Main Parts 5

Modems

A modem is a device that is used to attach your computer to the telephone system. The modem converts data into sound that is sent over the telephone line, the receiving modem turns the sounds back into data. If you wish to connect to the Internet, you will need a modem.

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Printers

Modst data is printed once you have created it and there are a vast number of different printers available to accomplish this. Most common are ink jet and laser printers both of which can now produce colored output (at a cost).



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Scanners

Scanners allow you to scan printed materials into your computer, which can then be stored within the computer. These pictures can then be altered, resized and printed as required.

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Recordable CDs

CD-ROMs are read-only devices, but increasingly people are purchasing a special type of CD drive unit that allows you to record data, music or video to your own CDs. These devices require the purchase of special CDs that you can write to, called CD-R
(Compact Disc – Recordable).

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Tape backup

A tape backup unit allows for regular backing up of your data. These tapes can store a vast amount of data at a low cost. DAT (Digital Audio Tape) devices are commonly used for backups. The DAT tapes that they use can backup enormous amounts of data (i.e. over 4 GBytes per tape). The devices are also fast and reliable.

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PCMCIA

Portables by their very nature are very compact and require smaller than standard parts such as hard disks and CD-ROM drives. Many portables are supplied with special adaptor sockets that enable what are called PCMCIA compatible hardware to be connected to them. PCMCIA components tend to be more expensive than standard computer parts that are designed for more bulky desktop computers


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