Introduction
Sync have set me a series of computer game related tasks. They have asked me to explain components that will be used to create Sync console. The components which, will be located inside a Sync console are the following CPU, graphics processor, memory and power supply.
The logo that I have made in adobe illustrator for the company sync, is located below:
User Interface
A user interface is the display a user would see when they are operating computer systems. In terms of gaming an Xbox 360 user interface would be different when, compared to an PlayStation 3.
A user interface is very important when companies invent computer systems because, a user interface is the way a user can communicate with the system. As an example a Windows 8.1 operating system interface would have a different ways users can control the operating system, manage the computer and access different software programs.
The user interface is what the person controlling the computer tells the computer what to do. As an example, a user interface of Windows 8 would be different to Windows 7. Windows 8 operating system contains tiles located at the front screen when a user logs on for the first time. However, when users log onto a windows 7 machine they would be promoted to the desktop page which contains a start screen with a background image.
A good user interface is considered a device which, is functional and good looking. If the device is functional then the user, will be able to easily interact with the software and operate all the functions. If the device is good looking then, users will be able to know all the functions and they would be familiar with the device.
A user interface is very important when companies invent computer systems because, a user interface is the way a user can communicate with the system. As an example a Windows 8.1 operating system interface would have a different ways users can control the operating system, manage the computer and access different software programs.
The user interface is what the person controlling the computer tells the computer what to do. As an example, a user interface of Windows 8 would be different to Windows 7. Windows 8 operating system contains tiles located at the front screen when a user logs on for the first time. However, when users log onto a windows 7 machine they would be promoted to the desktop page which contains a start screen with a background image.
A good user interface is considered a device which, is functional and good looking. If the device is functional then the user, will be able to easily interact with the software and operate all the functions. If the device is good looking then, users will be able to know all the functions and they would be familiar with the device.
Figure 41: An example of an Xbox 360 user interface.
Human Computer Interface
Human computer Interface is different ways users can operate consoles for instance, users can make the arrow on a PlayStation move. As an example, an arrow can be moved by a mouse, trackpad, trackball or by another hardware device connected to the console.
In the gaming industry there are many devices which could be classified as human computer interface for instance a gaming headset, as shown in figure 42. This is due to the fact that this device, enables users to talk to gamers online without it gamers would not be able to communicate. Also, other devices which, are considered a HCI device are mice, computer speakers and webcams.
A human computer interface device is important because, depending on what buttons the user presses on the device the computer system will respond accordingly. A good human computer interface device will enable computer users to interact with the device easily and with little effort required. This would enable the computer user to complete the task they are trying to achieve such as driving a car on the PlayStation 4 rather, than trying to figure out what method they are going to use to enable the computer to understand what they are trying to achieve.
If human computer interface was not taken into consideration when gamers are designing their machines, users would find it hard to enable the machine to operate even for the systems that are very simple.
In the gaming industry there are many devices which could be classified as human computer interface for instance a gaming headset, as shown in figure 42. This is due to the fact that this device, enables users to talk to gamers online without it gamers would not be able to communicate. Also, other devices which, are considered a HCI device are mice, computer speakers and webcams.
A human computer interface device is important because, depending on what buttons the user presses on the device the computer system will respond accordingly. A good human computer interface device will enable computer users to interact with the device easily and with little effort required. This would enable the computer user to complete the task they are trying to achieve such as driving a car on the PlayStation 4 rather, than trying to figure out what method they are going to use to enable the computer to understand what they are trying to achieve.
If human computer interface was not taken into consideration when gamers are designing their machines, users would find it hard to enable the machine to operate even for the systems that are very simple.
Figure 42: A gaming headset which, is considered a type of human computer interaction device
Central Processing Unit
A central processing unit is considered the brain located inside consoles, as shown in figure 43. It is a device inside computer systems and consoles which, performs computer instructions gained from a computer program. The central processing unit is also, referred to as the processor or microprocessor.
The purpose of the CPU is to display a given task on a computer system which, is known as a program. The program will receive instructions to do a certain task from a hardware device. It will then accomplish the set of instructions gained from the computer program, and display the results on an output device for instance computer monitor.
The CPU device is found in most gaming devices for instance consoles, laptops and even tablets. A good example of a CPU company is Intel, which is located in most devices with AMD being the second most known CPU company.
A CPU inside a console will become very hot so, attached to a CPU is a CPU cooler fan. If a console with a CPU did not contain a CPU fan there would be consequences, for instance the CPU will make mistakes and it will slowly melt. This would make the console not be able to function and a CPU cooler fan with a heat sink will prevent this occurring.
The purpose of the CPU is to display a given task on a computer system which, is known as a program. The program will receive instructions to do a certain task from a hardware device. It will then accomplish the set of instructions gained from the computer program, and display the results on an output device for instance computer monitor.
The CPU device is found in most gaming devices for instance consoles, laptops and even tablets. A good example of a CPU company is Intel, which is located in most devices with AMD being the second most known CPU company.
A CPU inside a console will become very hot so, attached to a CPU is a CPU cooler fan. If a console with a CPU did not contain a CPU fan there would be consequences, for instance the CPU will make mistakes and it will slowly melt. This would make the console not be able to function and a CPU cooler fan with a heat sink will prevent this occurring.
Figure 43: An Intel i7 CPU
Graphic Processor
A graphics processor unit is considered a graphics rendering device which is used in a computer systems, workstations and game consoles. The latest graphics processor hardware devices have the capabilities of changing and showing computer images.
A graphics processor unit as shown in figure 44, is usually located above a video card or it can be built inside a motherboard device. The disadvantage with having a graphics processor unit built inside a motherboard is the fact that they are considered far less powerful when compared, to a separate graphics processor unit’s hardware device.
A graphics processor hardware device is considered to be faster than a central processing unit device to process .When users are purchasing graphics processor hardware devices they should take into consideration the speed of the chip. This is due to the fact that the faster the chip, the more modern games users can use it for. A graphics processor hardware device is used for gaming purposes or it can be used for high video needs for instance rendering.
A graphics processor unit as shown in figure 44, is usually located above a video card or it can be built inside a motherboard device. The disadvantage with having a graphics processor unit built inside a motherboard is the fact that they are considered far less powerful when compared, to a separate graphics processor unit’s hardware device.
A graphics processor hardware device is considered to be faster than a central processing unit device to process .When users are purchasing graphics processor hardware devices they should take into consideration the speed of the chip. This is due to the fact that the faster the chip, the more modern games users can use it for. A graphics processor hardware device is used for gaming purposes or it can be used for high video needs for instance rendering.
Figure 44: An example of a graphic processor unit device
Memory
A computer memory is a hardware device inside a computer system, as shown in figure 45. It is used to store data which, could either be saved for a short time or saved permanently. An example of a device that is inside a computer system that contains memory is RAM.
Ram stands for random access memory. RAM is a device located inside a computer system. The ram stores programs which, the computer user is currently running and documents that are currently in use.
Another form of memory could be a hard disk drive which, is usually found inside a computer system. A hard drive could also, be abbreviated to HD or HDD and is the main storage location where the computer stores data on which, is kept permanently.
The majority of hard drives are located in an internal drive bay towards, the front of the computer. The hard drive hardware is connected to the motherboard by an ATA( advanced technology attachment), SCSI(small computer system interface), or SATA cable ( serial advanced technology attachment)and power cable.
Ram stands for random access memory. RAM is a device located inside a computer system. The ram stores programs which, the computer user is currently running and documents that are currently in use.
Another form of memory could be a hard disk drive which, is usually found inside a computer system. A hard drive could also, be abbreviated to HD or HDD and is the main storage location where the computer stores data on which, is kept permanently.
The majority of hard drives are located in an internal drive bay towards, the front of the computer. The hard drive hardware is connected to the motherboard by an ATA( advanced technology attachment), SCSI(small computer system interface), or SATA cable ( serial advanced technology attachment)and power cable.
Figure 45: An example of a RAM device
Display
A display is classified as a hardware device used to see images and text. An example of a product that can be classified as a display is LCD Monitors, Flat panel displays and projectors.
If for instance a monitor was connected to a tablet then the, monitor would be classified as external display or external monitor. This is because, the monitor is used to so users can see the images and text on a bigger screen however, it is not necessary since the tablet contains its own monitor.
In the gaming industry computer users attach several monitors to their pc, as shown in figure 46. This is to enable gamers to get a more gaming experience and to enable them to see images on a bigger screen.
Gamers also, use projectors to enable them to see the games they are playing for instance a gamer could connect their Xbox 360 and see the pictures on a 50 inch projector screen.
If for instance a monitor was connected to a tablet then the, monitor would be classified as external display or external monitor. This is because, the monitor is used to so users can see the images and text on a bigger screen however, it is not necessary since the tablet contains its own monitor.
In the gaming industry computer users attach several monitors to their pc, as shown in figure 46. This is to enable gamers to get a more gaming experience and to enable them to see images on a bigger screen.
Gamers also, use projectors to enable them to see the games they are playing for instance a gamer could connect their Xbox 360 and see the pictures on a 50 inch projector screen.
Figure 46: Monitor devices connected together for gamers to use which, is considered a display product
Sound
A sound card, as shown in figure 46 is considered an expansion card or integrated circuit. It enables the device to be able to produce sound this can be heard through headphones or, it can be heard through the built in speakers.
A sound card is classified as hardware however, a device can still function without having a sound card. The majority of the consoles available today will have an integrated sound card built into the motherboard or the device will come have a sound card built inside it.
The advantage with having a sound card device inside a console is the fact that users can upgrade the product.
Gaming computers have to be opened up and the sound card must be removed and replaced with the newer one.
A sound card is classified as hardware however, a device can still function without having a sound card. The majority of the consoles available today will have an integrated sound card built into the motherboard or the device will come have a sound card built inside it.
The advantage with having a sound card device inside a console is the fact that users can upgrade the product.
Gaming computers have to be opened up and the sound card must be removed and replaced with the newer one.
Figure 47: An example of a sound card
Gaming Storage Medium
Gaming storage Medium is any computing device which, enables users to save their games on however, it must be on an external device. There are many external devices games users use to save their game data on which, would enable them to play the level they left from for instance, USB sticks, DVDs and an external hard drive.
A USB stick, as shown in figure 48 is a small device which, gets inserted into the USB port of a computer system or console. A USB stick enables users to save their games and data on it. An advantage to saving data or game play on a USB stick is the fact that users can easily carry the device as it is very small. It can also, store large amounts of data for instance users can purchase a 32GB memory stick.
A DVD is also, a portable device which users can use to save data. However, it is much bigger when compared to a USB stick. In comparison to a CD a DVD has the capabilities of storing up to 6 times more data. The specific device used for storing game data on is DVD-RW and DVD+RW as both of them have the feature of recording and deleting data numerous amount of times. It will then operate as a DVD-ROM. A DVD can store around 4 to 8 Gigabytes of data.
An external hard drive is a device used to store lots of data. It’s a portable device and it connects in the USB slot through a wire. An external hard drive is connected to a laptop or computer through a USB cable. The advantage with using a hard drive for storing game data, is the fact that it can store large amounts of data for instance 2TB.
A USB stick, as shown in figure 48 is a small device which, gets inserted into the USB port of a computer system or console. A USB stick enables users to save their games and data on it. An advantage to saving data or game play on a USB stick is the fact that users can easily carry the device as it is very small. It can also, store large amounts of data for instance users can purchase a 32GB memory stick.
A DVD is also, a portable device which users can use to save data. However, it is much bigger when compared to a USB stick. In comparison to a CD a DVD has the capabilities of storing up to 6 times more data. The specific device used for storing game data on is DVD-RW and DVD+RW as both of them have the feature of recording and deleting data numerous amount of times. It will then operate as a DVD-ROM. A DVD can store around 4 to 8 Gigabytes of data.
An external hard drive is a device used to store lots of data. It’s a portable device and it connects in the USB slot through a wire. An external hard drive is connected to a laptop or computer through a USB cable. The advantage with using a hard drive for storing game data, is the fact that it can store large amounts of data for instance 2TB.
Figure 48: Memory sticks which, is considered a gaming storage medium
Interface device
An interface device has an abbreviated word which is known as IDF. It is classified as a hardware device which, enables users to interact with a computer system.
An interface device must contain an output interface which, would enable the users to see their response from user interaction. This could be a display screen such as a monitor. It must also contain a user interface to enable users to interact with the device, for instance mouse which users can move and click.
In terms of gaming there are many examples which could be classed as an interface device these include keyboards, console controllers and smartphones for instance Samsung Galaxy S5. A joystick is also considered an interface device as shown in figure 49.
An interface device must contain an output interface which, would enable the users to see their response from user interaction. This could be a display screen such as a monitor. It must also contain a user interface to enable users to interact with the device, for instance mouse which users can move and click.
In terms of gaming there are many examples which could be classed as an interface device these include keyboards, console controllers and smartphones for instance Samsung Galaxy S5. A joystick is also considered an interface device as shown in figure 49.
Figure 49: A joystick which, is considered an interface device
Connectivity
Connectivity is classified as a device that has the capabilities of linking with other programs and devices.
Bluetooth is classified as a connectivity device because, it enables users to send data across through phones. In the gaming aspect, users can connect wireless devices together for instance, a gaming headset. This could be used on the Xbox 360 to enable gamers to talk whilst, they are playing online games. A Bluetooth logo is shown in figure 50.
Wi-Fi could is classified as a connectivity device because, it allows users to connect to the internet with it. This means that gamers could connect their console device and to the internet and use it for online gaming.
Bluetooth is classified as a connectivity device because, it enables users to send data across through phones. In the gaming aspect, users can connect wireless devices together for instance, a gaming headset. This could be used on the Xbox 360 to enable gamers to talk whilst, they are playing online games. A Bluetooth logo is shown in figure 50.
Wi-Fi could is classified as a connectivity device because, it allows users to connect to the internet with it. This means that gamers could connect their console device and to the internet and use it for online gaming.
Figure 50: The Bluetooth logo which, is a type of connectivity device
Power supply
A power supply unit has a duty of gaining electricity from the mains and converting it into usable power. This is to enable the computer parts in the computer system to be able to function and, so the computer would activate.
The console parts inside a console device come in different sizes for instance motherboards, cases, power supply, CPU and CPU cooler. This is called form factor and, all computer parts must be compatible in order to operate properly.
Portable computer systems for instance laptop, tablets and portable PlayStation console (PSP) don’t have a power supply. Instead, they contain a battery and the devices get the electricity from sockets which users can plug into using charger. After the devices have been charged they become portable because they don’t require a wire.
The console parts inside a console device come in different sizes for instance motherboards, cases, power supply, CPU and CPU cooler. This is called form factor and, all computer parts must be compatible in order to operate properly.
Portable computer systems for instance laptop, tablets and portable PlayStation console (PSP) don’t have a power supply. Instead, they contain a battery and the devices get the electricity from sockets which users can plug into using charger. After the devices have been charged they become portable because they don’t require a wire.
Figure 51: An example of a power supply device used in computer systems