Hardware of Personal Computers
Part 1: Introduction
What is a Computer?
• A computer is an electronic device that
accepts information and instructions from the
user, processes data, and display the data.
What are Basic Hardware of a Personal
Computer?
What is a Hardware?
• Hardware is any part of the computer system
that is tangible. It works with the software to
process data.
Computer Case
• Contains the major
components of the
computer. It helps
protect them.
Monitor
• A display screen to
provide “output” to
the user.
• Function: view the
information your are
working on
Motherboard
• The motherboard is a
circuit board that is
the foundation of a
computer
• Function: allows the
CPU, RAM, and all
other computer
hardware components
to function with each
other
Processor
• The CPU – The chip or
chips that interprets
and executes program
instructions and
manage the functions
of input, output, and
storage devices.
RAM
• Random Access Memory
RAM is a computer’s
temporary memory, which
exists as chips on the
motherboard near the
CPU.
• Function: stores data or
programs while they are
being used and requires
power.
Modem
• The place where the
computer is
connected to the
phone line.
Network Card
• A circuit board that
connects the
computer to the rest
of the network usually
using special cables.
Video Card
• Connects the computer to
the monitor. It is a circuit
board attached to the
motherboard
• Function: contains the
memory and other
circuitry necessary to
send information to the
monitor for display on
screen.
Sound Card
• Connects the speakers
and microphone to
the computer.
CD Rom Drive
• The drive that plays
CDs and reads data
that has been stored
on the CD.
Floppy Disk Drive
• A device that holds a
removable floppy disk
when in use;
read/write heads read
and write data to the
diskette.
Hard Disk
• Magnetic storage
device in the
computer.
Keyboard
• Used to enter
information into the
computer and for
giving commands.
Mouse
• An input device operated
by rolling its ball across a
flat surface.
• Function: used to control
the on-screen pointer by
pointing and clicking,
double-clicking, or
dragging objects on the
screen.
Classification of Hardware
1
2
4
Input
Devices
Processing
Unit
Output
Devices
Storage Devices
3
Information Processing Cycle
• All computers follow the same
basic operations: (1) input, (2)
processing, (3) storage, and (4)
output.
What is an Input Device?
• whatever is "put into" the computer to make
it function
• Examples: keyboard, microphone, mouse
What is a Processing Unit?
• manipulating whatever data has been input to
transform it to information
• Everything in the tower, motherboard, CPU
What is a Storage Device?
• A place where you can keep processed data.
• Examples: USB, Floppy disc, CD
What is an Output Device?
• resulting from processing inputs which is
useable by humans
• Examples: monitor, speakers, printer
Classification of Hardware
1
2
4
Input
Devices
Processing
Unit
Output
Devices
Storage Devices
3
RAM
• Random Access Memory
• Represent primary storage or temporary
storage
• Hold data before processing and information
after processing, before being sent to an
output or storage device
• Can be read and written to
• Volatile- the contents are lost when the power
goes off or is turned off
ROM
• Read only memory
• Cannot be written on or erased by the
computer user without special equipment
• Contain fixed start-up instructions
• Contain instructions on start up
• Non volatile
Then, What is Software?
• Software- all the electronic instructions that
tell the computer how to perform a task
• Application software helps the user perform
specific tasks
– Word processing, presentation, database,
electronic spreadsheet
• System software helps the computer perform
specific tasks
– Windows, Mac OS X, Device driver software
Application Software
• Word Processing – working mainly with text
• Spreadsheet – used primarily with numbers &
charts
• Database – allows for entry of data in an
organized manner, used for reporting
• Presentation – create presentations using
projection devices
• Desktop Publishing – used for creative design
Microsoft Office Application Software
•
•
•
•
•
Word Processing- Word
Spreadsheet- Excel
Desktop Publishing- Publisher
Database- Access
Presentation- PowerPoint
Balancing your checkbook.
Spreadsheet
Creating a birthday card for a
friend.
Desktop Publishing
Writing an essay about your pet.
Word Processing
Making a school newsletter
Desktop Publishing
Giving a presentation to the class
on computers.
Presentation
Writing a research paper on
UFO’s.
Word Processing
Creating an address book for
Christmas cards.
Database
System Software
• System software are running processes on
your computer. They are necessary features in
order for your computer to run and do the
things that computers are expected to do.
For example: boot up, logging in, connect to
the internet, etc.
Types of Personal Computers
• Desktops
– may sit on a desk or on the floor (a "tower")
– powerful enough to run everyday business and personal applications
– have separate hardware components for the computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
• Laptops
–
–
–
–
–
notebook computers,
have all the functionality of a desktop computer
small and portable
include a display, keyboard, and trackpad integrated into a single piece of hardware
Some laptops, called tablet PCs, recognize handwriting and allow you to work with a
pen-like stylus
• Netbooks
–
–
–
–
–
("Inter net note books)
less powerful than traditional laptops, but as they are generally
used only for Internet-related activities such as e-mail and surfing the Web
do not need as much memory, processing power, or storage space
smaller, lighter, and less expensive than fully-functional laptops.
• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
–
–
–
–
handheld computers, PDAs
fit in the palm of your hand. While
less powerful than a desktop or laptop computer, a PDA
includes key productivity functionality like maintaining a
calendar, address book and a to-do list
– have Internet connectivity so you can send and receive email and surf the Web
• SmartPhones
– combines the functionality of a PDA with a cellular
telephone
– often include photo and video capabilities