Computing Devices
This chapter provides a comprehensive exploration of computing devices, detailing the fundamental components such as desktop computers, mobile phones, and storage devices, and offering real-world context to the topic by discussing the evolution and current trends in personal computing, thereby tying the material in with specific learning objectives related to understanding information systems hardware.
Summary
Information systems hardware consists of the components of digital technology that you can touch. In this chapter, we reviewed the components that make up a personal computer, with the understanding that the configuration of a personal computer is very similar to that of any type of digital computing device. A personal computer is made up of many components, most importantly the CPU, motherboard, RAM, hard disk, removable media, and input/output devices. We also reviewed some variations on the personal computer, such as the tablet computer and the smartphone. In accordance with Moore's Law, these technologies have improved quickly over the years, making today's computing devices much more powerful than devices just a few years ago. Finally, we discussed two of the consequences of this evolution: the commoditization of the personal computer and the problem of electronic waste.