BASIC COMPUTER (VH GOHEL)

Fundamentals of a Personal Computer

(PC)

Chapter 1

Slide 2 of 25 Chapter 1

BASIC COMPUTER-HARDWARE

VISHAL H GOHEL

LECTURER OF COMPUTER DEPT

GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC BHUJ

9638893297


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)


Functions of a PC

Accepts data input from user

Stores data

Processes the input using instructions

Displays processed data on output devices


Types of Computers

Types of Computers

Microcomputer Minicomputer Mainframe Supercomputer


Microcomputer – I

Digital computer that works on a microprocessor

Used in homes and offices

Performs tasks such as word processing, desktop

publishing, and accounting


Microcomputer – II

Advantages

• Small size

• Low cost

• Portability

Disadvantages

• Low processing speed


Minicomputer – I

Known as the mid-range server

Medium sized multiprocessing and multi-user

computer

Used by small sized companies


Minicomputer – II

Advantage

• Cater to multiple users

• Lower costs than mainframes

Disadvantage

• Large

• Bulky


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


Mainframe – II

Advantage

• Supports many users and instructions

• Large memory

Disadvantage

• Huge size

• Expensive


Supercomputer

Fastest and expensive

Used by applications for molecular chemistry, nuclear

research, weather reports, and advanced physics

Consists of several computers that work in parallel as a

single system

Advantage

• Speed

Disadvantage

• Generate a large amount of heat during operation


Components of a PC

Input Devices

Output Devices

Storage Devices

Processing Devices

Communication Devices

Infrastructure


Input Devices

Used to enter data in computer

Different types are:

• Keyboard

• Pointing Devices

• Scanner

• Digital Camera


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


Storage Devices

Used to store data in the computers

Different types of storage devices are:

• Magnetic Devices – Floppy, Zip drive

• Optical devices – CD, DVD

• Solid-State Storage devices – Flash memory, memory

cards

• Digital Audio Tape


Processing Devices

Computer main function is to process data

Various types of processing devices are:

• Microprocessor

• Chipset

• BIOS


Communication Devices

Establish communication between computer using

different cables, interfaces and wireless devices

Various types of communication devices are:

• Interfaces – ATA, SCSI

• I/O Ports and Cables – Serial, Parallel, USB

• LAN Card

• Modem

• Network Cables – STP, UTP, Fiber Optic Cable


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


Discuss case study from CBT


Introducing the Front and Back Side of

the PC (show it practically)

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


Starting a PC for the First Time – I (show it

from CBT and discuss self check from CBT

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


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


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


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


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

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BASIC COMPUTER (VH GOHEL)