Unit 2 Hardware

Lesson 1 The CPU

Learning Objectives:
  • State the purpose of the CPU
  • Describe the function of the CPU as fetching and executing instructions stored in memory
  • Understand how different components (ROM, RAM, I/O, storage) link to the processor 
  • Explain how common characteristics of CPUs such as clock speed, cache size and number of cores affect their performance


Hardware L1 The CPU

Hardware Worksheet 1 CPU Mix and Match

Hardware Homework 1 CPU


Textbook Ref:


  • CPU (Central Processing Unit) 106–108, 110, 124–128




Lesson 2 Memory

Learning Objectives:
  • Describe the difference between RAM and ROM
  • Describe the purpose of RAM in a computer system
  • Explain the need for ROM in a computer system
  • Explain how the amount of RAM in a personal computer affects the performance of the computer
  • Describe the role of cache memory

Hardware L2 Memory

Hardware Worksheet 2 The CPU

Hardware Homework 2 Memory


Textbook Ref:


  • memory 110, 129–132




Lesson 3 Secondary storage devices

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand what secondary storage is and explain why it is required
  • Describe the most common types of secondary storage


Hardware L3 Secondary Storage

Hardware Worksheet 3 Secondary Storage Devices

Hardware Homework 3 Secondary Storage Devices


Textbook Ref:


  • storage 94, 96, 133
  • storage devices 121–122




Lesson 4 How storage devices work

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand how magnetic media, optical media and solid state work


Hardware L4 How storage devices work

Hardware Worksheet 4 How storage devices work

Hardware Homework 4 How storage devices work

ASCII Codes


Textbook Ref:


  • storage 94, 96, 133
  • storage devices 121–122




Lesson 5 Input and output devices

Learning Objectives:
  • Understand the need for input and output devices
  • Describe suitable input and output devices for a wide range of computer applications
  • Be able to categorise devices as input or output depending on their function


Hardware L5 Input and output devices

Hardware Worksheet 5 Identifying input and output devices

Hardware Homework 5 Input and output devices


Textbook Ref:

  • input devices 117–119
  • output devices 119–120





Lesson 6 Developments in hardware technologies

Learning Objectives:
  • To learn about developments in memory and processor technologies
  • To learn about developments in input, output and storage technologies
  • To discuss how developments in different hardware technologies are leading to innovative new products being created


Hardware L6 Developments in hardware technologies

Hardware Worksheet 6 Developments in hardware technology





Lesson 7 Assessment

Learning Objectives:
Students will
  • apply their knowledge in answers to a range of questions
  • be able to highlight areas of strength and any gaps in their understanding of computers


Hardware Assessment Test