1.3.8 Practice Questions/Hardware Basics

Speaker Explanation A TRS connector is used for audio connectors such as speakers and microphones. Keyboards use either a PS/2 connector or a USB connector. Joysticks typically use a USB connector, though some connect through a DB-15 connector. Monitors use one of the many graphic ports, such as a VGA port, DVI port, or HDMI port.

DisplayPort cable Explanation The pictured port is a DisplayPort, and uses a DisplayPort cable. DisplayPorts are used by HD displays, such as LED and LCD monitors. DisplayPorts can be identified by their rectangular shape, with one beveled corner. HDMI ports have two beveled corners and are a bit smaller than DisplayPorts. VGA ports have three rows of 5 pin holes. DVI ports are larger than other video ports and have up to 24 pin holes.

Parallel Explanation A D-shaped, 25-pin connector connects to the parallel port (DB-25 port) of a computer. Parallel connectors are used with older devices, such as dot matrix printers. Serial ports have nine pins and are used with serial devices (e.g., barcode scanners). VGA ports have 15 pins ( three rows of five pins) and are used with VGA monitors. USB ports are rectangular in shape and are typically not used with older devices.

D-shaped with 15 pins. Explanation VGA ports, also called DE-15 ports, are named for their characteristic D-shape and 15 pins. A D-shaped port with 25 pins describes a parallel ports. A round port with 6 pins describes a PS/2 port. A rectangle port with one beveled corner describes a DisplayPort.

HDMI- connects HDMI display devices.

Thunderbolt- Combines PCI Express (PCIe) and DisplayPort signals into a single interface.

IEEE 1394- Connects devices that require fast communication speeds.

USB-Connects external USB device (e.g., keyboard, mouse, printer, and storage devices)

VGA- Connects VGA display devices.

DVI- Connects DVI display devices.

RJ45- Connects the computer to an Ethernet network.

RJ11- Used by telephones and modems to send analogue signals.

Fiber S/PDIF-sends a digital audio signal to high-end audio devices, such as home theatre systems.

Audio jacks- Connects analogue audio devices (e.g., speakers, headphones, microphones).

Peripheral devices use specific connector types to connect to a computer. The following connector types are pictured: HDMI- Used to send high-quality, digital video and audio signals to LCD monitors and HDTVs. Fiber S/PDIF- Used for home theatre systems or Dolby Digital surround sound systems. IEEE 1394- Used to connect devices that require fast communication speeds, such as video cameras and external hard drives. VGA (DB-15)- Used by analogue monitors. DVI- Used by digital monitors, does not carry audio. RJ45- Used by Ethernet network adapters and other networking devices. USB- Used by USB devices (e.g., external storage devices) RJ11- Used by dial-modems TRS jack- Used by analogue audio devices (e.g., speakers and headphones)

Motherboard Printer Explanation The physical components that compose a computer system or network. Common hardware components include the following: Keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer. Connectors and cables. Hard Disk Drives. Circuit boards Instructions or data that are stored electronically, either on a hard drive or a special chip. Software components include the following: Operating systems Program application Hardware drivers (special programs that tell the operating system how to use the hardware)

Processing Explanation Processing is the flow of data through a series of procedures as defined by a set of instructions. Storage is the act of saving or maintaining data. Output is the processes of presenting, displaying, or giving data. Networking is the practice of connecting two or more computers.

Standardization Explanation Standardization allows components from different manufacturers to be interchangeable. If a component meets the specified standards, it will work in the computer-- regardless of manufacturer. Componentization means that a computer is a combination of several constituent parts that can be easily replaced by a field=replaceable unit (FRU). Firmware is a special type of software that has been embedded in the memory of a hardware component. Plug and play allows devices to work with computers without the need for additional configuration on the computer.

Scanner Microphone Keyboard Explanation The movement of data or commands to the internal computer hardware. Input devices include: Keyboard Touchscreen Scanner Digital camera Microphone RAM is considered a processing device. A monitor and keyboard are considered output devices.

Storage

Output

Input

Processing

Output

Processing

Storage

Input

Each computer hardware component performs a specific function. Touchscreen, microphone- Input CPU, RAM- Processing Hard disk drive, DVD-RW- Storage Speakers, printer- Output Routers, switches- Networking

USB A Explanation A mouse is most commonly attached to a computer using a USB A connector. 6-pin mini-DIN connectors were used to attach a mouse in the past, however mini-DIN connectors are not used today. DB-15 connector with two rows is commonly used for joysticks. The DB-15 connector with three rows is used for connecting CRT monitors to the video card. The RJ-45 connector is used fro Ethernet network connections. USB B connectors are commonly used for connecting printers and scanners.

VGA/SVGA monitors Explanation A VGA/SVGA monitor uses a high-density (three-row) female DB-15 connector on the computer. Serial devices, such as external modems, connect to a male DB-9 connector, IEEE 1284 parallel devices, such as printers, connect to DB-25 connectors. USB storage devices use USB connectors.

DVI Explanation Modern digital monitors use a DVI connector (typically DVI-D or DVI-I). Serial DB-15 connectors are used for external serial devices such as modems. DB-15 3-row connectors are used to connect older analogue SVGA monitors. Firewire 6-pin connectors are used to connect firewire devices such as external hard disks and video cameras.