Activity 1
On your white boards explain the role of the following
computer components (explain what they do):
Input Device
Output Device
CPU
RAM
Hard Drive (Hard Disk)
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Activity 1
ANSWERS to ACTIVITY 1
Input Device – A device which sends
data to the CPU (e.g. mouse, keyboard etc)
Output Device - A device which
receives information from the CPU (e.g.
monitor, speakers etc)
CPU – The ‘brain’ of the computer. It does all
the processing – all the thinking!
RAM – This is where programs are loaded
when they are open – think of this as the CPU’s
‘work station’.
Hard Drive (Hard Disk) – This is the
long term storage for programs and files.
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How it all works?
Introduction to Computer
Hardware
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Lesson Objectives
Lesson Objectives
• Remember that a computer is made up of a range of components and
remember their purpose / function.
• Understand the role of the CPU, RAM and Hard Drive
• Understand how the CPU, RAM and Hard Drive work together.
• Understand how the input and output devices work with the CPU
Success Criteria
• ALL: Will be able to describe the steps that take place when you open a
program.
• MOST: Will be able to describe the steps that take place when you are
using a program.
• SOME: Will be able to produce and annotate a diagram to show how
the Input & Output devices, CPU, RAM and Hard Drive work together.
Literacy – Key Words
CPU
Central Processing Unit – the brain of the computer.
RAM
Random Access Memory – where programs are loaded when they are in use.
I/O Devices
The input devices send data to the CPU, the output devices receive
information from the CPU.
Hard Drive
The computer’s long term storage for programs and files
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Learning Habits
This topic will look at computers and their hardware. To be successful in this unit
you will need to make use specific learning habits… which ones will you use?
Adapting :
Reflecting and making changes
Noticing details
Empathising…
…with feelings and views
Effective use of time
Questioning:
Asking questions to get
below the surface
Imagining…
…how things could be and seeing a
range of possibilities
Listening…
…to understand
Collaboration:
Working effectively with
others
Independence:
Working effectively alone
Making links…
…and recognising
relevance
Reasoning:
Thinking rigorously,
methodically and giving
explanations.
Distilling…
…what you have learnt and
what you need to learn
Meta Learning:
Talking about how you have
been learning
Managing distractions…
…and sustaining concentration
Perseverance:
Overcoming frustration and difficulty
Imitation:
Picking up good habits
from others
Capitalising:
Using resources purposefully
Planning…
…your learning in advance
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So how do all of these
devices work together…?
How does the computer
actually work?
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The CPU, RAM and I/O Devices
Double Click Icon to Open Program.
1. Instruction to open
program sent to the CPU.
2. CPU sends
request for program
to be loaded from
hard drive onto the
RAM.
3. Hard drive loads
program onto the RAM.
CPU now ready
to work with the
program!
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The Office Desk Comparison
When you open a program on your computer, you send a message to
the CPU (brain of the computer) to deal with the request.
The CPU will look for the program on the hard disk – imagine this as the
draws of a desk – long term storage.
It will then take the program and load it on the RAM – imagine this as
the desktop – the program is now ready to use.
Hard
Drive
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The CPU, RAM and I/O Devices
Type a letter when ‘Word’ is open.
1. Instruction to display
letter is sent to the CPU.
2. CPU asks RAM
for instructions on
how to display a
letter.
3. RAM sends
program instructions
onto CPU.
6. CPU instructs
Monitor to display a
letter on the screen.
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The Office Desk Comparison
When you are using a program, you use an input device (keyboard, mouse, etc.)
If you click on a menu (for example) you are sending to the CPU your request to see
the menu.
The CPU will ask the RAM for the program’s instructions on how to display the menu.
When the CPU receives the instructions, it will then be able to process them and send
a message to the monitor to update the screen with the menu showing.
Hard
Drive
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Your Main Task Today
Remind yourself of your target level…
…based on your target level you must pick an appropriate task.
RULES
• If your target level is a level 3 or a 4, you can pick any worksheet
• If your target level is a level 5 or 6, you can only pick worksheet 2
REMEMBER – using the appropriate Learning Habits will help you
with this task
Choice of tasks on next slides…
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Task – Complete the
appropriate worksheet
1) Open and Complete the L3-4 Worksheet.
Use the presentation to help you!
2) Open and Complete the L5-6 Worksheet.
Use the presentation to help you!
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