webpointmorpheus Computer Info
Introduction to Computer Hardware

©2005 - material compiled by Bob Carnaghi, www.webpointmorpheus.com

Overview

This collection of documents is a series of information that chronicles the workings of a computer system. Please consider that this information is not intended to serve as a technical reference or a computer manual. These documents came about as the result of an intense study over a period of several weeks in preparation for the CompTIA A+ exam. This information has come from several sources, one being the authoritative works of Mike Meyers. The Marcraft A+ Certification Textbook proved to be invaluable for in depth technological information. The website TechExams.Net has online practice tests, forums, and constantly updated information about the A+ and other exams. While these documents may contain some worthy information, their intent is to serve as a fulfillment for curiosity, or as an aid to technical understanding. Due to the rapidly evolving nature of computer technology, the date of these documents (Winter 2004) may also play a factor when considering the content.

Also please consider that the information contained in these pages is not assembled in an empirical manner. The information does not necessarily take one from the absolute beginning of computer theory up through the layers of the OSI model. The information is offered as stand alone bits and pieces, to be taken as it exists, and integrated into the working knowledge base of the reader. Following is a brief synopsis of the documents:

1. Boards & BIOS - The base of the computer
2. CPU, & Ram - The computer's brain and work table
3. CPU Characteristics - A synopsis of the complexity and history of processors
4. Floppy, SCSI, USB, & Hard Drives - Input, Storage, RAID, and more...
5. CD & DVD - A moving technology
6. Sound, Video, & CRT - Embellishment, and moving beyond the command line
7. Intro to Networking - Connecting computers to others computers or to the Internet
8. Operating Systems & the Command Line - Starting with MSDOS
9. Windows - Different flavors and versions
10. Printers - An overview with some theory

In all honesty, this information has been assembled in order to cement the concepts into the mind and memory of the author. The study that has made this presentation possible has been a point of curiosity for several years, and the opportunity to assemble these documents in this manner has been a wonderful experience. Thanks for your interest.