Activity 1.

1: A Closer Look At Hardware

Gerrit Lipiec Mr. Predovich
1. What is a computer? What is the difference between a
computer and a computer system?
What a computer is: an electronic device used for storing
and processing data. A computer is a multi-purpose machine
that can carry out different functions with ease. It can be
used for work, fun, and other very useful things.
The difference between a computer and a computer system
is for example; a computer is basically a tool, something that
can manipulate things to make it work. What a computer
system is: the hardware and technology inside the machine.
It is what makes the computer work. Its what contains the
software, and other stored data. (E.g. programs, work, and
passwords)
2. Explain the difference between the following terms: input,
output processing and hardware.
Inputs meaning is to provide or give the computer
something, however, Output means anything that comes
from a computer. Processing is an instance where a
computer program is actually running. And so, Hardware is
a collection of physical elements makes the computer
system. So basically Input means in and output means
out and Processing is completing the task and Hardware is
what supports the processing to complete it.
3. What are peripherals? Give 3 examples.
A peripheral is a device that can be connected to a
computer. In technical terms an Auxiliary Device. One
example of one is a mouse, as it is connected into the
computer so you can move the cursor. A second is the

keyboard, as it is connected to allow typing. And finally

headphones, they allow the user to listen to the sound
coming from in the computer, in a more compact way.

4. Create a web that shows how the components inside a

computer connect to one another. Begin your web with the
motherboard in the centre.

5. Think of both a computer and a person as informationprocessing machines. Identify the four components of an
information-processing device for both and complete the
following table.
Computer

Human

Input is done
with

Input Unit, takes

information in.

Our ears, to take in

information

Storage is done
with

Computers Storage Our brain when we

Hard drive
remember things.

Informationprocessing is done
by

Computer
Processor Unit

Sensory Organs

Output is done

Output unit,

Speaking, telling

with

(e.g. email )

people the
information we
know

6. Using Word, recreate the following table to record this

information as shown below.
a.

Write the definition answering the following questions.

i)

What is it?

ii)

What does it do?

b. In the last column, include a photo of the Hardware. Be

sure to cite your work.
Hardwar
e

CPU

Definition
It is the brain
of your
computer.
The CPU of
your
computer is
what handles
all the
instructions
you give.

Image

Hard
Drive

The Hard
Drive is what
stores
information.
It houses the
hard disk,
where all the
files are
physically
located.

RAM

RAM is
random
access
memory.
When you
load a
website, it
uses
memory to
display the
site.
(e.g. keeps
website
when you
open a new
tab )

ROM

ROM is ReadOnly
Memory. It
keeps all
your storage
when your
computer is
off.
(Unlike RAM,
where it
deletes
that
information)

Expansio This is where

n Slot
an expansion
card can be
inserted. It
allows more
data to be
stored within
the
computer.

Video
Card

A video card
is a printed
circuit board
thats
inserted into
the
computer to
control
output to a
display

screen.
Sound
Card

A sound card
is a device
inserted into
the
computer
system to
allow the use
of audio
components.

BUS

A BUS is a
communicati
on device
that
transfers
data
between
components
inside a
computer.

CD-ROM
Drive

A CD ROM
drive is a
device in the
computer
that can take
in and play

discs that
are inserted
into it.

7. For this question you will be demonstrating the

cost of saving for a variety of storage devices by
completing the chart below. You will need to
research your information by using an online
catalogue from a computer or office-supply retailer.
Storage
Device

Cost To
Purchase
One Device

Total
Cost For 1
Storage
GB of
Capacity (in
Storage
GB)
(divide total
cost by total
number of
GBs.)

Hard Drive

$109.99

2000 GB

$0.05

CD-ROM

$39.99

8.5 GB

$4.70

DVD

$39.99
(pack of 15)

25 GB
(1 DVD)

$0.10
(I divided
39.99 by
15, then
found the
price per
GB)

USB Flash
Drive

$74.99

64 GB

$1.17

a. Which storage device is the most expensive to

purchase? Which is the least expensive?
When looking at high expenses, the Hard Drive is
the most expensive ($109.99). In terms of least
expenses, Id pick the DVD set of 15, because
youre getting more for your money compared to
the CD-ROM.
(DVD Set of Fifteen = 25 GB per disc > CD-ROM =
8.5 GB)
b. Which storage device is the most expensive for 1
GB of storage? What is the least expensive?
The most expensive storage device for 1 GB of
storage is the CD-ROM, because it can only handle
8.5 GB at once (compared to Hard Drive).
However, the least expensive storage device for 1
GB is the Hard Drive, because you only pay $0.05
per 1 GB.
c. How are your answers for questions 1 and 2
different? Why do you think that is?
In question 1, the most expensive device was the
Hard Drive, but in question 2 the most expensive
device would be the CD-ROM. The least expensive
device varied as well, because is question 1 the

least expensive device was the DVD Set, but in

question 2 it was the Hard Drive. I think the
questions vary because in question 1, the prices
were according to the entire price altogether (e.g.
plastic, shipping, and materials); however in
question 2 the prices were according to worth per
1 GB. Also, the make of each device can also
drastically change the price; for example, a USB
key can have very significant price differences, just
because of the brand.
8. Explain the difference between RAM and ROM.
The difference between RAM and ROM firstly, is
that RAM is Random Access Memory, and ROM is
Read-Only Memory. RAM is the memory available
for the operating system so it can be used to run
programs and processes while the computer itself
running. ROM, however, is the memory that is prewritten to hold booting instructions and other
saved data when the computer is off. ROM is
permanent (unless selected piece of data is
deleted) and RAM is not.
9. Describe the difference between operating
systems and application software.
The difference between operating systems (OS)
and application software is that OS is for example,
Windows or Apple. Application software is different
programs that someone can use. A few examples
of which would be: Microsoft Office, photo

shopping programs, or anti-virus applications. So

basically, whatever application software you
acquire can be added to the operating system to
be used.
10. Discuss the common features of current
graphical interfaces.
A graphical interface is a program that can make
use of the computers graphic capabilities. Some
common features that a graphical interface (GUI)
let you change are: pointer, pointing device, icons,
desktop, and menus. Altering some of these things
can make your computing experience easier than
without, by allowing the changing of these features
to your personal preferences.