All About the Desktop ComputerCh. 2

Basic Parts of a Desktop ComputerCh. 2.1

Introduction

Computer Case

Monitor

Power Cord

Keyboard

Mouse

Mouse Alternatives

Introduction The basic parts of a desktop computer

computer case monitor keyboard mouse power cord

Computer Case Houses the motherboard, central

processing unit (CPU), the power supply, and more

Monitor Works with a video card

Power Cord To protect your computer from voltage

spikes, you can plug the power cord into a surge protector.

Keyboard One of the primary ways we

communicate with the computer and enter data

Mouse Two main types

optical and mechanical optical mouse

uses an electronic eye to detect movement and is easier to clean

mechanical mouse uses a rolling ball to detect movement

Mouse Alternatives Trackball Touchpad

Buttons, Sockets and Slots on a Desktop ComputerCh. 2.2

Front of Computer Case

Back of Computer Case

Peripherals You Can Use with Your Computer

Front of Computer Case Optical Disc Drive (CD-ROM or DVD-ROM

drive) let your computer read CDs and DVDs

Power Button Audio In/Audio Out USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port

Back of Computer Case Power Socket Audio In/Audio Out Ethernet Port

port for networking and also connecting to the internet

USB Ports Monitor Port

Back of Computer Case Expansion Slots

empty slots are where expansion cards are added to computers

Example video card

Serial Port PS/2 Parallel Port

Replaced by USB

Peripherals You Can Use with Your Computer Printers Scanners

allows you to copy an image or document and save it to your computer as a digital (computer-readable) image

Speakers/Headphones Microphones Web Cameras

Peripherals You Can Use with Your Computer Joystick or Game Controller Digital Cameras Mobile Phones, MP3 Players, Tablet

Computers and Other Devices