User:Jwmh/Class Drafts/Module:needed peripherals - Revision history

Jwmh at 17:39, 4 February 2013

2013-02-04T17:39:58Z

Jwmh at 17:32, 4 February 2013

2013-02-04T17:32:08Z

Jwmh: initial page creation

2013-02-04T17:29:09Z

initial page creation

New page

==Module on Hardware: Connecting up the (external) parts [of | to operate] a computer==

Everything is optional.<br/>
However, you might have a hard time using the computer without these!

Each separate device needs its own power.
Most devices have both their own power *and* a data cable -- one is to give them electricity (so they work); the other is so they can actually talk to the computer (or like with speakers, the computer needs to send sound to them).

Laptops:<br/>
Almost everything is built-in.
* The only separate part is the AC power adapter.
** This sometimes/often is split into two pieces, so as not to wear the cord out when it's rolled up.
* You can also hook up other devices to a laptop -- like an extra monitor, or projector, or extra speakers -- but it's usually not necessary if you're just using it by yourself. (Most laptops have decent speakers built-in.)

Desktops:
* There's the computer / tower itself (+ its power cable)
* The monitor (the computer will run just fine by itself -- but without the monitor, you can't see anything!) (two cables: 1 data + 1 power)
* Keyboard (you need this to operate the computer!) (no extra wall-power -- it just plugs straight into the computer)
* Mouse (in theory, you *can* use only a keyboard to operate a computer... but it's very cumbersome, especially if you're online / surfing the internet.) (no extra cables; data/power on same one, straight into computer)
* Speakers (some computers have speakers built-inside, but external speakers are almost always better) (audio+power)

L+D:
* Ethernet (network) cable; lets you get on the internet (just a cable -- one end into computer; other end into your internet connection)
** laptops can use wifi, but a cable is the best option.... (don't get too advanced here, leave it at that for now) (advanced info: the wifi antenna is built into laptops)
*** can link later from here to Networking module...

Others:<br/>
There are many other things you can connect to a computer -- like printers, for instance -- but these are the device and cables you need, just to be able to *use* a computer.

@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 However, you might have a hard time using the computer without these!
-* Each separate device needs its own power.
+* Each device needs both a way to talk to the computer, and also electricity to run.
-** If a device has its own power cable, it probably also has its own power button.
+** Some devices, like keyboards (and mice), get their power directly from the computer-tower. They use the same cable they plug into the computer with, to also get electricity -- and it's a very tiny amount of electricity needed.
-** Most devices have both their own power *and* a data cable -- one is to give them electricity (so they work); the other is so they can actually talk to the computer (or like with speakers, the computer needs to send sound to them).
+** But most other devices are more powerful (like monitor screens), and need their own separate electrical cable. So: Most devices have both their own power *and* a data cable -- one is to give them electricity (so they work); the other is so they can actually talk with the computer (or like with speakers, the computer needs to send sound to them).
-** some devices have other places on them to plug things in -- especially monitors. Look carefully to see what all your options are!
+*** If a device has its own power cable, it probably also has its own power button.
 ** just because a device *has* a place to plug something in, doesn't mean it *needs* that...
 *** ... the only *needed* things (almost always) are (1) power cable + (1) data cable (to talk to PC)