Personal Computer Basics

Module Objectives Lesson 1 – Computer Components

Understand the definition, characteristics, types and basic components of a personal computer.

Lesson 2 – Computer Internal Components

Understand the differences between desktop and laptop personal computer, and internal components of computer case.

Computer Components

By the end of this lesson, you should able to:

Understand the general definition, characteristics and types of a

personal computer

Identify the main components that make up a desktop and laptop

personal computer

What is a computer ?

“Computers are electronic devices that have the ability to input, process, output, and store data or information.”

Characteristics of a computer1. ProcessorAble to follow instructions and carry out actions, and it commonly called the “brain” of a computer. i.e. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

2. Memory or Storage DeviceAble to remember things or store data. i.e. RAM or Hard disk.

3. Input DeviceAble to accept information from computer user. i.e. Keyboard and mouse.

4. Output DeviceAble to deliver information to computer user. i.e. Monitor and Printer.

Computer Types1. Special-purpose Computers

• Used for special purposes and usually expensive. i.e. Computer to control LRT, Traffic Lights and ATM.

2. General-purpose Computers• Used for general purposes like entertainment, Word processing

and surfing internet. • It is more popular as they are cheap and can perform a variety

of work. i.e. Personal Computer.

Desktop Computer

Desktop ComponentsMain Unit / Central Processing Unit (CPU)The computer case/box encloses the primary components the make computer works.

MonitorThis device displays the images and text generated by the computer, so that you can see what it’s doing and the results of your actions.

Desktop Components

KeyboardThis device inputs letter, numbers and special characters into the computer for storage and manipulation.

MouseThis device points at graphical elements displayed on the computer monitor.

Laptop Computer

Laptop Components

Main Unit / CPUA notebook size computer case encloses the primary components the make computer works.

KeyboardThis device inputs letter, numbers and special characters into the computer for storage and manipulation.

Laptop Components

MonitorThis device displays the images and text generated by the computer, so that you can see what it’s doing and the results of your actions.

Touchpad / Pointing DeviceThis device points at graphical elements displayed on the computer monitor.

Summary Computer is an electronic device that able to

input, process, output and store data or information.

The characteristic of a computer includes Processor, Memory/Storage Devices, Input device and Output device.

Computers are classified either General Purpose computers or Specific Purpose computers.

The personal computer’s components includes Main Unit/CPU, Keyboard, Mouse/Touchpad and Monitor.

Computer Internal Components

By the end of this lesson, you should able to:

Understand the differences between desktop and laptop personal

computer

Identify the internal components inside the Main unit/CPU of a desktop

personal computer

Desktop vs. Laptop Computer

Features Desktop Computer

Laptop Computer

Size Big & Heavy Small & Light

Mobility Low – Need dismantle Keyboards, Mouse and Monitor first.

High- Easy to Carry

Battery Powered No Yes

Price Low High

System UpgradeFlexibility

High- Every component can be upgraded.

Limited – The hard disk and Memory component only.

Maintenance Cost Low High

Risk of damage Low High

Computer Internal Components• MotherboardA main circuit board that inter-

connects CPU, RAM Memory, Hard Disk and CD Disk drive components together via data cables.

• Centre Processing Unit / CPUThe “brains” of the computer.

• RAM MemoryThe temporary storage areas for

holding data/information and program that CPU needs.

Components Function

• Hard Disk DriveThe permanent storage areas for

data/information & program.

• CD ROM DriveA removable storage device to store

computer data in CD/DVD ROM discs.

• Power SupplyThe power source of the computer that

supplies electrical power to all computer internal components.

Computer Main Unit Example

Power supply

Motherboard

Hard drive

Adapter

CPU with fan

Floppy drive CD-ROM drive

Summary The key feature differences between Desktop

and Laptop computers includes: Size, Mobility, Battery Powered, Price, System Upgrade flexibility, Maintenance Cost and Risk of Damage or Theft.

Motherboard is the main circuit board in a computer.

CPU is the brain of the computer. RAM Memory is the temporary storage areas for

holding data, program and information that CPU needs.

Hard disk drive is the permanent storage areas for data, information and program.

Power Supply is the power source of computer.