gRADE

Computer
8 Systems
Servicing NC II

Learning Material
Quarter 1
(PARTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM)

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Information Sheet 1.3

Computer Parts and Functions

If you use a desktop computer, you might already know that there isn't any single part called the
"computer." A computer is really a system of many parts working together. The physical parts, which you can see
and touch, are collectively called hardware. (Software, on the other hand, refers to the instructions, or programs,
that tell the hardware what to do.)

The illustration below shows the most common hardware in a desktop computer system. Your system may
look a little different, but it probably has most of these parts. A laptop computer has similar parts but combines
them into a single notebook-sized package.

Let's take a look at each of these parts.

System Unit
The system unit is the core of a computer system. Usually it's a rectangular box
placed on or underneath your desk. Inside this box are many electronic
components that process information. The most important of these components
is the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor, which acts as the
"brain" of your computer. Another component is random access memory (RAM),
which temporarily stores information that the CPU uses while the computer is
on. The information stored in RAM is erased when the computer is turned off.

Almost every other part of your computer connects to the system unit using
cables.
The cables plug into specific ports (openings), typically on the back of the
system unit. Hardware that is not part of the system unit is sometimes called a peripheral device or device.

Storage

Your computer has one or more disk drives—devices that store information on a metal or plastic disk. The
disk preserves the information even when your computer is turned off.

Hard Disk Drive

Your computer's hard disk drive stores information on a hard disk, a

rigid platter or stack of platters with a magnetic surface. Because hard disks
can hold massive amounts of information, they usually serve as your
computer's primary means of storage, holding almost all of your programs
and files. The hard disk drive is normally located inside the system unit.
CD and DVD drives

Nearly all computers today come equipped with a CD (Compact Disc) or DVD
(―Digital Versatile Disc‖ or ―Digital Video Disc‖) drive, usually located on the front of
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Figure 1.14 An
Di D ital r
Digital
the system unit. CD drives use lasers to read (retrieve) data from a CD, and many CD drives can also write (record)
data onto CDs. If you have a recordable disk drive, you can store copies of your files on blank CDs. You can also use
a CD drive to play music CDs on your computer.

DVD drives can do everything that CD drives can, plus read DVDs. If you have a DVD drive, you can
watch movies on your computer. Many DVD drives can record data onto blank DVDs.

Tip:
If you have a recordable CD or DVD drive, periodically back up (copy) your important files to CDs or DVDs.
That way, if your hard disk ever fails, you won't lose your data.

Floppy Disk Drive

Floppy disk drives store information on floppy disks, also called floppies or
diskettes. Compared to CDs and DVDs, floppy disks can store only a small amount of
data. They also retrieve information more slowly and are more prone to damage. For
these reasons, floppy disk drives are less popular than they used to be, although some
computers still include them. Figure
5An Floppy

Why are floppy disks "floppy"? Even though the outside is made of hard plastic, that's just the sleeve. The
disk inside is made of a thin, flexible vinyl material.

Mouse

A mouse is a small device used to point to and select items on your

computer screen. Although mice come in many shapes, the typical mouse does
look a bit like an actual mouse. It's small, oblong, and connected to the system
unit by a long wire that resembles a tail. Some newer mice are wireless. Figure 6An example
Mou

A mouse usually has two buttons: a primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary button. Many
mice also have a wheel between the two buttons, which allows you to scroll smoothly through screens of
information.

Figure 1.17 Examples of MousePointer

When you move the mouse with your hand, a pointer on your screen moves in the same direction. (The
pointer's appearance might change depending on where it's positioned on your screen.) When you want to select
an item, you point to the item and then click (press and release) the primary button. Pointing and clicking with
your mouse is the main way to interact with your computer.

Keyboard

A keyboard is used mainly for typing text into your computer. Like the keyboard on a typewriter, it has
keys for letters and numbers, but it also has special keys:

The function keys, found on the top row, perform different functions
depending on where they are used.

The numeric keypad, located on the right side of most keyboards,

allows you to enter numbers quickly.

The navigation keys, such as the arrow keys, allow you to move your Figure8An Keyboa
position within a document or webpage.

You can also use your keyboard to perform many of the same tasks you can perform with a mouse.

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Monitor

A monitor displays information in visual form, using text and

graphics. The portion of the monitor that displays the information is
called the screen. Like a television screen, a computer screen can
show still or moving pictures.

There are two basic types of monitors: CRT (cathode ray

tube) monitors and LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors. Both types
produce sharp images, but LCD monitors have the advantage of
being much thinner and lighter. CRT monitors, however, are generally more affordable.

Printer

A printer transfers data from a computer onto paper. You don't need a printer to use your computer, but
having one allows you to print e-mail, cards, invitations, announcements, and other materials. Many people also
like being able to print their own photos at home.

The two main types of printers are inkjet printers and laser
printers. Inkjet printers are the most popular printers for the home. They
can print in black and white or in full color and can produce high-quality
photographs when used with special paper. Laser printers are faster and
generally better able to handle heavy use.

Speakers

Speakers are used to play sound. They may be built into the system unit or
connected with cables. Speakers allow you to listen to music and hear sound effects
from your computer.

Figure
2 An ampleSpeak
Modem

To connect your computer to the Internet, you need a modem. A modem is a device
that sends and receives computer information over a telephone line or high-speed cable.
Modems are sometimes built into the system unit, but higher-speed modems are usually
separate components.

Figure2 An ample Mode

1. 2 ex of m

(Source: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Parts-of-a-computer)

Further Reading:

• www.tech-faq.com/computer-parts.html - Estados Unidos

• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_computer_hardwarelibrary.thinkquest.org/5 862/partsof.htm