Hardware and Software

Hardware and Software

Graphical design is bound into many tools that require virtual visuals. Half of these items are digital external devices that sit around the PC. Here are a few pieces of hardware are located both in and out.

Output Hardware

Monitor

Devices that are sold separately require a monitor to visually see what's on the screen. Products like phones, laptops and all in ones have inbuilt screens but are still dealt in the same way. The system loads all visual components into the chosen GPU and all the visual data is moved to the display drive  and then through a cable, this could be HDMI, VGA, Display Port, etc. and finally to the monitor. This process is repeated numerous amounts of times to get as close to frequent updates (real-time latency). There's a variety of different monitors with different display resolutions, sizes and refresh rates (Hz).

Printer:

If you print something, the software converts the current format into a format read able to the printer you’re using. In order to talk to the printer you'll need to install a custom driver which tends to be very small in size. Any extra data is taken up by useless junk, dedicated ink purchasing app, automatic updater. The reason why all printers know days require you to download, copy from the provided disc is because all printers communicate differently. Inkjet, Plotters, traditional printers good/bad read different language formats like HPGL, PPM, PS, PCL.

Graphics/Video Card:

This device can be inbuilt into the motherboard and its goal is the same as what dedicated graphics cards do, creates a display on the screen. There are various output ports which could be VGA, HDMI, DVI, DisplayPort. Dedicated hardware usually draws out more power than an integrated GPU would usually use. Integrated GPU’s are especially used for an average internet browser, document writer audience. Playing the latest games on a weak GPU won’t create a surreal experience if a decent dedicated GPU is used.

Input Hardware:

Scanner:

This device analyses printed data by illuminating the whole sheet while multiple capacitors scan the image analysing the frequency of charges collected from the CCD array. CIS is a new system that uses LED rather than cathode light greatly reducing the power consumption but forces you to place the sheet of paper right towards the glass. Most scanners are now included with a printer purchase, a 2 in 1.

Graphics Tablet:

An item only seen by real professionals particularly digital artists. These people specialise in enterprise software grade equipment to get the best but most efficient result with their creations. Using this device requires its user to draw directly onto the screen. The screen shown on screen is replicated onto the tablet for precision cursor tracking. It also has touch sensitive surface to make hand drawn designs more realistic to what it would look like drawn with a pencil.

Medical Scanning Camera:

These systems scan an area or the whole entire body to identify problems with evidence. The widely herd digital scan is an “MRI” Scan which can be used to examine any area of the body. Bones, joints hearts, blood vessels can be scanned to diagnose problems. The rays that are emits from these devices are X-Rays. These scans can take 10-20 minutes and are transferred over to a PC where an examiner can look close in detail with patient’s part digitally. The process is carried out by a trained radiographer.

Programs:

One of the most popular designing tools used in modern history is Fireworks. Like most other graphic editors, Fireworks can work with both bitmap and vector samples in a single project file. Unfortunately, this software isn’t cheaply purchasable legally drawing it further away from home owner use. There are monthly subscription options but it’s still expensive.

Almost the same package Adobe Fireworks must offer, but instead a slight overall with appearances and shortcut keys. The price alone £45 is a minuscule amount compared to any of Adobe’s individual packages. Tools are as easy to toggle throw as Fireworks, it still has its own clean elements with various pre-sets and tab layouts.