Hardware - The physical components that compose a computer system or network.
Includes: keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer; connectors, cables; hard disk drives; circuit boards
Software - Instructions or data that are stored electronically, either on a hard drive or a special chip.
Includes: Operating systems; program applications; hardware drivers --special programs that tell the OS
how to use the hardware.
Input - The movement of data or commands to the internal computer hardware
Processing - The flow of data through a series of procedures as defined by a set of instructions.
Includes: CPU, RAM
Storage devices - Devices that contain non-volatile memory for saving or maintaining data.
Include: Hard disk drives, Solid-state drives, Optical drives (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and Blu-ray), Flask
drives
Output - The process of the computer presenting, displaying, or otherwise giving data.
Networking and communications - The practice of connecting two or more computers in order to
transfer data.
Networking components include: CONNECTING MEDIA= copper cables, radio signals; CONNECTION
DEVICES= routers, switches
Firmware - a special type of software that is embedded in the read-only memory of a hardware
component. ABIOS chip is an example of this
Componentization (in context of Modular Design) - A functional PC is a combination of several
constituent parts. Each part is considered a field-replaceable unit (FRU), meaning it can be quickly
replaced when faulty or easily upgraded when needed. This principle keeps maintenance costs low and
reduces downtime.
Standardization (in context of Modular Design) - Specifications that allow components from different
manufacturers to be interchangeable. If a component meets the specified standards, it will work in the
computer regardless of manufacturer.
VGA Port (Video Graphics Array) - Also called a DB-15 port, this 15-pin port is used to connect external
display devices such as projectors and some monitors.
This port: transmits analog video signal, has three rows of five pins, uses a DE-15 connector. All older
monitors use this type of port.
DVI (Digital Video Interface) port - This port is used to connect display devices.
This port: carries either an analog signal, a digital signal, or both; supports one of two cable and
connector types, single link or dual-link.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port and DisplayPort - These ports are used to send high-
quality digital video and audio signals. The following devices use these ports: LCD monitors and HDTVs
*HDMI (symmetrical notches) has a smaller form factor connector called an HDMI-mini connector. This
connector is half the size of a standard HDMI connector and is used to connect smartphones, tablets, and
digital cameras to external displays.
Thunderbolt port - This port combines PCI Express (PCIe) and DisplayPort signals into a single
interface. It can also provide DC power. These ports are mainly used for external displays.
S-Video (miniDin-4) port - A.K.A. the separated video (s-video) port is used for connecting external
displays. It has slightly better pirate quality than an RCA video port.
USB port - This port is one of the most common computer ports. These ports are used to connect a
variety of devices:
> mouse and keyboard devices
> external storage devices
> digital cameras
> scanners
> printers
> microphones
> Webcams
Audio Jack Port - This port is used to send or receive analog signals. They use 3.5mm TRS connectors
to connect audio devices such as:
> speakers, headphones, microphones, audio output devices
They use a common color code to denote the port type:
> Green: line out
> Pink: mic in
, > Blue: line in
> Orange: subwoofer
> Black: rear speakers
Coaxial S/PDIF and Fiber S/PDIF Ports - This port is used to send a digital audio signal to high-end
audio devices such as home theatre systems or Dolby-Digital surround sound systems.
> Coaxial S/PDIF ports use a copper coaxial cable to transmit signals
> Fiber S/PDIF ports use fiber optic cables to transmit signals
RJ45 Ports
(Ethernet Ports) - These ports are used to create Ethernet networks by connecting multiple computers
and networking devices. These ports have eight connector pins.
RJ11 ports (Phone jacks)
*Remember, RJ45's (ethernet cable) have 8 pins, RJ11's have 4 pins! - These ports are used by
telephones and modems to send analog signals. RJ11 ports have four connector pins.
FireWire port - aka i.LINK port or IEEE1394 port is also a high-speed serial bus, but USB is used more
often. It is commonly used for data storage devices.
PS/2 (mini-DIN-6) port - This legacy port, also called mini-Din-6, is used to connect older PS/2 keyboard
or mouse devices. These ports are color-coded. Purple denotes the keyboard port, and green denotes the
mouse port.
Serial DB-9 connector, connects to a 9-pin serial port - This legacy port is also used to connect serial
devices, such as a barcode scanner, dial-up modem, or serial mouse. These ports are also used to
configure and manage some networking devices.
**RS-232 is a standard for serial communication transmission of data. It defines the signals connecting
computer equipment like a computer and a modem. The RS-232 standard was commonly used in
computer serial ports. USB has replaced RS-232 for most of its peripheral interface roles. Many
computers no longer come equipped with RS-232 ports.
Parallel (DB-25) port - This legacy port connects older devices that use a parallel interface, such as
printers, hard drives, and gamepads.
**This port was superseded by the USB and RJ45 ports.
DB-15 port - This legacy port is used by legacy gamepads, joysticks, and MIDI devices
**These ports are typically found on older sound cards
HDMI to DVI adapter - Used to connect an HDMI cable to a DVI port
VGA to DVI adapter - Used to connect a VGA cable to a DVI port
VGA to HDMI Adapter - Used to connect a VGA cable to an HDMI port
Ethernet to USB Adapter - Used to connect an RJ45 connector to a USB port
Power Supply - (large square inside computer) This device converts AC power from the wall into DC
power that can be used by the computer
CPU fan and heat sink - This internal component sits directly on top of the CPU. CPUs generate a lot of
heat. These components pull heat away from the CPU and dissipate it, cooling the CPU. Without this, the
CPU would overheat.
Motherboard - A circuit board that contains all of the computer system's main components.
Memory modules/random access memory (RAM) - temporary storage for data and instructions as they
are processed by the CPU; dual inline memory module (DIMM) slots holds RAM and is mounted directly
on the motherboard
hard disk drive (HDD) - This stores all the software, files, and data. Its size is measured in bytes
(usually gigabytes). The bigger it is the more data can be stored.
(Easily identified by size, appearance, and the cables used to connect them to the motherboard) Most of
these devices use a thin cable called a SATA cable.
Optical Disk Drive (ODD) - These internal components are typically larger than hard disk drives and
typically use an IDE cable to connect them to the motherboard. Some newer ones do use SATA cables.
(ex. DVD/ROM drive)
Expansion Card - An internal component that is inserted into one of the motherboard's expansion slots
and is used to customize a computer to perform a desired function. For example, a common one of these
is a high-end graphics card that allows a computer to play the latest PC games. Other types of these
include cards for audio and networking.
GNU not Unix - The recursive acronym GNU stands for '--- --- ----'
Includes: keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer; connectors, cables; hard disk drives; circuit boards
Software - Instructions or data that are stored electronically, either on a hard drive or a special chip.
Includes: Operating systems; program applications; hardware drivers --special programs that tell the OS
how to use the hardware.
Input - The movement of data or commands to the internal computer hardware
Processing - The flow of data through a series of procedures as defined by a set of instructions.
Includes: CPU, RAM
Storage devices - Devices that contain non-volatile memory for saving or maintaining data.
Include: Hard disk drives, Solid-state drives, Optical drives (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and Blu-ray), Flask
drives
Output - The process of the computer presenting, displaying, or otherwise giving data.
Networking and communications - The practice of connecting two or more computers in order to
transfer data.
Networking components include: CONNECTING MEDIA= copper cables, radio signals; CONNECTION
DEVICES= routers, switches
Firmware - a special type of software that is embedded in the read-only memory of a hardware
component. ABIOS chip is an example of this
Componentization (in context of Modular Design) - A functional PC is a combination of several
constituent parts. Each part is considered a field-replaceable unit (FRU), meaning it can be quickly
replaced when faulty or easily upgraded when needed. This principle keeps maintenance costs low and
reduces downtime.
Standardization (in context of Modular Design) - Specifications that allow components from different
manufacturers to be interchangeable. If a component meets the specified standards, it will work in the
computer regardless of manufacturer.
VGA Port (Video Graphics Array) - Also called a DB-15 port, this 15-pin port is used to connect external
display devices such as projectors and some monitors.
This port: transmits analog video signal, has three rows of five pins, uses a DE-15 connector. All older
monitors use this type of port.
DVI (Digital Video Interface) port - This port is used to connect display devices.
This port: carries either an analog signal, a digital signal, or both; supports one of two cable and
connector types, single link or dual-link.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) port and DisplayPort - These ports are used to send high-
quality digital video and audio signals. The following devices use these ports: LCD monitors and HDTVs
*HDMI (symmetrical notches) has a smaller form factor connector called an HDMI-mini connector. This
connector is half the size of a standard HDMI connector and is used to connect smartphones, tablets, and
digital cameras to external displays.
Thunderbolt port - This port combines PCI Express (PCIe) and DisplayPort signals into a single
interface. It can also provide DC power. These ports are mainly used for external displays.
S-Video (miniDin-4) port - A.K.A. the separated video (s-video) port is used for connecting external
displays. It has slightly better pirate quality than an RCA video port.
USB port - This port is one of the most common computer ports. These ports are used to connect a
variety of devices:
> mouse and keyboard devices
> external storage devices
> digital cameras
> scanners
> printers
> microphones
> Webcams
Audio Jack Port - This port is used to send or receive analog signals. They use 3.5mm TRS connectors
to connect audio devices such as:
> speakers, headphones, microphones, audio output devices
They use a common color code to denote the port type:
> Green: line out
> Pink: mic in
, > Blue: line in
> Orange: subwoofer
> Black: rear speakers
Coaxial S/PDIF and Fiber S/PDIF Ports - This port is used to send a digital audio signal to high-end
audio devices such as home theatre systems or Dolby-Digital surround sound systems.
> Coaxial S/PDIF ports use a copper coaxial cable to transmit signals
> Fiber S/PDIF ports use fiber optic cables to transmit signals
RJ45 Ports
(Ethernet Ports) - These ports are used to create Ethernet networks by connecting multiple computers
and networking devices. These ports have eight connector pins.
RJ11 ports (Phone jacks)
*Remember, RJ45's (ethernet cable) have 8 pins, RJ11's have 4 pins! - These ports are used by
telephones and modems to send analog signals. RJ11 ports have four connector pins.
FireWire port - aka i.LINK port or IEEE1394 port is also a high-speed serial bus, but USB is used more
often. It is commonly used for data storage devices.
PS/2 (mini-DIN-6) port - This legacy port, also called mini-Din-6, is used to connect older PS/2 keyboard
or mouse devices. These ports are color-coded. Purple denotes the keyboard port, and green denotes the
mouse port.
Serial DB-9 connector, connects to a 9-pin serial port - This legacy port is also used to connect serial
devices, such as a barcode scanner, dial-up modem, or serial mouse. These ports are also used to
configure and manage some networking devices.
**RS-232 is a standard for serial communication transmission of data. It defines the signals connecting
computer equipment like a computer and a modem. The RS-232 standard was commonly used in
computer serial ports. USB has replaced RS-232 for most of its peripheral interface roles. Many
computers no longer come equipped with RS-232 ports.
Parallel (DB-25) port - This legacy port connects older devices that use a parallel interface, such as
printers, hard drives, and gamepads.
**This port was superseded by the USB and RJ45 ports.
DB-15 port - This legacy port is used by legacy gamepads, joysticks, and MIDI devices
**These ports are typically found on older sound cards
HDMI to DVI adapter - Used to connect an HDMI cable to a DVI port
VGA to DVI adapter - Used to connect a VGA cable to a DVI port
VGA to HDMI Adapter - Used to connect a VGA cable to an HDMI port
Ethernet to USB Adapter - Used to connect an RJ45 connector to a USB port
Power Supply - (large square inside computer) This device converts AC power from the wall into DC
power that can be used by the computer
CPU fan and heat sink - This internal component sits directly on top of the CPU. CPUs generate a lot of
heat. These components pull heat away from the CPU and dissipate it, cooling the CPU. Without this, the
CPU would overheat.
Motherboard - A circuit board that contains all of the computer system's main components.
Memory modules/random access memory (RAM) - temporary storage for data and instructions as they
are processed by the CPU; dual inline memory module (DIMM) slots holds RAM and is mounted directly
on the motherboard
hard disk drive (HDD) - This stores all the software, files, and data. Its size is measured in bytes
(usually gigabytes). The bigger it is the more data can be stored.
(Easily identified by size, appearance, and the cables used to connect them to the motherboard) Most of
these devices use a thin cable called a SATA cable.
Optical Disk Drive (ODD) - These internal components are typically larger than hard disk drives and
typically use an IDE cable to connect them to the motherboard. Some newer ones do use SATA cables.
(ex. DVD/ROM drive)
Expansion Card - An internal component that is inserted into one of the motherboard's expansion slots
and is used to customize a computer to perform a desired function. For example, a common one of these
is a high-end graphics card that allows a computer to play the latest PC games. Other types of these
include cards for audio and networking.
GNU not Unix - The recursive acronym GNU stands for '--- --- ----'
