1. Computer Hardware The physical part of a computer

2. Introduction The physical parts of a computer are calledhardware. In this chapter, we will examine thedifferent types of hardware according to four groups: The system unit, Input devices, Output devices, Storage devices. 3. The System UnitAll of the main components of a computer 4. Chassis (Case) 5. Power Supply 6. Power Supply 7. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) 8. Mainboard 9. The ROM-BIOS (Read Only Memory-BasicInput Output System)This chip is a special ROM microchip on yourcomputers mainboard. It ensures that the BIOS willalways be available and will not be damaged by diskfailures. It also makes it possible for a computer toboot itself. 10. The ROM-BIOS (Read Only Memory-BasicInput Output System) 11. System BusesEvery component in the computer must be able tocommunicate with the CPU through the motherboard.This connection is done via a collection of copper orgold tracings attached to the motherboard.These tiny wires are calledbuses. Buses carry data andcontrol messages betweenthe components. 12. The Bus Arbitration (Chipset) The bus arbitration chipset is an integrated circuit onthe motherboard. It controls how the mainboardbuses are used. If two different devices try to use thesame bus at the same time, it can cause a problem.The bus arbitrator prevents this problem. 13. Expansion Slots Expansion slots hold expansion cards (such as avideo card, sound card, or network card) andconnect them to the buses. 14. ATA and ATAPI Interfaces ATA (advanced technology attachment) is the real namefor the mass storage device (such as hard disks, solid-state drives, and CD-ROM drives) interface, frequentlycalled IDE (integrated drive electronics)or EIDE(enhanced IDE). 15. Peripheral Connectors 16. Internal Speaker 17. Central Processing Unit (CPU) A central processing unit (CPU) or processor is anelectronic circuit that can execute computerprograms. The CPU is one of the most importantcomponents inside your computer. It is like the brainof your computer, because it performs all thecomputer calculations. CPU speed is measured ingigahertz (GHz) and has an important effect on theoverall speed of your computer. 18. Central Processing Unit (CPU) 19. Memory (RAM) RAM (Random Access Memory) is temporarymemory that the computer uses to store applicationsand data that are in use, for example, the operatingsystem, and a word processor or database program.RAM is called random access because any storagelocation can be accessed directly. When you createdata such as a letter or a picture, the computerstores the data in RAM and then copies them to thehard disk when you save your work. 20. Memory (RAM) 21. Expansion Cards An expansion card (also known as an add-on card,internal card, or interface adapter) is an electronicboard added in a desktop computer to provide orexpand features not offered by the motherboard.Expansion cards need device drivers to functionproperly. 22. Some Types of Expansion Cards Video cards Sound cards Network cards TV tuner cards Video processing cards Modems 23. Graphic card