Computing Fundamentals

Computer Hardware

Innovative Training Works Digital Literacy Training

 Objectives

 Identify types of computers and how they process

information

 Identify the function of computer hardware

components

 Identify the factors to consider when buying computer

equipment

 Identify how to maintain computer equipment and

solve common problems

Back Computing Fundamentals

 Introduction

 When the computer was introduced, it’s

said to be the greatest invention since
man learned to use electricity.
 Almost every aspect of people's lives is
affected in some way by computers.
 Computers are no smarter than the
humans who program them.

Back Computing Fundamentals

 Some ways in which the computer
is used:
• Word processing
• Calculations
• Communication
• Computer-assisted learning
• Research
• Presentations
• Database management
• Automation
• Entertainment

Back Computing Fundamentals Next: Definition of Computer

 What is a computer?
Computer is an electronic device that
accepts, processes, stores, and outputs
data at high speeds according to
programmed instructions.

There are two basic components that

make up a computer: hardware and
software.

Back Computing Fundamentals Next: Parts of a Computer

 Parts of a Typical Computer
System Unit

Printer

Monitor

Keyboard Mouse

Back Computing Fundamentals Next: Types of Computers

 Types of Computers
Supercomputer

Microcomputer

IBM Blue Gene/L

Minicomputer
Mainframe
Back Computing Fundamentals Next: Types of Microcomputers
 Common Types of Microcomputers
Macintosh
(Mac)
Personal
Computer (PC)

Handheld/PDA
Laptop/Notebook
Computing Fundamentals
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 The Four Main Components of a Microcomputer

INPUT DEVICES
Input devices allow us to enter information into the computer. They include
keyboards, mice, scanners, and microphones.

PROCESSING DEVICES
Processing components manipulate the information once it is "in" the
computer. In the microcomputer there is a set of common components
consisting of the central processing unit (CPU), interface components, and
memory (RAM).

STORAGE DEVICES
Storage devices store the entered information and programs for future use.
Common storage devices include hard disks, floppy disks, and CD-ROMs.

OUTPUT DEVICES
Output devices are how the manipulated information is returned to us. They
commonly include video monitors, printers, and speakers.

Computing Fundamentals
Back Parts of the System Unit
 The System Unit
CD-ROM and/or
DVD-ROM Drive

RAM

Network Card

ROM-BIOS

Computing Fundamentals
Back 1. Common Hardware Problems 2. Buying a computer 3. Next: Software
 Input Devices

Microphone
Keyboard

Mouse Scanner

Computing Fundamentals
Other Input Devices
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 Other Input Devices
Barcode Reader

Web Camera

Digital Camera

Joystick
Computing Fundamentals
Back to Menu
Back
 Processing Devices
CPU

Measuring Memory
CPU Speed Release Date
Pentium 4 1 GHz to 3 GHz Latest
Pentium III 450 MHz to 1 GHz 1999
Pentium II 266 MHz 1997
Pentium 133 MHz 1993
486 66 MHz 1989
386 25 MHz 1985
Random-Access
80286 12.5 MHz 1982 Memory (RAM)
8088 8 MHz 1979
Computing Fundamentals
Based on table courtesy of www.customguide.com
Back
 Storage Devices/Media
Diskette

Hard Disk Drive

(HDD)
Floppy Disk
Drive (FDD)
Computing Fundamentals
More Storage Devices/Media
Back
 More Storage Devices/Media
Types of CDs:
•CD-ROM
•CD-R
•CD-RW

Flash Card

CD-ROM (or DVD-

ROM Drive)
USB Flash
Drive
Computing Fundamentals
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Back
 Output Devices

Printer
Monitor

Projector Speakers

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Monitors

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)

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 Parts of the Keyboard
Function Keys
Numeric Keypad

Alphanumeric Keys
Cursor Keys

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 Parts of a Mouse
Mouse Actions:
Right Button
1. Click
2. Double-click
3. Right-Click

Left Button 4. Point

5. Drag

Wheel
(Not always
available) Palm Rest

How to hold the mouse

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 How to hold the mouse

Courtesy:
www.internet4classrooms.com

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Printers

Dot Matrix

Inkjet Laser Back

Computing Fundamentals
Motherboard

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 Measuring Memory
Unit Abbreviation Size

Bit - [Smallest Unit]

Byte - 8 Bits

Kilobyte KB 1, 024 bytes

Megabyte MB 1, 048, 576 bytes

Gigabyte GB 1, 073,741,824
bytes/1, 024 MB
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Central Processing Unit (CPU)

CPU Fan

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Random-Access
Memory

DDRAM

SDRAM
SDRAM Photo courtesy of: www.oamao.com

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Hard Disk Drive

Cross-section of HDD

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3.5” Floppy Disk
Drive

Courtesy www.yedata.com

3.5 “ Floppy Disk

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PC Ports

Photo courtesy of: www.coolnerds.com Computing Fundamentals Back

CD-ROM Drive

CD-ROM

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Video Card

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AGP Port

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Power Supply

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Network Card

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ROM-BIOS

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 Common Hardware Problems
• Computer won’t start
– Be sure it is plugged in and there’s electricity
– Bad power supply
– Check the monitor
– RAM problem
– Bad hard drive
• Mouse is not working well/at all
• Keyboard is not working
• Printer: Paper Jams
Computing Fundamentals
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 How to Buy a PC
• What is my purpose of buying a PC?
• What OS will best support the applications
that I will use?
• Do I need portability?
• Do I need versatility?
• How about the warranties?

Back Maintenance Basic Troubleshooting

Computing Fundamentals Installing New Software
Word-processing programs is used to create and
modify text-based documents. By using these
programs, you can also create personal and
professional documents.
Publishing programs are used to combine text and
graphics to create documents such as brochures,
greeting cards, annual reports, books, or magazines. It
also include word-processing and graphics features
that allow you to refine parts of the document.

Computing Fundamentals