COMPUTING FUNDAMENTALS

Innovative
Training Works Computer Hardware
 Objectives:

 Identify types of computers and how they process information

 Determine the functions of computer hardware components

 Enumerate the factors to consider when buying computer

equipment

 Identify how to maintain computer equipment and solve

common problems

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 What is a computer?
Computer is an electronic device that accepts,
processes, stores, and outputs data at high speeds
according to programmed instructions.

There are two basic components

that make up a computer:
hardware and software.

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 A computer…
 Is the greatest invention since
man learned to use electricity.

 Affects almost every aspect of

people‘s lives

 Is no smarter than the humans

who program them.

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 Uses of Computers:
 Word processing
 Calculations
 Communication
 Computer-assisted learning
 Research
 Presentations
 Database management
 Automation
 Entertainment

Back Next: Parts of a Computer

 Parts of the Computer

System Unit
Monitor

Printer

Mouse
Keyboard
Back Next: Types of Computers
 Types of Computers
Supercomputer

Biggest processing capacity

Fastest calculation ability
Used for weather forecasting,
climate research, nuclear research
etc.
IBM Roadrunner

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 Types of Computers
Mainframe

High service availability

Can be continuously operated
for years without interruptions
Used for credit card
transactions, census, banking
system etc.

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 Types of Computers
Minicomputer

Class of multi-user computer

Used as servers

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 Types of Computers
Microcomputer

Single-user computer
 Begins its popularity in
1970
 Used for word processing,
presentations, spreadsheet
etc.

Back Next: Types of Microcomputers

 Common Types of Microcomputers
Laptop/Notebook Macintosh (Mac) Handheld/PDA

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 Common Types of Microcomputers

Personal Computer (PC)

 Launched in 1980 by IBM

 Usually runs with Windows as OS
 Most popular type of computer
in use today

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Next: Components of a Microcomputer
 The Four Main Components of a Microcomputer

INPUT DEVICES
Input devices allow us to enter information into the computer. They include keyboards,
mice, scanners, and microphones.

PROCESSING DEVICES
Processing components manipulate the information once it is "in" the computer. In the
microcomputer there is a set of common components consisting of the central processing
unit (CPU), interface components, and memory (RAM).

STORAGE DEVICES
Storage devices store the entered information and programs for future use. Common
storage devices include hard disks, floppy disks, and CD-ROMs.

OUTPUT DEVICES
Output devices are how the manipulated information is returned to us. They commonly
include video monitors, printers, and speakers.

Back Parts of the System Unit

 The System Unit
Combo

RAM
RAM

Network Card

PCI/AGP
Slot
ROM-BIOS

Back 1. Common Hardware Problems 2. Buying a computer 3. Next: Software

 Input Devices

Keyboard Microphone

Scanner
Mouse
Other Input Devices
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 Other Input Devices

Digital Camera Web

Camera
Touch screen

Barcode Reader
Back to Menu
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 Processing Device
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Also known as the microprocessor
 Performs calculations
Compares data
Processes results

Note: Random-Access Memory (RAM) helps

in processing the information
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CPU’s speed

CPU SPEED RELEASE DATE

Core 2 Quad 3.33 Ghz 2006
Intel Core 2 1.06 GHz to 3.33 GHz 2006
Intel Core 1.06 GHz to 2.33 GHz 2006
Pentium 4 1.3 GHz to 3.8 GHz 2000
Pentium III 450 MHz to 1 GHz 1999
Pentium II 266 MHz 1997
Pentium 133 MHz 1993
486 66 MHz 1989
386 25 MHz 1985
80286 12.5 MHz 1982
8088 8 MHz 1979

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 Storage Devices
Types of Storage
1. Primary Storage
a. RAM - Random Access Memory
b. ROM - Read Only Memory
2. Secondary Storage

Measuring Memory

Storage Devices/Media
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 Storage Devices/Media

Hard Disk Drive CD/DVD

(HDD) Drive

More Storage Devices/Media

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 More Storage Devices/Media
Types of CDs and DVDs:
•Read-Only
•Recordable
•Rewritable

Flash Card
Diskette

USB Flash Drive

Back to Menu
Output Devices

Printer
Monitor

Projector Speakers
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Monitors

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)

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Parts of the Keyboard
Function Keys Numeric Keypad

Cursor Keys
Alphanumeric Keys

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Parts of a Mouse
Mouse Actions:
Right Button
1. Click
2. Double-click
3. Right-Click

Left Button 4. Point

5. Drag

Wheel
(Not always
available) Palm Rest

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Printers

Dot Matrix

Inkjet
Laser Back
Motherboard

www.desktop-computer-guide.net

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Measuring Memory
Unit Abbreviation Size

Bit - [Smallest Unit]

Byte - 8 Bits

Kilobyte KB 1, 024 bytes

Megabyte MB 1, 048, 576 bytes

Gigabyte GB 1, 073,741,824
bytes/1, 024 MB
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Central Processing Unit (CPU)

CPU Fan

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Random-Access Memory

SDRAM
SDRAM Photo courtesy of: www.oamao.com

DDRAM

DDRAM 3
DDRAM 2

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Hard Disk Drive

Serial Advanced Technology

Attachment

Advantages:
1. Speed (data transfer) Paralell Advanced
2. Temperature Technology Attachment
3. Connectivity

Cross-section of HD
Hard Disk Drive

Cross-section of HDD

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3.5” Floppy Disk
Drive

Courtesy www.yedata.com

3.5 “ Floppy Disk

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PC Ports

Photo courtesy of: www.coolnerds.com Back

ROM Drive

CD / DVD

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Video Card

VGA Port

DVI Port

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AGP/ AGP Slot

AGP Slot

PCI Slot

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Power Supply

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Ethernet Card

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ROM-BIOS

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 Common Hardware Problems
 Computer won’t start
 Mouse is not working well/at all
 Keyboard is not working
 Printer: Paper Jams

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 Factors that affect computer
performance
 Viruses- Trojans, Spywares, Malwares
 Conflict OS version and hardware requirements
 No device driver installers
 Power Failures
 Lack of hard disk space
 Low memory

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 How to maintain your computer
 Disk Cleanup
 Defragmentation
 Protect from the following:
 Temperature Extremes
 Fire, Smoke, Dust, Bugs

 Earthquake

 Food, Drinks, Water

 Power Outages

 Theft

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 How to Buy a PC
 What is my purpose of buying a PC?
 What OS will best support the applications that I
will use?
 Do I need portability?
 Do I need versatility?
 How about the warranties?

Back Maintenance Basic Troubleshooting Installing New Software

Computing Fundamentals