UC:Connecting hardware peripherals

By: Techalew Fantaye

Unit 1: Confirm requirements of
client
Topics
1.1. Basic Concepts of computer
1.2. Identifying and confirming client’s peripherals requirements
1.3. Documentation and reporting client requirements
1.4. Verify client requirements
1.5. client support expectations
1.1 Basic introduction to computer
1.1.1. Understanding history, generation and types of computers
• Computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or
"data." It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data.
• Data is a collection of unorganized facts & figures and does not
provide any further information regarding patterns, context, etc.
Hence data means "unstructured facts and figures".
• Information is a structured data i.e. organized meaningful and
processed data. Computers consist of two basic parts:
• Hardware is any part of your computer that has a physical structure,
such as the computer monitor or keyboard.
• Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to
do. It is what guides the hardware and tells it how to accomplish
each task.
Characteristics of computer
• Speed: computer can work very fast. It takes only few seconds for
calculations that we take hours to complete.
• Accuracy: Accuracy of a computer is consistent. Computer gives us
accurate result or calculation.
• Consistency: Computer is a consistent machine; it means that
computer never gets tired of working more.
• Storage: The Computer has an in-built memory where it can store a
large amount of data. You can also store data in secondary
storage devices such as floppies, which can be kept outside your
computer and can be carried to other computers.
• Flexibility: means that a computer can work in many areas like you
can use your computer system to Watch movies or videos, Listen
sounds or music’s, Play games, See pictures, Write textual
documents and save, Open and read anything
Generation of computer
• Generation of computer is characterized by a major
technological development that fundamentally changed the
way computers operate, resulting in increasingly smaller,
cheaper, more powerful and more efficient and reliable devices.
1. First Generation (1946 to 1954)
• Use vacuum tubes as their main electronic component.
• Large in size, slow in processing and had less storage capacity.
• Consume lots of electricity and produced lots of heat.
• Computing capabilities were limited.
• Not so accurate and reliable.
• Use machine level language for programming.
• Very expensive
2. Second-generation computer (1955 to 1964)
• used transistors for CPU components.
• used high-level languages such as FORTRAN; ALGOL & COBOL.
• I/O processor was included to control I/O operations.
• Transistors are smaller than Vacuum tubes and have higher
operating speed.
• have no filament and require no heating.
• Manufacturing cost was also very low.
• the size of the computer got reduced considerably.
Advantages
• Smaller in size as compared to the first-generation computers
• The second-generation computers were more reliable
• Used less energy and were not heated
• Wider commercial use
• Better portability as compared to the first-generation
computers
• Beta speed and could calculate data in microseconds
• Used faster peripherals like tape drives, magnetic disks, printer
etc.
Disadvantages
• Cooling system was required
• Constant maintenance was required
• Commercial production was difficult
• Only used for specific purposes
3. Third Generation computer (1964 to 1975)
• used the integrated circuits (ICs).
Advantages
• Smaller in size as compared to previous generation
• More reliable
• Used less energy
• Better speed and could calculate data in nanoseconds
• Used fan for heat discharge to prevent damage
Disadvantages
• Air conditioning was required
• Highly sophisticated Technology was required for the
manufacturing of IC chips
4. Fourth Generation Computer (1975 to present)
• The fourth-generation computers started with the invention of
microprocessor.
• The microprocessor contains thousands of ICs.
• The size of modern microprocessors is usually 1 square inch.
Advantages
• Much faster
• Less expensive
• More powerful and reliable than previous generations
• Small in size
• Uses advanced techniques
• Have greater data processing capacity than equivalent size
previous generation computer that is third generation computers
• Fast processing power with less power consumption
• Fan for heat discharging and thus to keep cold
• No air conditioning required
5. Fifth Generation Computer (Present to beyond)
• It is based on the technique of artificial intelligence (AI).
• All computer machines that will made on the basis of 5th
generation computer will use parallel processing techniques
and artificial intelligence.
• Parallel processing techniques and artificial intelligence are
basically similar to the one used by our brain that is human
brain.
Types of computers
1. Based on data handling capabilities
• computers can be divided into three types.
1. Analogue computer
• They are designed so that they can process the analogue data.
• The data that can change continuously and do not have discrete values
such as temperature, current, speed and pressure is known as Analogue
data.
• The continuous changes that physical quantity goes through are
measured by analogue computers.
• The output rendered by them is generally in the form of a reading on a
dial or scale.
• Analogue computers don’t wait for the data to get converted into codes
and numbers and rather accept the data from the measuring device
directly.
• Mercury meter and speedometer are the examples of analogue
computer.
2. Digital Computers
• They are designed to perform logical operations and calculations at a
high speed.
• A digital computer accepts raw data as numbers or digits and then, to
produce output, it processes it with the programs stored in its memory.
• The modern computers like desktops and laptops fall under the
category of digital computers.
3. Hybrid Computer
• It contains the features of both Digital and Analogue computers.
• It has accuracy and memory like digital computers and is fast like
Analogue computers.
• It can process both discrete and continuous data and hence it is widely
used in specialized applications where both digital and analogue data
is processed
• An example is a petrol pump where a processor is used to convert the
measurement of fuel flow into price and quantity.
2. Based on size
• computers can be classified into four types
1. Microcomputer
• It is also known as Personal Computer.
• This general-purpose computer is mainly designed for individual use.
• It consists of a microprocessor, which works as the Central Processing
Unit, storage area, memory, and input and output unit.
• The most famous examples of Microcomputers are Desktop
computers, Laptop computers and palmtop.
2. Min computer:
• It is a multiprocessing computer of midsize.
• It has the capacity of entertaining 4 to 200 users at one given time
and consists of 2 or more processors.
• Mini computers are mostly used in departments and institutes for the
tasks like inventory management, billing and accounting.
3. Mainframe computer:
• They have the capacity of supporting hundreds or thousands of
users simultaneously and they can also support multiple
programs at the same time.
• This means that different processes can be executed
simultaneously by a Mainframe Computer.
• Hence, organizations that need to process and manage high
volume of data find mainframe computers ideal for them.
• Telecom and banking sectors are examples of such
organizations.
• Mainframe computers are useful for tasks related to:
Census taking
Industry and consumer statistics
Enterprise resource planning
Transaction processing
e-business and e-commerce
4. Super/Macro computers
• They are the fastest in speed and the biggest in size and
specialize in processing a huge amount of data.
• A supercomputer contains thousands of interconnected
processors that help it process trillions of instructions in just a
second.
• Supercomputers are used for complex tasks, such as:
• Weather forecasting
• Climate research
• Scientific simulation
• Oil and gas exploration
• Quantum mechanics
1.2.Definitions of Peripheral Devices
 Peripheral Devices are external or tangible devices which are attached
to the external part of the computer system unit. Any device connected
internally or externally to a computer system unit and used in the
transfer of data as well as processing information.
 Any input, output or external storage device connected externally or
internally communicate with the computer's processors is termed as
peripherals examples, monitor, keyboard, printer, disk, tape, graphics
tablet, scanner, joy stick, paddle or mouse etc.
 Device drivers: - It is a small program that tells the computer how to
communicate with input/output (peripheral) devices. Every peripheral
device needs device driver to communicate with the computer system.
1.3. Categories of Peripherals and Device Drivers
1. Input device
• Input device is a device that has been used as a means of input. It is
any peripheral used to provide data and control signals to an
information processing system The common input devices are
keyboard, mouse, and scanner.
2. Output Device
• An output device is any piece of computer hardware equipment used to
communicate the results of data processing carried out by an information
processing system to the outside world.
• Input/output or I/O, refers to the communication between an information
processing system (such as a computer ), and the outside world.
• Inputs are the signals or data sent to the system, and outputs are the signals
or data sent by the system to the outside.
Examples of output devices are:-
• Speakers
• Headphones
• Screen(monitor)
3. The storage devices
• Primary Storage – is also known as the main memory or a temporary
storage device. It is fast in nature but can accommodate only few data.
Data that has been stored in memory flushes off when you restart your
computer, thus called temporary storage device.
• Secondary Storage – Secondary storage (also known as external memory
or auxiliary storage), differs from primary storage in that it is not directly
accessible by the CPU. Secondary storage does not lose the data when the
device is powered down—it is non-volatile. Examples of a secondary
storage device are Internal Hard drive, external Hard Drive, Flash Disk,
CD/DVD, Floppy disk, Memory card.
Connectivity devices
Ports
• A port is a socket that is used to connect the cables from peripheral devices
to the computer or the position to plug peripheral devices.
• A port is an interface on a computer to which you can a device.
The types of ports are
• Serial ports:
• Parallel Ports
• USB (Universal Serial Bus)
Connectors
• Network cable
• VGA cable
• USB cable
• Power cord
• Printer cable
• PS/2 cable
• Audio cable
Steps to Connect Hardware Peripherals
• Connect power to monitor
• Connect monitor to case
• Connect power to case
• Connect keyboard
• Connect mouse
• Connect phone line to modem (if applicable)
• Connect sound devices to sound card (if applicable)
• Connect printer (if applicable)
• Connect other peripherals (if applicable)
1.3. System Development Life Cycle
 To determine appropriate hardware peripheral devices needed within an organization,
it is important to clearly understand what your client needs.
• The system development life cycle is a methodology used to investigate the client’s
information technology needs within the organization.
The first three stages of the system development life cycle are:-
• Planning
• Analysing
• Designing
1. Planning
• Planning stage involves identifying the client’s current technology and taking into
account any limitations. During the planning phase it is necessary to find out
information including:
• System specifications
• Connections available
• Budget constraints
• Available timeframe
• Availability of physical space for work activities
1.4. Computer Peripherals Requirement Considerations
Software requirements
• Software Requirements deal with defining software resource
requirements and pre-requisites that need to be installed on a
computer to provide optimal functioning of an application.
Platform
• platform describes some sort of framework, either
in hardware or software which allows software to run
Web browser
• Most web application and software depending heavily
on internet technologies make use of the default browser
installed on system.
Other requirements
• Some software also has other requirements for proper
performance. Internet connection (type and speed)
and resolution of the display screen are notable examples.
1.5. Feasibility study
• A feasibility study can be carried out to show the client benefits,
approximate costs of the new equipment and the impact on the organisation
when documenting and reporting client requirements needs.
• The aim of the feasibility study is to recognize the best solution under the
circumstances by identifying the effects of this solution on the organisation.
2. Analyzing
• In the analysis phase, the client’s requirements are investigated in more
depth. It is important to try to gain as much information from the client as
possible, in order to obtain an accurate understanding of the situation.
Detailed client requirements, such as:-
• Specific features of the device required
• The number of people who will need to use device
• Support expectations
• Training requirements can all be obtained during this phase through,
interviews, questionnaires, checklists and observations
3. Designing
• The design phase enables you to figure out an effective solution. All the
information you have gathered via questionnaires, interviews,
observations and during planning can be assessed to determine the best
way of satisfying client requirements.
1.6. Demonstrate client requirements in line with organizational
standards
• Verifying client requirements with appropriate person in line with
organizational standards, guidelines and reporting procedures when
demonstrating client requirement needs of hardware peripheral devices
within different organization.
Ensure client support expectations
• When it comes to client support, your clients have certain expectations
which they expect you to meet consistently. They expect you to provide:-
• Connectivity
• Hardware and software support
• Consultation and training
• General information and technology recommendations
• Web-accessible information etc.
1.7. Agreements for Warranties and Support
Warranties
• A warranty is an agreed upon term which covers a computer or
computer component.
• This warranty may or may not cover the service, repair and
replacement of computer parts.
Service and support
It is important to know what kind of support services are offered by the
prospective suppliers. There are many questions to consider such as:
• If a device requires repairs does it have to be sent back to the supplier
(called ‘Return to base’) or will they provide on-site visits?
• What is the average response time if service is required?
• What kinds of maintenance and repair costs could be incurred during
the duration of use of the device?
• Will the device require regular servicing? If so, how many services
will be necessary over a one-year period?
 Self check 1
Part 1: Choose the best answer for the given alternative.
1. Which types of computers is used for complex tasks like forecasting
weather conditioning, oil and gas exploration and quantum mechanics?
A. Microcomputer C. Macro computer
B. Mainframe computer D. Mini computer
2. A collection of unorganized facts & figures and does not provide any
further information regarding patterns, context?
A. Data C. Database
B. Information D. None of the above
3.Among the following hardware components of a computer is one is odd
from the others?
A. Keyboard C. scanner
B. Mouse D. Mother board
Matching column “A” with column “B”

Column “A” Column “B”

1. First Generation A. Vacuum tube

2. Third Generation A. Artificial intelegence

3. Fourth Generation A. Transistors

4. Fifth Generation A. Micro processor

5 Second Generation A. Integrated circuit

Instruction: Answer all the questions listed below,
1. Write at least three characteristics of computer
2. Define clearly vendor warranty?
3. List at least four external and internal hardware components each?
4. What are the three (3) stages of the system development life cycle? (3 points)
5. In planning phase, what five (5) information is necessary to find out? (5
points)
6. The processor’s speed has been measured in what? (1 point)
7. An office computer with a 3 GHz processor should have at least how many
GB of hard disk space? (1 point)
8. What are the 3 Software requirements needed in before buying a PC? (3
points)
9. What are the Hardware Requirements for Windows 7 operating systems in
terms of: (4 Point)
• Processor
• RAM or Memory
• Hard Disk size
• Video Card