Computer 101: The Display (CRT to LCD to LED and to the Future.)

Computer based technology from the processor, main board, memory, storage, interface and even power source and consumption is getting smaller in size but in turn they become faster still has become bigger in terms of capacity and also more importantly the power source has also become smaller but pack more power in them compared to their ancestors.

An example of this technology is all around us, the first to be created in smaller size is the processor. The processor is the brain of most electronic devices of today. Even circuit that is being used in almost embedded system has a processor in them for better management and control. Then the main board follows suit, or is that simultaneous with the processor. Small processor needs smaller main board, memory and power source. But wait before we moved any further, a key missing component of the computer is missing. This key component is the display.

I don’t know if it is intentional but the primary computer display for many years was the old reliable CRT Screen or the Cathode Ray-Tube. We have seen fast technological advances in almost all area of the computer. From the processor, memory, main board and even the power supply yet while all of this is going on, the computer display seems stock on the CRT as its primary display device. I still can clearly remember playing may old hand held game device called game and watch and it uses a black and white LCD display back then.

During those times the CRT is still in green test with black background and a newer black and white display is the new pad then, the colored display is still being developed. Then after a few years the colored came and a whole new world open, but still the technology used for most computer is still the CRT type. Whether it is just a VGA, SVGA, XGA and many others still the computer primary screen display is the CRT. Back then almost small electronic device has a small black and white LCD display, then why in the world the computer cannot have an LCD as a display monitor. It consumes less power considerably then the CRT technology and very easy to carry because it weights less and a small space is required to put it.

This image is from Photorack.net

Even with the advent of the new millennium, the CRT is still the supreme display device for the computer. Not even with the coming of the first generation of wireless phone can change the main display device for the computer. Notice that the early cell phone was already small compare to its cousin. Also the cell phone technology was very much in high gear ever evolving continuously. Notice how the slow the evolution of the display has drag on for decades before the CRT was slowly replaced by the first generation LCD display.  By that time every electronic device that needs a screen has a small colored screen attached to them. Only when the development of the smart phone, came a faster technology development for the display. Suddenly the CRT was outdated and was being replaced by the LCD. Then from the LCD another technology would become the foundation for a new generation of display for all electronic devices this computer was not left out. Actually this technology is not new it’s been around for many decades now.

Image via Wikipedia

This technology is the LED or the Light Emitting Diode, the LED was refine, is became smaller and smaller until it become small enough that hundred of LED can be put in your palm.  With the characteristic of having even lower power consumption and durability than its predecessor. The LED has evolve a lot faster is now the choice of display for most electronic device like the present day generation of smart phone. We now have OLED (Organic-LED) based display meaning the LED has leap forward by becoming more green and sustainable. Other display technology has also evolve the Retina Display use in some high end phone this is just one of the display technology available today.

Now finally the computer has come a long way from the old big CRT to the thin LCD, LED, OLED and many others. The display has finally come with age as with all the other computer based technology that have been continuously evolving. The display technology has now become at par with the other development in computer based technologies.  

Note:

For more information regarding the OLED Technology, Please click the link below:

Organic LED in Wikipedia

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Computer 101: Parts on the Outside Part-2

Now the CPU or the Central Processing Unit or System Unit contains the main inside hardware parts of the computer. Let see there the motherboard, the memory module(s), the CPU chip, the hard drive, DVD RW drive, the Power Supply Unit, the cooling fan and heat sink on top of the CPU. Lets see did i miss anything, well the motherboard contains all the connecting point of all the hardware devices mentioned above. Ah h theres the graphics card or video card, the sound card for high end users and the network or LAN card optional for others.

Inside a typical CPU

Today's motherboard comes with a built-in S/V/L, wait what an S/V/L. It stand for Sound, Video. and LAN. The only thing missing if your purchasing a new motherboard is the CPU and it cooling system and the memory module which is sold separately. But if your purchasing a whole computer set then that not applicable. Okay lets focus on the motherboard that is found inside every computer. The motherboard is where it all connects. The monitor using its cable is plug into the video card port which is connected or built-in the motherboard. The same is true for the mouse and keyboard, they connects via the PS2 or USB port which is usually built-in into the motherboard. The same is true to all external devices that we can connects to the computer, your Web cam, Mic, Speaker system, your smartphone, printer, scanner, external drive and a host of other devices. The most common port used in interconnection for today devices is the USB port. Your supposed to just plug it in and let it connect to your computer.

USB, LAN, PS2, MIC and Speaker port

Okay where suppose to blog about the external parts not the inside parts, but i thought i should give you a sneak preview of my nest post. Back to the external parts. The CPU Case is also important not just for appearance but also for the cooling system it can provide to your CPU unit. You should know where are those FAN located so would not be able to block them when placing your computer on tight spot. Also it should be strong enough to handle the daily grind that it would experience. The air should be able to get in and out of your CPU Case with the aid of those cooling fan properly positioned in your case design. The CPU is where all the work is done, the input, processing and output is done all in there. Make sure to also check on your CPU regularly so that dust build up and other stuff like small insects should not make your CPU there permanent abode. It should be check regularly, lets say weekly to maintain it in top form.

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Computer 101: Don't be Afraid to Do it by Yourself

Yes that's correct do not be afraid to explore and do things on computer. Do not just be a passive user of that wonderful machine that has help you a lot in so many ways. Understanding the inner working of your computer is the at the first and foremost important. How do you start to learn what's under the hood of your machine. Well there's the big INTERNET where you can find all sort of information about almost anything this days. Other of information is your group friends maybe one of them is in the information technology world and he or she just might  be able to help you out. Now why do we need to blog about this, this is just to remind everyone that it is important to get to know your computer, what are it's inner working. Okay you ask, what the heck em i must need to know, well there' a whole of them. First have ever heard of the word PROCESSOR, Central Processing Unit or CPU, then there's the memory, hard disk, graphics card, web cam, printer and a whole lot more of other words that pertains to the inner working of your computer. If not and you'd been using a computer for more than half of your life. Then i suggest you get started to learn about them. How they work together so that you can enjoy the usefulness of your computer for a long time and what will you do if somethings go wrong with your machine.

CRT monitor

First use the Internet to get a good picture of this pieces of devices under the hood of your machine. Just the the word on the search bar of your preferred search engine then select the IMAGES option on your search engine and then click the button or just press the enter key of the computer to begin the search. Let's say you type the word CPU or Processor, then it should display what a CPU or processor look like. I'm so busy i don't have the time to do all this stuff. Hey there is no rush in learning. Take it one at a time. I'm sure somewhere in time you'll fine you free time and maybe you'll be able to begin the learning process. It doesn't have to be structured learning.

System Unit

 Make your learning fun so that you will be able to absorb it better and you'll be able to do it again in again until before you know it. You now now more compare last week or last month. Also it is cool to learn about this technical stuff. More people will look up to you for help in almost aspect of the computer. You'll be surprised on what they are expecting that you should know.The important thing is to take the first step to learning but not at all at once but one at a time. Focused on one topic and learn everything you can about it. Another is do not be afraid to ask those who know this things. Yea the tech guy in your company or your neighbor. They just waiting for you to ask and your be surprised to the answer they give you. No sale's talk just pure information and a few tips and trick if they know your interested in what your asking about.