3 Hardware
3.1 Computers and their components
Show understanding of the need for input, output, primary memory and
secondary (including removable) storage
Need for:
Input: An input device is a peripheral device which enables a user to
interact with the computer.
Output:
Primary memory: Primary memory can be accessed directly from the
CPU - it allows the processor to access applications and services
temporarily stored in memory locations (volatile).
RAM (SRAM/DRAM) and ROM(PROM/EEPROM)
Secondary (inc removable) storage: Secondary storage is not directly
accessible by the CPU. Needed so that long-term (non-volatile) storage
is available. It has a much larger capacity than primary memory,
however, access time is slower than RAM/ROM
Show understanding of embedded systems
Including: benefits and drawbacks of embedded systems
Embedded systems involve installing microprocessors into devices to
allow them to be controlled more efficiently. Computer system that is
‘embedded’ inside an appliance such as a washing machine, cooker
and central heating (can then be controlled remotely from an app or
specialised tablet).
3 Hardware 1
, Describe the principal operations of hardware devices
Including: Laser printer, 3D printer, microphone, speakers, magnetic
hard disk, solid state (flash) memory, optical disc reader/writer,
touchscreen, virtual reality headset
Laser Printer
use dry toner
produce whole page at a time
Use lasers and electrostatic
Fast when printing many copies
3 Hardware 2
, 1. Paper is drawn in from the paper holding tray
2. A drum inside the printer begins with a positive charge
3. A laser is activated and shone at parts of the drum that will
require ink for the printing process. The laser is simply removing
the positive charge from certain areas of the drum
4. Positively charged toner is applied to the drum, this toner will
only stick the the negatively charged parts created by the laser
5. The paper, which is negatively charged is rolled past the drum
and the toner will stick to the page creating an exact copy of the
image / text
6. The paper will now pass a heated fuser which will melt the ink
onto the paper
7. The paper will now exit the printer ready for the user and the
drum will have its electric charge removed ready for the next
print job
3 Hardware 3
3.1 Computers and their components
Show understanding of the need for input, output, primary memory and
secondary (including removable) storage
Need for:
Input: An input device is a peripheral device which enables a user to
interact with the computer.
Output:
Primary memory: Primary memory can be accessed directly from the
CPU - it allows the processor to access applications and services
temporarily stored in memory locations (volatile).
RAM (SRAM/DRAM) and ROM(PROM/EEPROM)
Secondary (inc removable) storage: Secondary storage is not directly
accessible by the CPU. Needed so that long-term (non-volatile) storage
is available. It has a much larger capacity than primary memory,
however, access time is slower than RAM/ROM
Show understanding of embedded systems
Including: benefits and drawbacks of embedded systems
Embedded systems involve installing microprocessors into devices to
allow them to be controlled more efficiently. Computer system that is
‘embedded’ inside an appliance such as a washing machine, cooker
and central heating (can then be controlled remotely from an app or
specialised tablet).
3 Hardware 1
, Describe the principal operations of hardware devices
Including: Laser printer, 3D printer, microphone, speakers, magnetic
hard disk, solid state (flash) memory, optical disc reader/writer,
touchscreen, virtual reality headset
Laser Printer
use dry toner
produce whole page at a time
Use lasers and electrostatic
Fast when printing many copies
3 Hardware 2
, 1. Paper is drawn in from the paper holding tray
2. A drum inside the printer begins with a positive charge
3. A laser is activated and shone at parts of the drum that will
require ink for the printing process. The laser is simply removing
the positive charge from certain areas of the drum
4. Positively charged toner is applied to the drum, this toner will
only stick the the negatively charged parts created by the laser
5. The paper, which is negatively charged is rolled past the drum
and the toner will stick to the page creating an exact copy of the
image / text
6. The paper will now pass a heated fuser which will melt the ink
onto the paper
7. The paper will now exit the printer ready for the user and the
drum will have its electric charge removed ready for the next
print job
3 Hardware 3
