User:Jwmh/Class Drafts/Module:needed peripherals
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Module on Hardware: Connecting up the (external) parts [of | to operate] a computer
Everything is optional.
However, you might have a hard time using the computer without these!
- Each device needs both a way to talk to the computer, and also electricity to run.
- 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.
- 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).
- If a device has its own power cable, it probably also has its own power button.
- some devices have other places on them to plug things in -- especially monitors. Look carefully to see what all your options are!
- just because a device *has* a place to plug something in, doesn't mean it *needs* that...
- monitors might have more than one spot for a data cable -- but that's because there are two choices; but you only need one or the other -- not both.
- ... the only *needed* things (almost always) are (1) power cable + (1) data cable (to talk to PC)
- just because a device *has* a place to plug something in, doesn't mean it *needs* that...
Laptops:
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...
- 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)
Others:
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.