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