chapter 1 fundamentals of a personal computer pc

8/2/2019 Chapter 1 Fundamentals of a Personal Computer PC

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Fundamentals of a Personal Computer (PC)
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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, desktoppublishing, 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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Super Computer 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

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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 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 ConfigurationProgram.

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 andproduces output.

Personal Computer performs a wide range of functionslike data processing, programming, playing audio, videoand games.

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

System case provides protective cover for all importantcomponents 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 directcurrent.

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.

chapter 1 fundamentals of a personal computer pc

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