Graphics Cards or Display Adapters

Modern motherboards use an AGP (accelerated graphics port) to transfer the graphics data as quickly as possible. Some graphics cards have their own processor with which to process graphics data removing the pressure on the CPU.

2D or 3D: Graphics cards usually excel at 2D or 3D

2D applications are software such as word o excel where the image is flat.

3D is for three-dimentional representation such as games and computer aided design (CAD) packages.

Memory: Graphics cards also now have their own memory chips with which they can store graphics instructions. Usually the more memory the better the performance of the card.

Resolution: For monitors to be able to display a screen resolution the graphics card also support this resolution.

Keyboards are the input device you need to type data into you computer.

They come in standard, ergonomic, web-eady and cordless styles. Which you need is up to you. Common keyboards come with a PS2 or USB connector.

Mice come in various guises. Thee-wheel, optical, trackball, cordless and more. Some even have 5 separate buttons that can be pre-programmed by the user.

Scanners are used to copy pictures, text and documents and turn them into digital images for use on a computer. The speed , resolution, data transfer rate and connector interface are essential features of a scanner.

The printer required for a system depends on what it ...

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They come in standard, ergonomic, web-eady and cordless styles. Which you need is up to you. Common keyboards come with a PS2 or USB connector.

Mice come in various guises. Thee-wheel, optical, trackball, cordless and more. Some even have 5 separate buttons that can be pre-programmed by the user.

The printer required for a system depends on what it is to be used for.

The three most popular printers in use are inkjets, lazes and plotters.

Inkjet printers wok by firing ink though tiny holes onto paper. Whilst the best versions can print near photo quality resolutions on special paper they generally slow and for home o small business use.

Lazer printers are designed for high output, fast printing.

Flatbed plotters are used for printing large technical images such as CAD, architectural or engineering diagrams. They use automated arms containing ink that draws on a page which is laid out flat.

Removable storage devices allow you to add new information to your computer vey easily, as well as save information that can cay to a diffeent location.

The most common is the floppy disk. They are extremely inexpensive and easy to save information to.

CD-ROM (compact disc, read-only memory) is a popular from of commercial software. Many systems now offer CD-R (recordable) and CD-RW (rewriteable), which can also record.

Flash memory- based on a type of ROM called electronically erasable

Programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) , flash memory provides fast, permanent storage. Compact flash , Smart Media and PCMCIA cards are all types of flash memory.

DVD-ROM (digital versatile disc, read-only memory) is similar to a CD-OM but is capable of holding much more.

Backup storage devices

There are many backup solutions available, some solutions are aimed at the home user, some at the professional use.

Floppy disk dives are ideal for backing up and saving small files and are highly portable and the data is easily copied.

Zip drives perform the same jobs but can store much more data- however a Zip drive is required.

CD-R’S and CD-Rw’s can also be used but take a long time to record.

For backing up large systems, DAT or Digital Audio Tape is commonly used- the players are expensive but gigabytes of data can be copied.

Ports

Parallel- This port is commonly used to connect a printer.

Serial- This port is typically used to connect an external modem.

Universal Serial Bus (USB)- Is quickly becoming the most popular external connection, USB ports offer power and versatility and are incredibly easy to use.

FireWire (IEEE 1394)- FireWire is a very popular method of connecting digital video devices, such as camcorders or digital cameras, to your computer.

Internet/ network connections

Modem- This is the standard method of connecting to the internet.

Local Area Network (LAN) card- This is used by many computers, particularly those in an Ethernet OFFICE NETWORK, TO CONNECT TO EACH OTHER.

Cable Modem- Some people now use the cable television system in their home to connect to the internet.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)- This is a high-speed connection that works over a standard telephone line.

Very High bit-rate DSL (VDSL) MODEM- A newer version of DSL,VDSL requires that your phone line have fibre optic lines.

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) Line. The link via telephone is digital so it does not need to demodulate in the same way that a modem does. It also means that all digital nature of the connection is that it connects almost immediately.