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Components of A Computer

The document discusses the key components of a computer including hardware, software, and firmware. It defines hardware as the physical elements like the keyboard, monitor, and drives. Software is described as computer programs like the operating system and applications. Firmware is software permanently placed in hardware like a BIOS chip. It also outlines the basic functions of input, processing, storage, output, and networking/communications. Finally, it reviews common ports and connectors used to connect hardware devices to a computer.

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Ronnel Tangtang
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47 views

Components of A Computer

The document discusses the key components of a computer including hardware, software, and firmware. It defines hardware as the physical elements like the keyboard, monitor, and drives. Software is described as computer programs like the operating system and applications. Firmware is software permanently placed in hardware like a BIOS chip. It also outlines the basic functions of input, processing, storage, output, and networking/communications. Finally, it reviews common ports and connectors used to connect hardware devices to a computer.

Uploaded by

Ronnel Tangtang
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Components of a Computer

As a PC technician, it is very important that you understand the common components of a computer. The
following table contains the three basic elements that make up a computer:

Term Definition

The physical components that work together to make a computer system or network.
Hardware components include:

Hardware  Keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer


 Connectors and cables
 Drives
 Circuit boards

Computer programs that perform specific tasks. Software components include:

 Operating System
Software  Program applications
 Hardware drivers (special programs that tell the operating system how to use the
hardware)

Software that has been permanently placed in a hardware component. An example of


Firmware
firmware is a BIOS chip.

Computers perform the functions listed in the following table:

Function Description

Input The process of sending data to the computer. Input devices include:

 Standard input devices:


o Mouse
o Keyboard
o Digitizer
o Touchscreen
 Gaming input devices:
o Game pads
o Joysticks
 Media input devices:
o Scanner
o Digital cameras
o Webcam
o Camcorder
 Audio input devices:
o Microphone
o MIDI-enabled devices

The event of a program being loaded, retrieved, transmitted, or executed.


Major processing components include:

Processing
 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
 RAM

The act of keeping or maintaining data. Storage devices include:

 Hard disk drive


Storage  Floppy disk drive
 Optical drives (CD-ROM, DVD, and Blu-ray)
 Flash drives

The process of the computer presenting, displaying, or otherwise giving data.


Output devices include:

Output  Video
 Audio
 Printing

Networking is a specialized form of input and output that entails using media
Networking and
(cable) and devices (routers, switches) to link multiple computers into an
Communications
interconnected unit.

Modern PC repair and maintenance is facilitated by increasing componentization and  standardization.

 Because of componentization, a working PC is a combination of many different parts. Each


component, also called a Field-Replaceable Unit (FRU), can be replaced when faulty or
upgraded to provide additional functionality. Replacing a single component is cheaper than
replacing the entire PC. And in most cases, replacing the component is easier and cheaper than
repairing the component.
 Because of standardization, components from many different manufacturers are interchangeable.
As long as the component meets the standards, you can be reasonably confident that it will
work in the system.
Ports and Connectors

You should be familiar with the following types of ports and connectors, where they are located, and
which devices they support:

Port/Cable Common Device(s)

Serial devices (such as a serial mouse or


external modem)

CGA/EGA monitor (obsolete)


                
DB-9 Serial port

Printers

             
DB-25 Parallel port

Joystick or MIDI device (game port)

             
DB-15 (two rows)
VGA/SVGA monitor

             
High Density DB-15 (three rows)

Digital monitor

            
DVI Video port

PS/2-style keyboard or mouse


By convention, purple connectors are used
            for the keyboard, and green connectors
6-pin Mini-DIN are used for the mouse.

Speaker or microphone
Common color codes for connectors are:
     
 Red (pink) = Mic In
 Blue = Line In
 Green = Line Out
TRS                              

Internal modem or telephone


                
RJ-11 (four wires)

Ethernet network

            
RJ-45 (eight wires)
Printer 
Scanner
        Camera
Printer
Mouse
Keyboard
         External CD-ROM drive
USB Type A MP3 player
PDA

Video cameras (most common)


Less commonly, similar devices that use
USB connectors such as printers or
          external drives
Firewire 6-pin

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