Computers_Hardware

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// **MINISTRY OBJECTIVES** //
 * // Students demonstrate knowledge of computer hardware components and their associated functions . //
 * // Students learn how to communicate knowledge of computer operations by analyzing computer systems and applying key concepts. //
 * // Students produce hand illustrations, and/or fabricating associated components that demonstrates their knowledge of different computer components. Student's explain the different roles that computers, networks, and operating systems have and describe the tasks for which each is used. //

HARDWARE components are the physical or tangible parts of a computer system. They typically perform at least one of the four main functions of a computer system:

The Four Main Functions
A typical computer system is simply an "Information Processor" - it performs four main functions with information: Input, Storage, Processing and Output. "**Components**" are the parts that make up a computer, and they can be categorized into those same functions:

INPUT
Input Devices are Computer components that control or send information into the system from the user. ie. Keyboard, Mouse, Buttons, Touch Screen, Remote, Webcam, Microphone, Scanners, Joystick

STORAGE
Storage Components hold information either temporarily or long term. ie. Hard Drive, RAM (Volatile Random Access Memory), Flash RAM (Non-Volatile)

PROCESSING
Processing components take information and use it to generate new information. CPU (Central Processing Unit), Processors, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

OUTPUT
Output Devices send information directly to the user for them to interpret. ie. Screen, Speaker, Printer, Rumble Joystick

//Think about it:// What makes the Nintendo Wii such a popular gaming system? Is it the system's ability to:
 * Input
 * Store
 * Process
 * Output

Definitions
A Google Search on "learn computer components" gives us a few good additional resources:
 * A review of INPUT and OUTPUT devices is featured at http://education.kaboose.com/tutoring/comp_les1.html
 * The SEVEN major "PROCESSING/STORAGE" components of a typical computer system are at http://computer.howstuffworks.com/pc.htm
 * A great searchable dictionary of computer terms can be found at the Webopedia: http://www.webopedia.com/

Vocabulary

 * Computer
 * Hardware
 * Software
 * Application
 * Document
 * Component
 * System
 * Chip
 * Motherboard
 * CPU
 * RAM
 * ROM
 * Hard Drive
 * Optical Drive
 * Graphics Card
 * Power Supply

Create a word processed document called "Game System" that describes a Game system that you own, or are familiar with. Describe as fully as you can:
 * EXERCISE: "GAME SYSTEM"**
 * What INPUT hardware it uses
 * What STORAGE specifications (details) it has
 * What PROCESSING power it has
 * What OUTPUT hardware it has
 * You can compare it to other game systems in the market that you're familiar with: Xbox360, PS3, Wii, DS, PSP
 * You can look up information on the web to fill in your knowledge on the subject

Complete the document before the end of the period, name it appropriately, and submit it to the appropriate folder for marks