Inside a Computer

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Block Diagram of a Computer

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Components of a computer
• Computers are made of electronic parts called components.
• Each component has a specific function.
• They all work together when a computer is operated.
• Some of the components can be seen partly from the outside.
• Some components are hidden inside the computer where we can’t
see them

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Components inside the computer
• Type System in search box of the desktop and press enter

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Speed of CPU
• What does 1.80 GHz mean?
• This stands for 1.80 Giga Hertz.
• Mega means million and Giga means billions.
• Hertz means cycles per second.
1.8 GHz = 1.8 billion cycles per second
• CPU needs one or more cycles to perform an action.
• More cycles per seconds means more instructions can be processed per
second.
• So, the higher the Hertz, the faster the computer can process instructions

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Processor (CPU)
The Central Processing Unit (CPU), also called a processor, is the brain
of the computer. It executes instructions in response to commands.
• A processor’s speed is measured in Megahertz (MHZ), or Gigahertz
(GHZ).
• The CPU is generally a 2 inch ceramic square with a silicon chip
located inside. The chip is usually about the size of a thumbnail.

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 Main Memory
• Main memory is used to store programs and data when CPU
is processing.
• RAM (Random Access Memory) is also called main memory.
• RAM is used to store data and instructions that are
currently being processed by a computer’s CPU.
• Data is temporarily stored here until the work is saved to
the hard disk.
• The data in RAM is erased when power is switch off.
• RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB).
• The more RAM a computer has, the more things a
computer can do at the same time and the faster a
computer performs tasks.

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Backup
• Backup of data and information that you create is important.
• Many backup options are available, like mailing a copy of the content
to yourself, taking a backup on pen drive, a CD/DVD, another
computer.
• This ensures that even if one device fails you have a copy of the
content (documents, paintings, projects, etc.) that is created using a
computer.

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 Secondary Storage
• Secondary storage is where the information is stored permanently till
explicitly deleted.
• Information is moved between main memory and secondary memory as
and when needed.
• On power off of a computer, data on hard disk and other secondary
storage devices is not erased.
• The hard disk drive is the data center of the computer. Operating system,
software, content (created and saved by users) are stored here.
• The hard disk drive is long-term storage where information is stored
permanently until explicitly deleted by user. This is usually found inside a
computer.
• CD/DVD and pen drive are removable storage devices. These can be
used to backup important data and information. It is also sometimes
used to distribute or share information, books, software, games, etc.
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Input/output (I/O) devices

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Input/output (I/O) devices
• An input device converts data and instructions entered using the
device into a pattern of electrical signals in binary code that can be
processed by a digital computer.
• A user inputs data and instructions (example: using a keyboard),
initiates a task (Example: using a mouse), transfers images (example:
using a web camera), using the input devices.
• An output device reverses the process, translating the digitized
signals into a form understandable to the user.
• The computer displays processed information (example: a print out of
the information or audio, video) through the output devices.

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User interactions are facilitated through I/O
devices

• Keyboard, mouse, scanner, webcam are examples of input devices.

• Monitor, printer, speakers are examples of output devices.
• Some devices can handle both input and output. Network is one such
example.
• Network device called network card in a computer is both input and
output device. 12
Connection Ports
Function of a port:
• A port is an interface between the computer and other computers or
peripheral devices.
• It provides a signal transfer between devices.
• A port is connected from inside to expansion cards which are plugged
into the motherboard and are connected to other components by
cables which are long, flat bands that contain electrical wiring.
• The ports are controlled through the expansion cards.

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Connection Ports
• At the back of a desktop computer various connection ports are
available to connect the external devices and power.
• On a laptop these are available on the left and right side edges.
• Some common ports and their details are as follows:
1. PS/2 Port: Used to connect the mouse and keyboard.
2. Ethernet Port: Used to connect the network cable.
3. Audio In/Audio Out: Connect various devices, including speakers,
microphones, headsets, and more Audio.
4. VGA Port: Monitor is connected to this port.
5. USB Port: The Universal Serial Bus port is the most useful port. These USB
ports let you attach a variety of devices such as mouse, printers, keyboards,
web cameras, USB/flash drives, and digital cameras to the computer quickly.
Almost every peripheral made comes in a USB version.
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Power Supply
• The power supply unit in a computer converts the
power from the wall outlet to the type of power
needed by the computer.
• It converts mains AC to low-voltage regulated DC
power for the internal components of a computer
• Also provide a signal to the motherboard to indicate
when the DC voltages are in spec, so that the
computer is able to safely power up and boot.
• The power supply unit sends power through the
cables to the motherboard and other components.

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 Motherboard
• The motherboard is the computer’s main circuit board.
• It’s a thin plate that holds the CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory,
connectors for the hard drive and optical drives, as well as various
external ports and peripherals.
• Motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of the
computer.
• The motherboard’s main job is to hold the computer’s microprocessor
chip and let everything else connect to it.
• Everything that runs the computer or enhances its performance is
either part of the motherboard or plugs into it via a slot or port.

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 BIOS software and booting
• Basic input output system (BIOS) is the first software that runs on a computer when
powered on.
• First job of BIOS is to initialize and identify devices such as the display card, keyboard,
mouse, hard disk, CD/DVD drive and other hardware.
• The BIOS then finds the operating system software that is provided on a hard disk or a
CD and loads the operating system and gives it control of the computer.
• This process is known as booting.
• Booting is the process that occurs when power button is pressed to turn the computer
on.
• BIOS are usually stored on a Flash memory, an electronic chip on the motherboard.
• Flash memory provides fast, permanent storage and can be easily updated.
• Some of the other devices where it is used are digital cameras, gaming devices.
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Things you need to look for when buying a new computer
• RAM :
Although Windows 10 requires a minimum of 1GB on 32-bit and 2GB on 64-bit (macOS
requires 2GB minimum), that’s not nearly enough for a smooth experience.
If you’re shopping around for a new computer, always go for at least 8GB of RAM.
If you’re planning on multitasking and doing more on your computer than everyday tasks, go
for at least 16GB.
• Processor:
Intel’s entry-level Core i3 chips are the cheapest but least powerful processors available.
The mid-range Core i5 chips are suitable for people who want a good balance between
performance and cost.
Computers with Core i7 and i9 chips are more expensive, but more powerful

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Things you need to look for when buying a new computer
• Storage
Two types of computer storage types to choose from: HDD (hard disk drive) and SSD (solid
state drive).
HDDs use rapidly spinning magnetic disks called “platters” to store information.
SSDs use flash memory (similar to what smartphones and tablets use).
Computers with SSDs are more expensive but their read and write rates are much faster than
computers with conventional HDDs.
SSDs don’t have moving parts too so they’re lighter, cooler, quieter, more efficient and are
harder to damage than a conventional drive.
With these advantages, always choose a computer with an SSD over one with a conventional
hard drive.
They might be more expensive but their speed and efficiency are definitely worth the
difference.
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Things you need to look for when buying a new computer
• Screen size:
Laptop displays typically range between 11 and 17 inches and if you’re planning on running multiple
windows, the extra screen real estate will make a big difference.
The bigger the screen, the less portable a laptop will be.
Bigger screen laptops will also have less battery life, so take that into consideration when choosing
one.
With desktops, portability and battery life obviously doesn’t matter but most people choose 24-inch
or larger monitors.
• Resolution:
Display’s resolution will determine how sharp your screen will appear.
Most budget laptops only come in 720p, decent enough for smaller display sizes, but aim for at least a
1080p (1920 x 1080) display.
High-end computers typically come with Ultra HD/4K displays but as usual, they are more expensive.

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Things you need to look for when buying a new computer
• Size and weight:
The size and weight of desktops don’t matter that much, but for laptops, portability is a big
factor.
If you’re planning on taking your laptop with you all the time, pick one that has a 13-inch
screen or smaller.
Some high-end laptops called ultrabooks can be amazingly slim and light.
If you’re on a budget and still prefer performance over portability, a thicker and heavier
laptop can be selected.
• Operating system
• Price
• VGA

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