Parts of the Computer Unit
In this unit, we will be "exploring" the basic parts of a computer. As all of you have very different levels of knowledge as your starting point and different interest levels, there will be a lot of flexibility in this unit in terms of the content included in your project and how your knowledge is demonstrated.
Most parts will fall into the following categories:
Most parts will fall into the following categories:
- Input / Output Devices
- Processors - Do Work
- Memory - Short Term and Long Term
- Hard Drives and Removable Storage
Approach 1: Generalist - the Basics
Within your project, you should demonstrate your understanding of the basic parts of the computer:
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Approach 2: Specialist
When taking this approach, I assume that prior to the start of this assignment you already had a good knowledge of the basic parts of the computer in terms of identifying them and understanding their function.
The goal here is to choose a type of hardware that you really want to explore in detail.
For example:
The goal here is to choose a type of hardware that you really want to explore in detail.
For example:
- Examining memory and storage
- Short term verses long term
- ROM vs. RAM
- BIOS
- Types of storage devices and how they work
- Disk drive verses solid state drive
Assignment Ideas include:
- The simple chart or document that outlines specific parts
- Part name, picture, description or details
- Pretend you are a graphic designer/writer for a computer magazine. Create a brochure that showcases your knowledge of the parts of a computer or provides a guide that will help people buy a computer
- Compare and contrast pricing of building your own PC vs. buying one prebuilt
- Scenarios / different builds of computers for different budgets or uses:
- basic home user
- gaming
- video editing or photographer
- basic home user
- Idiots Guide to Buying a Computer
- Video or Podcast
- a guided tour of the insides / parts of a computer system
- episode showcasing tips to consider when buying a computer
- Computer dissection - take a computer a part and present your findings
- could be picture display
- strings and labels
- Video tour
- could be picture display
- Pimp Your Computer
- Assuming money is no object, what extra peripherals or features could you add to your computer
- Assuming money is no object, what extra peripherals or features could you add to your computer
Computer Hardware and Software, define:
Computer Parts
For this assignment, you will first define and describe what the different major components of a computer are, and answer some questions about them.
***Avoid PLAGIARISM *** As with all assignments in this class, and all of your classes, do not cut and paste definitions, etc. You must write your answers in full sentences in your own words. Students found to be copying others' work or writing will receive a zero on the assignment, and parents and school administration will be involved.
You must create a "Parts of a Computer" sub-page under your "Theory" page on your portfolio site, and complete the following tasks:
_____________________________________________________
Part one:
Use websites such as those listed below to define what the following parts of a computer are, what they do, and how they interact with other components, and be sure to include an example picture of each different component. Some of the definitions are really technical, so avoid getting caught up in the details, yet don't be so vague that you really have no clue what the part does. The information you need is just basic and and needs to be summarized in your own words.
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com
http://www.gclearnfree.org
http://www.kids-online.net/kidsframe.html
http://www.webopedia.com
http://www.techdictionary.com/search.html
http://www.howstuffworks.com
http://www.webopedia.com/
Define the following terms as they relate to the operation of a computer or the operation of a computer network.
***Avoid PLAGIARISM *** As with all assignments in this class, and all of your classes, do not cut and paste definitions, etc. You must write your answers in full sentences in your own words. Students found to be copying others' work or writing will receive a zero on the assignment, and parents and school administration will be involved.
You must create a "Parts of a Computer" sub-page under your "Theory" page on your portfolio site, and complete the following tasks:
_____________________________________________________
Part one:
Use websites such as those listed below to define what the following parts of a computer are, what they do, and how they interact with other components, and be sure to include an example picture of each different component. Some of the definitions are really technical, so avoid getting caught up in the details, yet don't be so vague that you really have no clue what the part does. The information you need is just basic and and needs to be summarized in your own words.
- Attach a reference or bibliography section at the end of your report noting all the websites you used.
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com
http://www.gclearnfree.org
http://www.kids-online.net/kidsframe.html
http://www.webopedia.com
http://www.techdictionary.com/search.html
http://www.howstuffworks.com
http://www.webopedia.com/
- Speakers
Define the following terms as they relate to the operation of a computer or the operation of a computer network.
- Router
- Wireless Access Point
- Ethernet Cable (any length)
- Fibre Optic Cable (any length)
- Network Switch (any size)
- VPN Switch (Virtual Private Network)
- UPS (Uninteruptable Power Supply)
Part 2: Question Problem Set
After completing the assignment above, answer the following questions. Write a short explanation (minimum 1-3 sentences) to answer the following. You may need to do some research from the Internet. PUT ALL EXPLANATIONS IN YOUR OWN WORDS.
After completing the assignment above, answer the following questions. Write a short explanation (minimum 1-3 sentences) to answer the following. You may need to do some research from the Internet. PUT ALL EXPLANATIONS IN YOUR OWN WORDS.
- What is the difference between RAM and ROM
- What is the difference between a DVD ROM and a DVD RW?
- What is the capacity of a single layer DVD-ROM disk in GB?
- What is the capacity of a typical CD-ROM disk in MB?
- What are some advantages to using the USB system of connecting peripheral devices?
- Why would you want a GPU (graphics processing unit) when playing video games on your computer?
- What is the typical memory capacity of a higher end (expensive) Video Card that might be found in a gaming PC?
- Why does the video card in a PC make a difference in how video games are displayed or played?
- What is a floppy disk? How much data can it hold? Why are they almost completely obsolete today?
- What are the advantages of a Flash Memory device over a Magnetic Disk? What is one disadvantage?
- What is the capacity range of a typical memory card that goes in most digital cameras purchased today?
- Which can transmit or receive the most data: copper wire, radio waves (wireless technology), or fibre optics (light)? What are some common units used to measure this speed?
- What does the term Gigabyte and Terabyte mean? What device is usually measured in Gigabytes or Terabytes?
- How does a hard drive (sometimes called hard disk) store information? What is the current typical size of an average hard drive?
- What are the different speeds of a home Internet connection from a ISP (Internet Service Provider) such as Shaw Cable, Rogers, or Telus?
- In megabits per second, what is the typical speed of a USB 2.0? Firewire 400?
- Which part(s) in a home computer do you think would make the most difference in how fast your computer functions?
- What is currently the fastest computer of any kind in world as of today? Who owns it and what type of functions are performed on it? What is currently the world’s most expensive computer system (of any size – probably not a
desktop or laptop). Is it the same? - What is currently the world’s most expensive router currently made by any company?
- What is the function of a “firewall”?
- Why do you need security for a wireless access point?
- Are there computers that can think like people? From what you have researched on the Internet, explain.