Fundamentals of a Personal Computer

Fundamentals of a Personal Computer (PC)

Chapter 1

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Objectives

Identify the functions of the PC Explain the different types of computers List the components of the PC Explain the front and back side of the PC Discuss the Power-On Self Test (POST)

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Functions of a PC

Accepts data input from user Stores data Processes the input using instructions Displays processed data on output devices

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Types of Computers

Types of Computers

Microcomputer Minicomputer Mainframe Supercomputer

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Microcomputer – I

Digital computer that works on a microprocessor

Used in homes and offices

Performs tasks such as word processing, desktop publishing, and accounting

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Microcomputer – II

Advantages• Small size• Low cost• Portability

Disadvantages• Low processing speed

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Minicomputer – I

Known as the mid-range server

Medium sized multiprocessing and multi-user computer

Used by small sized companies

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Minicomputer – II

Advantage • Cater to multiple users• Lower costs than mainframes

Disadvantage• Large• Bulky

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Mainframe – I

Known as enterprise servers Occupies entire rooms or floors Used for centralized computing Serve distributed users and small servers in a

computing network

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Mainframe – II

Advantage• Supports many users and instructions • Large memory

Disadvantage• Huge size • Expensive

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Supercomputer

Fastest and expensive Used by applications for molecular chemistry,

nuclear research, weather reports, and advanced physics

Advantage • Speed

Disadvantage • Generate a large amount of heat during operation

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Components of a PC

Input Devices Output Devices Storage Devices Processing Devices Communication Devices Infrastructure

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Input Devices

Used to enter data in computer Different types are:

• Keyboard

• Pointing Devices

• Scanner

• Digital Camera

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Output Devices

Used to display or produce processed data Monitors and printers used to display output Different types of output devices are:

• Display System

• Display Card

• Sound Card

• Printers

• Fax

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Storage Devices

Used to store data in the computers Different types of storage devices are:

• Magnetic Devices

• Optical devices

• Solid-State Storage devices

• Digital Audio Tape

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Processing Devices

Computer main function is to process data Various types of processing devices are:

• Microprocessor

• Chipset

• BIOS

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Communication Devices

Establish communication between computer using different cables, interfaces and wireless devices

Various types of communication devices are:• Interfaces

• I/O Ports and Cables

• LAN Card

• Modem

• Network Cables

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Infrastructure

Refers to main components and foundation on which computer functions

All the peripheral devices of the computer are attached

Various types of components are:• System Case • Power Supply • Motherboard • Expansion Boards

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Introducing the Front and Back Side of the PC

Front Side of PC contains:• Power switch to turn on the PC

• Insert CDs and DVDs in CD/DVD drive

• Use floppy disks with the help of floppy drive

• LED display indicates status of system

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Introducing the Front and Back Side of the PC – I

Back side of PC contains:• Power supply and the cooling fan

• Input and output ports of the PC

• Connect devices to the ports at back of the PC

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Starting a PC for the First Time – I

Basic Input Output System (BIOS) checks all peripheral devices, memory and hardware of the PC

Power on Self test (POST) is performed before the PC boots operating system

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Starting a PC for the First Time – II

Functions performed by POST:• Checking power supply and motherboard

• Comparing system configuration with PC Configuration Program

• Checking memory devices and drives

• Checking system memory

• Starts display and audio devices

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Summary – I

Personal Computer is an electronic machine that accepts data, processes it on the basis of some instructions and produces output

Personal Computer performs a wide range of functions like data processing, programming, playing audio, video and games

Different types of computer are, microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframes and supercomputers

System case provides protective cover for all important components of PC and keeps system cool

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Summary – II

LED displays on system case indicate operations going on inside PC

Different ports are located on back of system case Power supply of PC converts alternating current to

direct current The motherboard is main part of a PC Different types of I/O ports, serial, parallel, and

USB Storage devices store data in the PCs

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Summary – III

Different types of storage devices, magnetic, optical, and solid-state Storage

Digital Audio Tapes (DAT) record and store music digitally

Different types of network cables, UTP, STP, coaxial, and fiber optic

BIOS runs a test called Power On Self Test when a PC turns on

Fundamentals of a Personal Computer

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