Lesson 13 - Peripherals and components
Peripheral Devices
A peripheral device is defined as a computer device, such as a keyboard or printer, that is not part of the essential computer (i.e., the memory and microprocessor). These auxiliary devices are intended to be connected to the computer and used.Types of Peripheral Devices
Peripheral devices can be external or internal.
Examples of external peripherals include mouse, keyboard, printer, monitor, external Zip drive or scanner.
Examples of internal peripherals could include a DVD or CD reader/writer, but there are not very many internal devices that would be considered peripherals these days.
Today's new devices, such as tablets, smartphones and wearable computing devices are considered peripherals as they can be connected and used on a computer system. The difference, however, is that these devices can run independently of the computer system, unlike a computer mouse, for example.
https://www.webopedia.com/TERM/P/peripheral_device.html
External Peripheral Devices
When talking about peripheral devices, the main ones that come to mind in today's market are:- Mouse
- Keyboard
- Printer
- Monitor
- Scanner
- External storage
Mouse
It might seem like a fairly small thing, and if you are not fussy you can buy a mouse for around $10. BUT, many people are fussy about their mouse. It needs to fit comfortably in your hand and move around with a level of precision (depending on what you use your computer for). Some people like to have extra buttons on their mouse - especially for gaming or multimedia applications. Some mice can also be used to control media devices in your computer, such as optical drives and volume.https://au.pcmag.com/computer-mice/8883/the-best-computer-mice
And just in case you thought that this would be the easiest of items to buy
https://www.techradar.com/au/news/computing-components/peripherals/what-mouse-10-best-mice-compared-1027809
The following is an example of the range of mice available.
https://www.harveynorman.com.au/computers-tablets/computer-accessories/keyboards-mouse-mats/corded+mice_wireless+mice/1065
https://www.pcgamer.com/au/the-best-gaming-mouse/
There is a huge price difference from the bottom end basic mouse to the top end gaming mouse. At the top end you have programmable buttons and very good tracking and movement. At the bottom end is your plain 2 button mouse with scroll. I love my mini Logitech mouse that I use with my laptop - best $19 I have spent and I have had it for many years.
Keyboard
Like the mouse, keyboard choice is also very personal and will depend on things like features, backlighting, programmable buttons, wireless or wired, brand preference. The keyboard is probably the item on your computer that you use most - again it needs to be comfortable but also fit in the space you have available. I hate the keyboard that came with my PC and I eventually replaced it with a backlit keyboard and mouse combination.https://www.techradar.com/au/news/computing-components/peripherals/what-keyboard-10-best-keyboards-compared-1028011
https://www.t3.com/features/best-keyboard
https://www.techradar.com/au/news/gaming/10-best-gaming-keyboards-1295703
Types of keyboards
The following is an example of the variety of keyboards that are available. Again, there is a large price variation from bottom end to top end.
https://www.harveynorman.com.au/computers-tablets/computer-accessories/keyboards-mouse-mats/keyboards/1065
Printer
What do you look for when buying a printer? Speed, resolution, connectivity, cost of consumables (running costs), colour or monochrome. Lots of decisions to be made and each will have a bearing on cost.https://www.choice.com.au/electronics-and-technology/computers/scanners-and-printers/buying-guides/printers
https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-all-in-one-printers,review-2026.html
https://www.techradar.com/au/news/best-home-printer
https://www.officeworks.com.au/information/buying-guides/printers-buying-guide?cm_sp=all:category:::buying-guides:printer-buying-guide
The following is a sample of the range of printers that are available
https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/c/technology/printers/business-printers-copiers
Monitor
How much do you want to spend on a monitor? Do you want HD? 4k? What screen size? LED/LCD? Refresh speed?https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/monitor-buying-guide,5699.html
https://www.techradar.com/au/news/computing-components/peripherals/best-monitor-9-reviewed-and-rated-1058662
Here are some of your monitor choices!!
https://www.harveynorman.com.au/computers-tablets/computers/monitors
or here:
Scanner
Resolution/quality, speed and size are just a few of the decisions that you may need to make. Other things include what software is supplied, file types that can be saved, page feeder, adapter for slides. Do you want a separate scanner or is it better to go with a 3 in one or printer/scanner combination?Nowadays, we might also consider whether we could use a smartphone with a scanner app!
https://www.choice.com.au/electronics-and-technology/computers/scanners-and-printers/buying-guides/scanners
https://www.techradar.com/au/news/best-scanners
https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/c/technology/scanners
Storage - hard drives
The main decision here is about size - size matters and the bigger the better!! Connection type may also be a consideration. A Solid State drive (SSD) might also be an option, but will cost more per gb than a standard hard drive.While an internal hard drive it is not usually classified as a peripheral as it is usually part of an initial purchase, it is one of the devices that is often upgraded and/or additional drives added to an existing system - both internal and external.
https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-things-need-consider-buying-hard-drive/
https://www.harveynorman.com.au/hard-drives-buying-guide
https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/hard-drives-&-ssds
Class Activity 1
What peripherals devices does your own computer have?What peripheral devices would you like to have?
What extras (device/make/model) would you get for a laptop if money was not an issue? Why?
Building or Upgrading
The next topic we will be looking at is where we can source parts and components from. I thought that a good exercise would be to source the required parts and components to build our own computer. I know - sounds like fun doesn't it.What components do we need to build a computer?
Read at least one of the following articles/checklists
https://www.lifewire.com/desktop-pc-parts-checklist-832694
https://www.wepc.com/how-to/build-a-gaming-pc/
https://www.intel.com.au/content/www/au/en/gaming/resources/how-to-build-a-gaming-pc.html
https://www.techradar.com/au/how-to/how-to-build-a-pc
Where can we get parts from?
There are plenty of places where you can source computer parts and components. Here are a few to get you started.http://www.techbuy.com.au/
https://www.pccasegear.com/
https://www.scorptec.com.au/
https://www.ple.com.au/
and for those that need a little bit more help.......
https://au.pcpartpicker.com/
https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/
Class Activity 2
Write a list of the components that you will need to build a computer from scratch.
N.B. All Screenshots below have been taken from the PC Case Gear website.
How do we know what goes with what?
Some of this is practice and some of it is just about reading all of the specification information. Below are some screen shots from the PC Case Gear website. You will notice that the components are clearly marked for which motherboard and/or the relevant information to source the right bits.Motherboard, CPUs and RAM
You really can't go too far wrong. Read the specifications then decide on your price bracket/performance level!
For AMD motherboard and processors, ensure that you match the chipset of the CPU with that of the motherboard.
Graphics Cards
Hard Drive
With the numerous Cloud Storage options available, having a huge hard disk is not necessarily a priority. You need a drive with enough capacity to run your chosen operating system and whatever software you want installed on your computer.
Power Supply
Your power supply needs to have enough guts to run your components. For example if you run a high end graphics card, you will need a higher capacity power supply. The average is around the 700W - 800W, but always allow a bit extra for expansion. Also check the dimensions of the power supply! My son's GF purchased one for an upgraded system and it didn't fit in the case.
Case
Cases come in all shapes and sizes. Desktop, small tower, large tower, gaming with fancy lights, perspex covers etc.
Monitor, Keyboard & Mouse
The important factors for your monitor are physical size, resolution, refresh rate and response time.
Keyboard and mouse will come down to features such as extra buttons, sensitivity, feel, speed and size.
and Logitech mice
Class Activity 3
You will be divided into groups. Your task is to design a couple of computer systems that fit within a budget and are fit for purpose. There is no right or wrong answer apart from making sure that the components will fit together.System 1 - Budget system. Home use for a student using MS Office and basic Internet. Maximum cost $1000
System 2 - Mid range system. Home / business use. May be doing some simple photo and video editing. Maximum cost $2500
System 3 - High-end Gaming. Maximum cost $5000
Putting it all together
Make sure that you have all the right components and that they will work togetherhttps://www.wepc.com/how-to/make-sure-all-pc-components-compatible/
Here are some useful links for actually putting your computer system together.
https://www.techradar.com/au/how-to/how-to-build-a-pc
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Assemble-A-Basic-Desktop-PC/
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2987057/computers/how-to-build-a-pc-a-step-by-step-comprehensive-guide.html
https://www.intel.com.au/content/www/au/en/gaming/resources/how-to-build-a-gaming-pc.html
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-to-build-a-computer/
Or if you prefer a video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4ROwADdf9Q
Comments
Post a Comment