Computer Hardware Component

By : Openbookproject.net

Introduction

Computer Hardware is the physical part of a computer, as distinguished from the computer software that executes or runs on the hardware. The hardware of a computer is infrequently changed, while software and data are modified frequently. The term soft refers to readily created, modified, or erased. These are unlike the physical components within the computer which are hard.

When you think of the term computer hardware you probably think of the guts inside your personal computer at home or the one in your classroom. However, computer hardware does not specifically refer to personal computers. Instead, it is all types of computer systems. Computer hardware is in embedded systems in automobiles, microwave ovens, CD players, DVD players, and many more devices. In 2003, only 0.2% of all microprocessors sold were for personal computers. How many other things in your house or your classroom use computer hardware?

Inside Computer

Motherboard

The motherboard is the body or mainframe of the computer, through which all other components interface. It is the central circuit board making up a complex electronic system. A motherboard provides the electrical connections by which the other components of the system communicate. The mother board includes many components such as: central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), firmware, and internal and external buses.

Motherboard

Central Processing Unit

The Central Processing Unit (CPU; sometimes just called processor) is a machine that can execute computer programs. It is sometimes referred to as the brain of the computer.

CPU Diagram

There are four steps that nearly all CPUs use in their operation: fetch, decode, execute, and writeback. The first step, fetch, involves retrieving an instruction from program memory. In the decode step, the instruction is broken up into parts that have significance to other portions of the CPU. During the execute step various portions of the CPU, such as the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and the floating point unit (FPU) are connected so they can perform the desired operation. The final step, writeback, simply writes back the results of the execute step to some form of memory.

Random Access Memory

Random access memory (RAM) is fast-access memory that is cleared when the computer is power-down. RAM attaches directly to the motherboard, and is used to store programs that are currently running. RAM is a set of integrated circuits that allow the stored data to be accessed in any order (why it is called random). There are many different types of RAM. Distinctions between these different types include: writable vs. read-only, static vs. dynamic, volatile vs. non-volatile, etc.

RAM

Firmware

Firmware is loaded from the Read only memory (ROM) run from the Basic Input-Output System (BIOS). It is a computer program that is embedded in a hardware device, for example a microcontroller. As it name suggests, firmware is somewhere between hardware and software. Like software, it is a computer program which is executed by a microprocessor or a microcontroller. But it is also tightly linked to a piece of hardware, and has little meaning outside of it. Most devices attached to modern systems are special-purpose computers in their own right, running their own software. Some of these devices store that software (“firmware”) in a ROM within the device itself

Power Supply

The power supply as its name might suggest is the device that supplies power to all the components in the computer. Its case holds a transformer, voltage control, and (usually) a cooling fan. The power supply converts about 100-120 volts of AC power to low-voltage DC power for the internal components to use. The most common computer power supplies are built to conform with the ATX form factor. This enables different power supplies to be interchangable with different components inside the computer. ATX power supplies also are designed to turn on and off using a signal from the motherboard, and provide support for modern functions such as standby mode.

Removable Media Devices

If your putting something in your computer and taking it out is most likely a form of removable media. There are many different removable media devices. The most popular are probably CD and DVD drives which almost every computer these days has at least one of. There are some new disc drives such as Blu-ray which can hold a much larger amount of information then normal CDs or DVDs. One type of removable media which is becoming less popular is floppy disk.

CD

CDs are the most common type of removable media. They are inexpensive but also have short life-span. There are a few different kinds of CDs. CD-ROM which stands for Compact Disc read-only memory are popularly used to distribute computer software although any type of data can be stored on them. CD-R is another variation which can only be written to once but can be read many times. CD-RW (rewritable) can be written to more than once as well as read more than once. Some other types of CDs which are not as popular include Super Audio CD (SACD), Video Compact Discs (VCD), Super Video Compact Discs (SVCD), PhotoCD, PictureCD, CD-i, and Enhanced CD.

CD-ROM Drive

There are two types of devices in a computer that use CDs: CD-ROM drive and a CD writer. The CD-ROM drive used for reading a CD. The CD writer drive can read and write a CD. CD writers are much more popular are new computers than a CD-ROM drive. Both kinds of CD drives are called optical disc drives because the use a laser light or electromagnetic waves to read or write data to or from a CD.

DVD

DVDs (digital versatile discs) are another popular optical disc storage media format. The main uses for DVDs are video and data storage. Most DVDs are of the same dimensions as compact discs. Just like CDs there are many different variations. DVD-ROM has data which can only be read and not written. DVD-R and DVD+R can be written once and then function as a DVD-ROM. DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, or DVD+RW hold data that can be erased and re-written multiple times. DVD-Video and DVD-Audio discs respectively refer to properly formatted and structured video and audio content. The devices that use DVDs are very similar to the devices that use CDs. There is a DVD-ROM drive as well as a DVD writer that work the same way as a CD-ROM drive and CD writer. There is also a DVD-RAM drive that reads and writes to the DVD-RAM variation of DVD.

DVD

Blu-ray

Blu-ray is a newer optical disc storage media format. Its main uses are high-definition video and data storage. The disc has the same dimensions as a CD or DVD. The term “Blu-ray” comes from the blue laser used to read and write to the disc. The Blu-ray discs can store much more data then CDs or DVDs. A dual layer Blu-ray disc can store up to 50GB, almost six times thecapacity of a dual layer DVD (WOW!). Blu-ray discs have similar devices used to read them and write to them as CDs have. A BD-ROM drive can only read a Blu-ray disc and a BD writer can read and write a Blu-ray disc.

Floppy Disk

A floppy disk is a type of data storage that is composed of a disk of thin, flexible(“floppy”) magnetic storage medium encased in a square or rectangular plastic shell. Floppy disks are read and written by a floppy disk drive. Floppy disks are a dying and being replaced by the optical and flash drives. Many new computers do not come with floppy drives anymore but there are a lot of older ones with floppy drives lying around. While floppy disks are very cheap the amount of storage on them compared to the amount of storage for the price of flash drives makes floppy disks unreasonable to use.

Floppy Disk

Internal Storage

Internal storage is hardware that keeps data inside the computer for later use and remains persistent even when the computer has no power. There are a few different types of internal storage. Hard disks are the most popular type of internal storage. Solid-state drives have grown in popularity slowly. A disk array controller is popular when you need more storage then a single har disk can hold.

Hard Disk Drive

A hard disk drive (HDD) is a non-volatile storage device which stores digitally encoded data on rapidly rotating platters with magnetic surfaces. Just about every new computer comes with a hard disk these days unless it comes with a new solid-state drive. Typical desktop hard disk drives store between 120 and 400GB, rotate at 7,200 rpm, and have a madia transfer rate of 1 Gbit/s or higher. Hard disk drives are accessed over one of a number of bus types, including parallel ATA(also called IDE), Serial ATA (SATA), SCSI, Serial Attached SCSI, and Fibre Channel.

Hard Drive

Solid-State Drive

A solid-state drive (SSD) is a data storage device that uses solid-state memory to store persistent data. An SSD emulates a hard disk drive, thus easily replacing it in any application. SSDs have begun to appear in laptops because they can be smaller than HDDs. SSDs are currently more expensive per unit of capacity than HDDs which is why they have not caught on so quickly.

Disk Array Controller

A disk array controller is a device which manage the physical disk drives and presents them to the computer as logical units. It almost always implements hardware RAID. RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Drives) is a technology that employs the simultaneous use of two or more hard disk drives to achieve greater levels of performance, reliability, and/or larger data volume sizes. A disk array controller also provides additional disk cache.

Windows 10 Advantages and Disadvantages

BY HEBA SOFFAR 

Advantages of windows 10

It is very important to know that Windows 10 has  new generation design , It is easy to use social media sites like Facebook , twitter , It is the latest Windows operating system which features many changes and very eye catchy user interface , It delivers new features on free upgrade , So , You will not wait for the new release , And it has trusted brand name of windows .

Everyone must know that when you run Windows 7 , Windows 8.1 , and Windows Phone 8.1 , You can upgrade to Windows 10 free  , Windows 10 technical preview was recently launched by Microsoft , And there are many new features added to the new operating system , Windows 10 will have two browsers ,  It will ship with bothInternet Explorer 11 and Spartan , the new uncluttered browser that Microsoft is developing , apparently to replace IE .

You have to know that Windows 10 will include extended built-in mobile device management ( MDM ) capabilities making it easier to manage device from the cloud ,Windows 10 interface will adapt via Continuum which will allow the Windows 10 interface to adapt based on the hardware it is running in .

It is very important to know that  Windows 10 will be great for gaming , Microsoft is bringing big changes to PC gaming with Windows 10 , We will see the debut of DirectX 12 API which promises faster , “closer-to-the-metal” gaming performance and greater efficiency , Windows 10 will also include a “game DVR” mode to allow recordings of the last 30 seconds of play , all better for the social gaming .

 

Windows 10

It is very important to know that Windows 10 will be free for Windows 8.1 users for its first year , While there is no word on pricing for users still on Windows 7 or an older version , Microsoft confirmed a while ago that the two most recent Windows versions will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 directly .

You should know that Microsoft has added an Xbox app , you can see what your friends are doing and send them messages , check out achievements , and look at game clips , people have pre-recorded , Microsoft aims to bring the full Xbox Liveexperience to Windows 10 PCs , including allowing you to stream games from yourXbox One console directly to your PC .

You must know that Windows 10 will include universal Office apps , Microsoft is creating universal Office apps that will be touch-friendly and run on all devices , Future Windows Phones and Windows tablets will come with Office appspreinstalled .

It is very important to know that  specialised version of Windows 10 will be launched for smartphones , with revamped Office and Outlook applications , which resemble their PC counterparts , Windows Phone 10 will also have an integrated messaging hub for Skype , texts and other IM services   .

You should know that  Windows 10 will have hologram technology , Microsoftintroduced Microsoft Holographic , a set of technologies that will enable 3D imaging and hologram projection for Windows 10 apps , A video and live demo showed people wearing Microsoft HoloLens projection goggles to interact with remote coworkers, play a 3D version of Minecraft , or explore a 3D projection of Mars , Developers will be able to use HoloStudio software to develop 3D applications .

It is very important to know that Microsoft has confirmed Windows 10 will support the Fast Identity Online ( FIDO ) standard , The users will be able to sign into commonly used apps like Outlook using a variety of biometric tools from fingerprint readers to retina scanners .

Everyone should know that there will be two versions of the OS available , Windows 10 Technical Preview and Windows 10 Technical Preview for Enterprise , Both have the same functionality but the Windows 10 Technical Preview for Enterprise also includes current enterprise capabilities such as Windows To Go , DirectAccess , BranchCache and AppLocker , so , It is intended for IT pros .

It is very important to know that windows 10 improved multitasking , It will introduce a quadrant layout allowing up to four apps to be snapped on the same screen , The OS will even make smart suggestions to fill available screen space .

You have to know that you will be able to cycle through open apps using the familiar Alt + Tab shortcut  but there is also a Task View button on the taskbar , Pressing this will show all open apps , allow you to re-arrange them and switch between virtual desktops , There are no more typos in Command Prompt , The power users rejoice as copy and paste will be enabled in Windows 10’s Command Prompt .

It is very important to know that Microsoft will launch a new web browser forWindows 10 which will be called Microsoft Edge after dropping the “Project Spartan” code name , So , the users will be able to annotate any web page using finger/stylus or keyboard input , Spartan will have a reading mode , And the Cortana voice assistant will be integrated into the browser .

Disadvantages of windows 10

It is very important to know that Windows 10 can not upgrade oldest windows versions such as windows 2000 , windows 2001 etc… , there is more cost for new PCs with Windows 10 .

You have to know that touch friendly features has been removed from windows 10 , You can no longer close apps by swiping them down from top to bottom , Manytablet users are going to face some difficulties in case of the touch control of the operating system .

It is very important to know that you cannot resize windows using the handle bars which were present in most of the previous versions of Windows , Grabbing edges of the windows is very difficult if you are using a pen .

You should know that there is no update in Windows media player, It is the same as it was earlier , Windows 10 has removed the functionality to change the volume level using the scroll button present in the task bar .

You should know that if you get fed up with testing Windows 10 and want to revert the PC to the OS you were running before , It won’t be easy , The previous WindowsOS will have to be reinstalled from the recovery or installation disk—typically a DVD—that came with the PC.

You must understand that installing Windows 10 Technical Preview disables the PC’s ability to play DVDs using Windows Media Player ,  and it removes Windows Media Center from PCs running Windows 8 Pro with Media Center .

Japanese Robot With a 'Heart' Sells Out In One Minute

By James Titcomb

Pepper, a robot designed to detect human emotions, sells 1,000 unit release almost immediately, according to its developer Softbank.

Pepper went on sale over the weekend

Pepper, a robot capable of detecting human emotions, sold out in under a minute at the weekend, as Japanese consumers raced to be one of the first to own the "robot with a heart".

Softbank, which developed the humanoid machine and announced it last year, said it had sold the first batch of 1,000 robots online in the first 60 seconds they were on sale.

Pepper, which costs 198,000 yen (around £1,000) plus monthly service and insurance fees, is capable of recognising feelings such as anger, joy and sadness. Including the other fees, the cost of owning one is around 1.2m yen (£6,000) over three years.

It then reacts accordingly, providing companionship for those who do not have it, or are simply curious about the latest robotic developments.

The robot has been designed to help address Japan's rapidly ageing population. The median age in the country is 46 - one of the world's highest - and its birth rate has slumped to a record low.

“Our vision is to offer a robot with love,” Softbank chief executive Masayoshi Son said at a press conference last week.

Pepper, which is four foot high, and weighs around four-and-a-half stone, can dance to music, bow in respect and move its arms in a convincing interpretation of human movement.

Softbank, which plans to release Pepper in other countries later this year, will put 1,000 units a month on sale. It has big plans for the robot, but says it will not make a profit on it for years.

5 Ways To Lead Your Team More Effectively

Brent Gleeson ,

 CONTRIBUTOR

I cover leadership and marketing for entrepreneurs. 

 "We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations." – Navy SEAL Creed

Most great leaders have a passion for building and leading an elite team. Who wants to lead a team based on mediocrity and moderation anyway? That would be a direct negative reflection on who? The leadership. But leading elite teams takes persistence and a consistent pursuit of personal and professional development. Constant personal reflection and taking action based on regular feedback.

I try to constantly study the art of leadership and have drawn many comparisons from my time in the Navy SEAL teams to my experiences as an entrepreneur leading a growing company. Here are five tips for leading an elite team.

Create an environment of leadership. 

At all levels. When you consider the caliber of team members you find in the military your first inclination might be to wonder how they recruit and develop such selflessness. Such an attitude of service and loyalty to the person to your right and left. But with further consideration, one will realize that it is more about the environment and culture that creates these attitudes and makes them a reality.

Elite teams have leaders at all levels. There are many successful organizations out there where the most senior leaders are absolutely not leaders. They are authorities. And because they are authorities, people do what they say. But those people would never truly follow them. And then there are people at the very bottom of the totem pole that are true leaders. Emergent leaders that take charge in the absence of orders and inspire those around them.

Make the team feel safe. 

Management and leadership are different disciplines.You cannot manage a team into combat. They must be led. It is hard to think that anyone would feel safe in a combat situation. It is all about trust and loyalty. When you trust the leadership and the team members to your right, left and rear, you have an overwhelming sense of comfort. When bullets start flying, politics go out the window. You are fighting to protect your teammates and nothing more.

Imagine if everyone on your team embodied this kind of philosophy? What an unwavering sense of loyalty that would create, and therefore a distinct competitive advantage over your competition. This starts at the top by senior leaders staying calm under pressure, communicating effectively, providing resources and removing obstacles. When the team feels safe and supported, they will do everything in their power to execute their responsibilities and go above and beyond to help achieve company goals.

Actively manage through adaptive change. 

This is critical in combat as in business. All businesses experience change, especially growing businesses in dynamic industries. Great leaders know when it’s time for change, even if it means reinventing your business. This can be a scary thing for the team and often things get worse before they get better.

Change management requires a few key things from the leadership. First, you need to communicate what the change is and why it is necessary for the company to continue to be successful. Second, you need to ensure that each team member regardless of rank or position understands how this change impacts them and what is required of them for productive implementation. Third, you need to make the team aware of what the leadership is doing in order to provide support and resources during the transitional period of change. And fourth, over communicate consistently during this time and get feedback. In the SEAL teams we say “pass the word.” Simply put, this means tell me what the hell is going on. Make sure to tell your team what the hell is going on.

Be a servant to your team. 

I recently finished reading Steven Pressfield’s historical fiction ’The Afghan Campaign‘ about Alexander the Great’s invasion of the Afghan kingdoms in 330 B.C. And Alexander, in all his ambition and arrogance, was at heart, the epitome of a true servant leader. He led from the front affording himself no additional comforts that his men didn’t have during their brutal trek through the Hindu Kush Mountains.

Great leaders embrace the concept of servant leadership asking nothing of their team they haven’t already done or aren’t willing to do themselves. And while you can’t always be in the trenches side-by-side with your team members, making a conscious effort to do so periodically goes a long way. Then, when you’re out there steering the ship they know you still care intimately about their specific roles in achieving the company’s vision.

Always eat last. 

Traditionally, in the military the officers eat last at chow time. This is a simple but impactful gesture of leadership. When you sacrifice for your team, they will sacrifice for you. It is the team that must execute on a daily basis and therefore it is imperative they have the resources to do so, even before you do.

Earlier I referenced the book ‘The Afghan Campaign.” When Alexander was leading forced marches through treacherous and unforgiving mountain conditions, eventually the food ran out. He could have easily had a personal supply train providing him with food and all the comforts of home, but he didn’t. When his men didn’t eat, neither did he. Yet he still projected strength and positivity despite seemingly impossible odds.

These five elements of leadership are not easy to execute on a consistent basis. It requires a daily focus and attention. Asking yourself, with each move and decision you make, am I being the best possible leader I can right now? If not, adjust accordingly.