Computer Parts and Basic Function

Parts and
Basic Function
of a Computer
Four Function of a Computer
=Accepts data (Input). The act of entering data

into a computer or the data that is entered
into a computer.
=Processes data (Processing). The manipulation
of data into useful information by an information
processing machine.
=Produces output (output). The computer
generated information that is displayed to the
user such as a screen display, printed page, or
sound.
=Store result (Storage). The storing of
information in any storage device.
Computer Parts Defined
There are two basic parts of a computer: The

Hardware and Software
Understanding Hardware
Hardware is a term for the physical
components of a computer. This is the most
basic level on which the computer operates.
Always remember that information is
processed electronically.
Paradigm of a Computer Hardware Work
Computer hardware is made up of several
different parts.
Computer Case is the metal and plastic box

that contains the main components of the
computer.
Computer cases vary in-shapes and sizes.
Example are:
A desktop case lies flat on a desk, and
the monitor is usually on the top of it.
A tower case is tall and sits next to the
monitor or on the floor.
The front of the case usually has:
1. An on/off switch
2. Reset switch
3. CD or DVD drive
4. Floppy drive
5. USB Drive
6. Sound Out
7. Microphone In
At the back of the computer case are:
1. Monitor cable port

2. Keyboard port
3. Mouse port
4. Network cable
5. Microphone port
6. Speaker port
7. Auxiliary port
8. Printer port (SCSI or Parallel)
9. Power cord plug
10. USB port
Monitor. It resembles a television; this is where
the computer displays text and picture.
The monitor works with a video card located
inside the computer case to display images and
text on the screen.
Keyboard. A device similar to a typewriter keyboard used for
typing information into the computer.
Mouse. A hand – held device used to point, click, and
move objects on the monitor screen. Typically, a
mouse has two or three buttons used to move a
cursor around the screen.
The trackball, touchpad, and touch screen are
alternatives to the mouse. A trackball is similar to
mouse, but the ball that helps maneuver the cursor
is on top instead of underneath. When using a
touchpad or touchscreen, you can use your finger or a
tool called a stylus to move around the screen.
Modem. Used to connect to the internet and communicate
with other computer thru a telephone line.
Printer. A machine that prints a paper copy of what you
see on the monitor.
Three main types of printers.
Dot Matrix type. Produces characters and illustration by

striking pins against an ink ribbon.
Ink Jet Type. Shoots tiny drops of ink onto paper. It
provides good quality printing and can print in
color.
Laser type. A very expensive printer but produces beter
quality black text documents and print more pages
at minimal cost per print out compared to other
types. A laser printer usually costs more than an
inkjet. It produces better quality black text documents
and usually turns out more pages at a lower cost per
page than inkjets.
Central Processing Unit Explained
The Central Processing Unit (CPU), called a

microprocessor, is the brain of the computer. It execute
commands from a program. Anytime you press a key,
click the mouse, or start an application, you are sending
instructions to the CPU. The microprocessor determines
how fast a computer can execute instructions.
Storing Information Explained
Random Access Memory (RAM) is short-term memory in

the system. It accepts new information for temporary
storage. Data is temporary stored here you saved your
work to the hard disk. The short term memory is totally lost
when the computer is turned off.
Read Only Memory (ROM) you can access the
programs or data stored on ROMs but you
cannot store your own data or programs on
them. ROMs do not accept new information.
The Hard Disk Drive also known as Hard Disk on your
computer is were information is stored permanently.
This is long-term storage. It executes the instructions from
long – term storage into short – term storage. All installed
programs are stored in the hard disk. Usually, the hard disk is
called the Drive: C on most computers.
Floppy Disk Drive is also used for
long-term storage. The floppy
disk drives is known as Drive: A is used
for storing data.
Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD-
ROM) Drive accesses information on a
CD-ROM.
CD Writer is a device that can write CD-RW (Compact Disk
Rewritable) and CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable) discs, and
read CD-ROM discs. CD- RW discs may be written, erased
and rewritten, while CD-R discs may be written only once. The
terms CD-RW and CD-R may also refer to the CD writer itself.
DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read-Only Memory), refers to the
DVD media, or to the disk drive. DVD- ROM drives can read DVD
discs. All types of CDs, and can display movies from digital
video discs.
There are other computer accessories
like digicam, scanner, webcam,
headset and many more. To learn more
about these accessories, visit websites.
Understanding Software
Software is the set of instructions in

program computer hardware needs to be able
to work. The Software enables the computer
hardware to process any information. It is very
important for the software and hardware to
interact effectively in order for the computer to
perform the task requested by the user.
There are two categories of software:
System Software
The operating system is the most important
software on a computer. It is the primary program
that works with the hardware to manage all of the basic
tasks which the computer needs to perform. An
operating system must be in place before any other
software can run.
Application Software
Once the operating system is installed, other
software application program can be installed.
Paradigm of a Computer Software Work

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Parts and

=Accepts data (Input). The act of entering data

There are two basic parts of a computer: The

Computer Case is the metal and plastic box

1. Monitor cable port

Dot Matrix type. Produces characters and illustration by

The Central Processing Unit (CPU), called a

Random Access Memory (RAM) is short-term memory in

Software is the set of instructions in

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