Step 1: Computer Purchase Assignment

Understanding Computer Hardware & Software Explain your understanding of the following: 1. Different types of computer systems: a. Desktop - The Desktop is a system of organization of icons on a screen. b. laptop - A computer that is portable and suitable for use while travelling. c. Tablet -A writing pad that has the system of a laptop 2. Components of a computer system: a. Operating system i. What is it? -Software that communicates with the hardware and allows other programs to run. It is comprised of system software, or the fundamental files your computer needs to boot up and function. ii. Different types? -Real-time OS, Multiuser, Single user/single task, singleuser/multitasking. iii. Differences? -RT,OS (Its main purpose is to ensure that an operation executes in exactly the same way, in the same amount of time, every time it happens). MU(It has to balance the needs of each user and keep them separate, so that they don't interfere with each other). SU,ST(designed so that a computer executes a user's tasks one at a time, such as with early personal digital assistants).
Step 1 Computer Purchase Assignment

SU,M(Most PCs use this kind of OS, such as Windows or MacOS. It lets a single user do many things at once). b. Hard drive storage i. What is it? -Its where you store all your files, information. ii. Different types? -Internal hard drive and external hard drive iii. How much do I need? You can get ones as small as 4 gigabits or you can get it up to 1000 gigabits depending of the applications. iv. What if I dont have enough? Then you update your hard drive storage/ get a new hard drive with bigger storage c. RAM i. What is it? -RAM is short term memory ii. Why is it important? - Its important because it stores information that's currently being used. The hard drive of the computer is the equivalent of human 'long term' memory - it holds all the information you're not currently using, such as files you've saved. iii. What if I dont have enough? - Then you upgrade to a higher form of RAM so going from 4kgb to 8kgb d. Processor i. What is it? - processor tells your computer what to do and when to do it, it decides which tasks are more important and prioritizes them to your computers needs. ii. Different types? - Mainstream processors, Intel Celeron, and Budget processors
Step 1 Computer Purchase Assignment

iii. Differences? -BP(fastest available budget processor is likely to have about 85% of the performance of their slowest mainstream model.) -MP(A mainstream processor may be a good upgrade choice if you need more performance than a budget processor offers and are willing to pay the additional cost.) -ICP(sell in the $60 to $125 range, are very credible upgrade processors for anyone who owns a Socket 478 or Socket 775 motherboard.) iv. What if it is not fast enough? - Upgrade it to a better version of your processor e. Peripheral devices i. Examples? - keyboard mouse touchscreen pen tablet joystick MIDI keyboard scanner digital camera video camera microphone ii. What are they used for? - peripheral device, is an external object that provides input and output for the computer. f. Application Software i. What is it? -Application software is all the computer software that causes a computer to perform useful tasks (compare with
Step 1 Computer Purchase Assignment

computer viruses) beyond the running of the computer itself. A specific instance of such software is called a software application, program, application or app. ii. What do I need? -It allows you to preform useful tasks on a computer or allows you to download apps. iii. Why? -So that you can use other computer tools to get documents and other things done. g. Warranty i. What is a warranty? -a guarantee on purchased goods that they are of the quality represented and will be replaced or repaired if found to be faulty ii. Do I need one? If you want a warranty you can have one but its not necessary. Its good to have though in case a computer malfunction. iii. Why? - Because it gives you coverage if your computer is not responding or has a virus and allows you to replace it, fix it, or get a refund

Step 1 Computer Purchase Assignment