Basic

Computer
Components
WHAT IS COMPUTER?
A machine that can
be programmed to
automatically carry
out sequences of
arithmetic or logical
operations
It has the ability to
store, retrieve and
process data.
ELEMENTS OF COMPUTER
1. Hardware
Refers to the physical components of a computer
(what you see & touch)
It consist pf interconnected devices that control the
operations of a computer.
-Input hardware – keyboard, mouse, printer

-Output hardware – monitor,screen,printer

-Processing & memory hardware- CPU, RAM
-Secondary storage hardware –
ELEMENTS OF COMPUTER
2. Software
Refers to the collection of electronic instructions
that tells the computer what to do
A computer program that is installed in your
computer like MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint
System software – a computer program that
coordinates the activity of a computer
Application software – a computer program that
performs a specific task.
ELEMENTS OF COMPUTER
3.People
- Also known as “liveware” they are the ultimate
“users” of the computer system.
1. Programmers- professionals
2. System Analist- Designer of data processing
systems
3. End users- operators
 ELEMENTS
4. Data
OF COMPUTER
Can be classified as:
1. Formatted data- includes the numerical or
alphabetical data
2. Text- a series of letters
3. Image- a data in the form of picture, graph or
hand-drawn picture
4. Audio- a data in the form of sounds
5. Video- combined pictures that are portrayed to
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES OF COMPUTER
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
–Often referred to as the brain of the
computer, the CPU performs calculations
and processes instructions from software
applications.
2. Motherboard
-This is the main circuit board that
connects all components of the computer,
allowing them to communicate with each
other.
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES OF COMPUTER

3. Random Access
Memory (RAM)
- is the temporary storage
that the CPU uses to store
data that is actively being
used or processed. More
RAM allows for better
multitasking and
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES OF COMPUTER

4. Storage Devices
-Hard Disk Drive (HDD)- A
traditional storage device that
uses spinning disks to read/write
data.

-Solid State Drive (SSD)- A

faster storage option that uses
flash memory, providing quicker
access to data.
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES OF COMPUTER
5. Power Supply Unit (PSU)
-This component converts electrical power
from an outlet into usable power for the
computer’s internal components.

6. Input Devices
 Keyboard- Used for typing and entering
commands.
 Mouse- A pointing device that allows users
to interact with the computer’s graphical
PARTS AND ACCESSORIES OF COMPUTER
7. Output Devices
Monitor- Displays visual output from the computer.
Printer- Produces a physical copy of digital documents.

8. Graphics Card
 -This component processes images and video,
enhancing the visual experience, particularly in
gaming and graphic design.
 PARTS AND ACCESSORIES OF COMPUTER
9. Cooling System
- Includes fans or liquid cooling
systems that help maintain optimal
operating temperatures for the CPU
and other components.

10.Network Interface Card (NIC)

– Enables the computer to connect to
networks, allowing for internet access
and communication with other devices.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTER
According to Size
1.Supercomputers
- Extremely powerful
computers used for
complex calculations and
large-scale simulations,
often utilized in scientific
research and weather
forecasting.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTER
2. Mainframe
Computers
- Large, powerful
systems used primarily
by large organizations
for bulk data processing
and critical applications.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTER
3. Minicomputers
- computers that can
support multiple
users simultaneously,
often used in
manufacturing and
research.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTER
4. Microcomputers
- Commonly known as
personal computers
(PCs), these are
designed for individual
users and are widely
used in homes and
offices.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTER
According to Capacity
1. Analog Computers
- Process continuous
data and are used for
tasks like measuring
physical quantities (e.g.,
speed, temperature).
CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTER
2. Digital Computers
- Use discrete values
(0-off) and 1-on) and
are the most common
type of computers
today, suitable for a
wide range of
applications.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTER
3. Hybrid Computers
- Combine features of
both analog and digital
computers, often used
in specialized fields
like medical
instrumentation.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTER
 By Purpose
1. General-Purpose
Computers-Designed
to perform a variety of
tasks, such as word
processing, web
browsing, and gaming.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTER
2. Special-Purpose
Computers
- Built for specific tasks or
applications, like embedded
systems in appliances or
control systems in vehicles.
CLASSIFICATIONS
According to
OF COMPUTER
Functionality
1. Desktop Computers
- Designed for regular use
at a single location,
typically consisting of
separate components like
a monitor, keyboard, and
CPU.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTER
2. Laptop Computers
- Portable computers
that integrate all
components into a
single unit, allowing
for mobility.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTER
3. Tablets & Smartphones
- Mobile devices that offer
computing capabilities with
touch interfaces, suitable for
communication and light
computing tasks.
BASIC COMPUTER OPERATIONS
1. Input- keyboards, scanners
2. Processing- CPU
3. Output- monitors, printers, speakers
4. Storage-hard drives, cloud storage
COMPUTER VIRUSES AND ANTI-VIRUSES
Types of Computer Viruses- file infectors,
macro viruses, boot sector viruses, and
polymorphic viruses.
 Symptoms of Infection- common signs of a
virus infection include slow computer performance,
frequent crashes, unexpected pop-up messages,
and unusual behavior of software.
COMPUTER VIRUSES AND ANTI-VIRUSES
Antivirus Software- Antivirus programs are
designed to detect, prevent, and remove viruses
from computers.
Importance of Regular Updates- Keeping
antivirus software updated is crucial, as new viruses
are constantly being developed.
Preventive Measures- Users can protect their
systems by avoiding suspicious downloads, using
firewalls, and being cautious with email
attachments and links.
 Mouse- A mouse is a pointing device that allows users to interact with a
computer’s graphical user interface.
1. Mouse pad- keeps the mouse dust free
2. Mouse pointer – the small arrow appear on the monitor
3. Mouse click- pressing and realising of the mouse button
4. Left click- use to select an item on the monitor
5. Right click- use to open a list of actions for a selected item
6. Double click- use to select and open an item on the monitor
7. Dragging – use to move an item on the monitor
8. Wireless mouse- cordless mouse
Keyboard- is an input device that consists of a set
of keys used to enter text, numbers, and commands
into a computer.