Task 2 Hardware Technologies for Platforms

Name: Phillip Wynne	Researched Definition (include URL link)	Explanation in your own words	Imagery	Why is this important to hardware technologies for game platforms?
Human Computer Interface	HCI (human-computer interaction) is the study of how people interact with computers and to what extent computers are or are not developed for successful interaction with human beings. http://searchsoftwarequality.techtarget.com/	A HCI is where people research the way people input data into their computers. This is so Software Developers can update their software so it can fit people’s needs and uses. For Example Windows 10 went through Windows 7 and 8.1 HCI research and have created something that people want to use and that has an easy interface.		This is so Game Developers can update their game so it can fit people’s wants and desire’s. for example when a developer makes a game, they most go off other people’s wants for that game. This makes the game better in some cases.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)	The CPU is the brains of the computer where most calculations take place. In terms of computing power, the CPU is the most important element of a computer system. http://www.webopedia.com/	The CPU is the brain, all processes go through it, and Without the CPU the computer would not work. The faster the CPU is the better. The CPU translates everything, for example if you press the letter “E” the process will go through the CPU, no matter how simple the process it will go through the CPU.		This is very useful in most aspects. This is the main part of the computer everything goes through this chip. Without this nothing would run or work.
Graphic Processors	It is a single-chip processor that creates lighting effects and transforms objects every time a 3D scene is redrawn. These are mathematically-intensive tasks, which otherwise, would put quite a strain on the CPU. Lifting this burden from the CPU frees up cycles that can be used for other jobs. http://www.webopedia.com/	A graphics processer act a like a litter helper for the CPU, It take mathematically intensive task from a 3D scene this would be a hard task for the CPU to process to run whilst everything else is going thought the CPU. Freeing the CPU from doing these tasks make the CPU run faster, this makes it able to do other jobs.		With the more advance types of games you wouldn’t expect the CPU to able to cope with all the processes going on for a game. The graphics card helps a lot especially if it’s a good graphics card the more intensive the game he easier it will run.
Memory (RAM)	A type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly; that is, any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes. RAM is the most common type of memory found in computers and other devices, such as printers. http://www.webopedia.com/	RAM (Random Access Memory), this type of memory that can randomly be accessed when needed. RAM is the most common, ROM is the same sort of thing but it is read only memory this means you can only get data from it not onto it.		This really helps gamers the more RAM they have, but you can have too much RAM, it not going to make too much of a difference the more you have anything over 32gb is just not going to effect it any more the 32gb can.
Display	A display is a computer output surface and projecting mechanism that shows text and often graphic images to the computer user. http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/display	A computer display is the part of the computer you look at without this you would not know what you are doing on the computer. It can show text play videos and show all kinds of software on the PC.		With a computer display you can play the games people have created for you. On the screen It can show different colours and pictures.
Sound	In order to be able to listen to your music, a sound card converts digital data to analog sound waves you can hear. The output signal is then connected to a headphone or set of speakers. You can also use a sound card to record audio with a microphone. http://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-sound-card-definition-function-types.html	The sound card play a large part for most people, the sound card converts data to an analogue sound you can listen too. You can connect speakers or headphones to the sound port so you can listen to your music or music/ videos on the internet.		The sound helps the games perception, let’s say a horror game with the creepy sound playing In the background it gives the game another dimension. This means it also can play background music or the game.
Game Storage Medium	A medium is an element used in communicating a message; on a storage medium, the "messages" - in the form of data - are suspended for use when needed. http://searchstorage.techtarget.com/definition/storage-medium	A storage medium is used to transfer data, such as games. This means large game files can be sent to people who buy it. It stores the Data on the Drive, so it can be accessed later.		This is good for games developer’s so that they can sell their games in mass production. This is so someone can go to the store and but there games. Mostly console gamers use this way of getting games, as you can’t download that much onto your console.
Interface Devices	An interface device (IDF) is a hardware component or system of components that allows a human being to interact with a computer, a telephone system, or other electronic information system. http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/interface-device-IDF	An Interface device is a hardware component that makes it possible for you to input data into the computer, for example a mouse and keyboard. This gives you an ability to interact with the computer system by typing information, or clicking on programs.		The interface device is a very important part(s) when playing games, as this is how you input data into the computer or take from it. Good uses from taking information from the computer are virtual reality headsets so you feel more immersed in the gaming experience.
Connectivity	A computer buzzword that refers to a program or device's ability to link with other programs and devices. http://www.webopedia.com/	Connectivity is a word meaning “the state of being or being able to be connected” to one or many different devices. This is also used in the internet, when browsing the “Web” you are connected to many different sites and people.		When in games you don’t always want to play alone, the best thing you can do is go online so you can play with or against other people. You can connect to people all over the globe you connect not just with the game, but with them also.
Power Supply	The power supply then pulls the required amount of electricity and converts the AC current to DC current. It also regulates the voltage to eliminate spikes and surges common in most electrical systems. http://www.webopedia.com/	The power supply is one of the most necessary pieces in a digital puzzle. This makes the computer run; it converts an AC power which the wall socket produces to a DC current. It also regulates the amount of power the computer uses this makes it possible to eliminate energy spikes or fluctuations.		The power supply will be very necessary for running your computer it gives it the supplied amount of power your computer needs to run, so you can play your games on the machine. The power supply can range from 200W to over 1000w for high tech computers that can run high resolution games.