Computer Hardware, Expansion Cards, and Input Devices

Expansion Cards, Networks, and Input Devices

Expansion Cards and Monitors: A connection to the monitor is realized through a VGA connector on a specific card provided, called a video card. There are physical expansion card devices that can also connect to the free slots of the motherboard, such as the sound card, internal modem, and network card.

Understanding Expansion Slots and Drivers

To connect devices to an expansion card and ensure they function properly, you must perform two operations:

• Connect the expansion card to a free, compatible slot (plinth) on the motherboard.
• Configure the card itself, an action which provides the operating system with the instruction set, called the driver (or controller).

Types of Expansion Slots

• ISA Slot: The oldest slot type; it is long and divided into two parts.
• PCI Slot: Shorter than ISA, it supports Plug and Play technology. PCI-Express is also currently available.
• AGP Slot: A specific slot for video cards, offering speeds in excess of the previously mentioned slots.

Wireless and External Networks

Wireless Networks (Wi-Fi): Also called Wi-Fi wireless networks, these allow users to connect without the constraints of a cable, as their data is transmitted over the air. The transmission speed is relatively low and varies according to the protocols used. However, they are evolving to much higher speeds thanks to new protocols and systems like WiMAX, which can reach speeds up to 70 Mbps.

External Networks and the Internet: The Internet is a collection of interconnected computers whose physical locations can be in different buildings, localities, and even countries. When you connect a computer to an external network, different routes are still needed for the connection, such as the telephone network.

Common Computer Input Devices

• Mouse (Ratón): Transmits information to the computer in two ways: 1. By being displaced across a surface to cause the movement of the indicator on the screen. 2. By pressing its buttons to perform certain actions.
• Keyboard: Features infrared or wired data transmission.
• Barcode Readers: Interpret barcode sequences, allowing the computer to identify products.
• Scanners: Allow users to introduce information from paper documents.
• Joystick: Used almost exclusively for games.
• Graphics Tablets: Used to make drawings and graphics with great precision.
• Magnetic Stripe Readers: Devices able to read information recorded on a magnetic band.
• Touchscreens: Display information while offering the possibility of introducing information simply by placing a finger on the surface.
• Tablet PC: An evolution of the portable computer or PDA, featuring intermediate sizes between the two.
• Digital Cameras: Photographic cameras that transmit images in real-time.
• Microphone (MIC): Combined with specific software, it allows voice recognition to dictate the content of a document or give orders to your computer.