Computer Basics

HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

Hardware is the physical component of a computer (mouse, keyboard, tower,
modem etc.).
Software is programs and instructions installed into the computer.
CD = 700MB
PLATFORMS OF HARDWARE DVD = 4.7GB (bad
sound)
DISK = STORAGE Dual Layer DVD =
HDD - Hard disk/drive - stores files. 9GB
Optical Drive – reads software (CD, DVD, Blu-ray) Burning = Light bouncing
off a disk in 0s and 1s.
CPU = CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT
The CPU gives instructions and responses to software and other hardware’s
processes.
A 2.4GHz processor will run through the system, ordering and responding, 2.4
billion times per second. A typical CPU in a new desktop is 3.5 – 3.8GHz.

RAM = RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY

The RAM is short term memory. It provides space for your computer to read and
write data and the larger the capacity of your RAM, the less your CPU has to read
through the HDD for data.
A typical amount of RAM in a new computer is 2 – 4GB.
A USB stick is not a
INPUTS / INTERFACE
These are external jacks that connect to internal hardware such as the
soundcard or internal modem. Inputs include headphone jacks, USB ports,
Firewire ports, Ethernet ports etc.

CHIPS
Made of billions of light switches which process binary (on and off/ 0 and 1).

MOTHERBOARD
Pins connect to the motherboard that connects to internal hardware and
interfaces. The motherboard is the middle man.

PLATFORMS OF SOFTWARE

SYSTEM SOFTWARE = OPERATING SYSTEM (OS)

System software is the configured middle man between applications and
processes. Operating Systems include Windows XP, OSX, Linux, Mac etc.
Windows XP can only
recognise 3.25GB of RAM.
APPLICATIONS
Applications are installed and pre-configured programs that we are able to use.
Applications include Word, Photoshop, Pro Tools etc.
Task Manager shows
processes and memory
DECYPHERING SPECS.
used.
Eg. Intel Company/Manufacturer
Pentium 4 Model PF = Memory being
2.4GHz CPU Strength/Speed used.
eg. Startup = 261MB
LAPTOPS
Laptops fail because of 3 factors: File extensions tell us
Size, heat and power. what format the file is
HOME STUDIO SETUP AND SPECS in.
Pro Tools = .ptf
COMPUTER Reason = .rnf
RAM = 1GB – 2GB
CPU = 1.6GHz – 2GHz
HDD = 160GB – 320GB

MONITORS (SPEAKERS)
There are 2 types of monitors, active and passive.
ACTIVE MONITORS have an inbuilt amp and therefore work independently. They
generally sound better in near field sound.
PASSIVE MONITORS require a separate amp.
Studio monitor
BRANDS Tweeter aren’t HIFI because
Glenec for high frequency
HIFI tweak/
Mackie sounds
condition to sound
Yamaha Woofer
M-Audio for low frequency A studio monitor
Sounds should be at least

MICROPHONES
Different microphones are used for different instruments because they are built
to pick up different frequencies. If you are recording vocals you will need a pop
filter.

BRANDS
Nuemann V87 ($4 – 5k)
AKG C414 ($2.5k) Condenser Microphones
Sennheiser (Sensitive)

HARDWARE / SOFTWARE
There are 2 types of hardware for instrument input, internal/interface and
external.

BRANDS Pro Tools hardware only

M-Audio Works with Pro Tools works with Pro Tools
Delta (4 or 10) M-Powered and software
Firewire others Mixers are unnecessary
Pro Tools unless you are recording
a whole band or 2>
tracks at once