Computer Hardware Essentials: Ports, Storage & Interfaces

FireWire: High-Speed Serial Bus Interface

FireWire is an interface designed to connect up to 63 devices. The bandwidth of this bus is either 400 Mbps or 800 Mbps, depending on the version. IEEE 1394a supports up to 400 Mbps, while IEEE 1394b supports up to 800 Mbps.

Computer Peripherals: Input, Output & Storage

Peripherals are a set of elements, often referred to as information media or mass storage units, that are necessary to store data and information and are available to the central processor. There are two main types:

Input Devices

An input device is any device through which information is introduced to the central processing unit (CPU).

Output Devices

An output device is any device through which information is drawn from the central processing unit (CPU).

Computer Ports: Connecting External Devices

Ports serve as gateways through which the computer communicates with external devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, and monitors. Common types include:

• Serial Port
• Parallel Port
• USB Port
• FireWire Port

Parallel Port: Simultaneous Data Transfer

Data transfer on a parallel port is performed in parallel across multiple lines or cables, meaning each bit is transmitted by its own cable, transferring all bits simultaneously. Common connector types include the D-sub 25-pin female connector, typically found on the computer, and a special plug called Centronics 36-pin. The term LPT (Line Printer Terminal) is commonly used for parallel ports.

Serial Port: Sequential Data Communication

Serial ports comply with RS-232 or V.24 standards. They are typically Sub-D type male connectors and may have 9 or 25 pins. They are compatible with external devices such as modems, older printers, or antique mice. The term COM (Communication Port) is commonly used for serial ports.

USB: Universal Plug & Play Interface

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a plug-and-play interface that connects a PC to various devices like keyboards, mice, and scanners. Connections are typically established via a star topology.

Mass Storage Units: Persistent Data Storage

Mass storage units refer to devices designed for persistent memory, characterized by their ability to store large amounts of information for extended periods. Examples include:

• Floppy Drives
• Hard Drives
• CD-ROMs
• DVD-ROMs

FAT: File Allocation Table System

FAT (File Allocation Table) is a mechanism used by a hard disk to store information in clusters, which make up each stored file.

NTFS: New Technology File System

NTFS (New Technology File System) organizes everything within the Master File Table (MFT), which controls all files on the volume in a relational database structure.

Optical Drive Components

Key components of an optical drive include:

• Disk
• Lens Focus Mechanism
• Magnet
• Coil Approach
• Lens
• Prism
• Photodetector
• Laser

Hardware Interfaces: Device Connectivity

Hardware interfaces are created to facilitate the installation and configuration of devices, enabling communication between components.

IDE: Integrated Drive Electronics

IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) channels are distributed, and each channel may support a maximum of two storage devices.

IDE/ATA Jumper Settings

IDE/ATA drives typically use jumpers for configuration. The selection involves setting one drive as Master and another (if present) as Slave, allowing two units per channel.

SCSI: Small Computer System Interface

SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) is defined as a bus. It requires an adapter to which devices are attached. A single SCSI bus can support up to 15 peripherals.

SATA: Serial ATA for Storage

SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) is a system designed for communicating with storage units within the rest of the PC.

RAID: Redundant Array of Independent Disks

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) refers to a series of systems that organize several physical disks to function as a single logical unit. This configuration allows them to work in parallel to increase access speed, provide security against hardware failure, or achieve both.