A highly structured introduction to computer hardware. Students learn what defines a computer, identify internal components, explore peripheral input and output devices, and compare storage technologies.
Smartphones connected as sensors or data-transfer cameras.
Connected via: USB, Bluetooth, Auxiliary
PORT CHECK: MOST WIRED INPUTS PLUG INTO PORT-A OR TYPE-C USB JACKS.
01.04 • Output Devices Slide 7 / 9
Output Devices
Output devices translate processed electrical code back into a format that humans can easily perceive—such as light, sound, or physical forms.
Monitors
Displays real-time digital UI. Connected via HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C.
Projectors
Projects larger visual outputs on screens or walls. Great for classrooms.
Audio Out
Speakers & headphones translate pulses into sound waves via audio jacks/Bluetooth.
Printers
Produces physical ink copies of files. Commanded via local network or USB.
QUESTION: CAN A TOUCHSCREEN BE BOTH AN INPUT AND AN OUTPUT? (YES!)
01.05 • Storage Mediums Slide 8 / 9
Storage: Off and Online
Sometimes we need storage that is external to the computer case, either for file transfers, back-ups, or portable use:
Physical Mediums
USB Flash Drives: Tiny solid-state chips great for instant, light keychain transfers.
External Hard Drives (SSDs): Big capacity drives connected by wire for complete backups.
Memory Cards (SD/MicroSD): Ultra-flat cards used directly in cameras, Nintendo Switches, or phones.
Optical Discs: CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays which use focused red or blue lasers to read data pits.
Connected Mediums
Network Drives: A physical storage unit connected directly to a school or work local area network (LAN).
Cloud Storage: Saving your data in an off-site datacenter managed by tech giants (Google Drive, iCloud).
Core Benefit: Accessible from any device on Earth with a working internet connection.
TRUTH CHECK: "THE CLOUD" IS ACTUALLY JUST SOMEONE ELSE'S HARD DRIVE!
Active Recall • Review Slide 9 / 9
Interactive Teardown Quiz
Test your knowledge of the internal and external hardware structures. Let's solve these as a class:
Q1
Your web browser tabs and unsaved game states sit in which component?
ANSWER: RAM
Q2
Is a barcode reader classified as an Input or an Output device?
ANSWER: INPUT
Q3
Why does cloud storage require an active Wi-Fi or Cellular network?
REQUIRES INTERNET
COMPLETED INSTRUCTION • PREPARE FOR YOUR GUIDED NOTES SHEETS
Like veins pumping blood or wires carrying phone calls.
3 Peripheral Identification & Connection
Sort the following peripherals into the correct categories: Mouse, Printer, Headphone, Barcode Reader, Stylus, Projector, Monitor, Game Controller, Scanner, Webcam, Touchscreen.
INPUT ONLY
OUTPUT ONLY
BOTH IN & OUT
Which device can display pictures and register finger touches?
4 Connecting Storage Devices
Local Storage Ports:
Most physical portable storage, like Flash Drives and External SSDs, connect to the system using a flat, rectangular slot called a port.
Internet & Network Storage:
Unlike physical disks, saving files to Cloud Storage requires a working connection to the . This stores data on offsite datacenter computers.
TEARDOWN SYSTEM UNIT notes PAGE 2 OF 2
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| 7 | CD/DVD Optical Disc |
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C Section III: Short Answer Synthesis (5 Points Each)
Provide deep explanations utilizing proper vocabulary terms.
1. Explain how a video file stored on Google Drive (Cloud Storage) can be played on your Chromebook speaker. Trace the path from storage to sound output.
2. Why does a computer require BOTH a motherboard and internal power supply cables? How do their functions support each other?
COMPUTER ANATOMY FINAL EXAM PAGE 2 OF 2
Graphics Drawing Tablet
I
6
Touchscreen Smartphone Screen
B
7
CD/DVD Optical Disc
S
C Section III: Short Answer Rubric & Exemplars (5 Points Each)
1. Explain how a video file stored on Google Drive (Cloud Storage) can be played on your Chromebook speaker. Trace the path from storage to sound output.
Exemplar Response (Score 5/5):
"The video file starts as bits on remote servers (Cloud Storage) and is sent over the internet/network interface card. Once received by the Chromebook, the CPU processes the video data stream. The temporary frames and audio buffers are loaded into RAM. The CPU/motherboard routes the audio signals to the audio jack or speakers, which acts as the Output device, turning electricity into sound waves."
Grading Check: Must mention Network/Internet (+2 pts), CPU/Processing (+1.5 pts), and Speaker/Output translation (+1.5 pts).
2. Why does a computer require BOTH a motherboard and internal power supply cables? How do their functions support each other?
Exemplar Response (Score 5/5):
"The Power Supply converts power but needs cables/wires to deliver that electricity directly to different areas. The Motherboard connects all components together to exchange binary data signals, but it requires the power cables from the PSU connected to its specific ports (such as the 24-pin socket) to distribute power across its bus lanes so the CPU and cards can run."
Grading Check: Must correctly identify Motherboard as data/power highway (+2.5 pts) and Power Cables as the physical supply link from the PSU (+2.5 pts).
