanced RISC Machines (ARM) Processors A family of processors most often used in smartphones due to its lower power requirements. This is accomplished by reducing the processors’ instruction set.
• Troubleshooting A process that combines knowledge, experience, and intuition to quickly solve a variety of problems.

Topics Discussed:

• How does a computer processor use internal memory?
• What are the most common types of external storage devices?
• What are the key steps in troubleshooting most computer hardware and software problems?

Assignment:

1. Access the TestOut Courseware through the provided link.
2. Study Section 1.4: Processing and Storage Hardware, and achieve a score of 80% or higher on the 15 question Exam to complete the Section.

Assigned: September 11th, 2019
Teacher Pacing Due Date: September 13th, 2019