Fundamentals of a Personal Computer (PC)

Chapter 1

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

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)

Chapter 1

Slide 2 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

Functions of a PC
Accepts data input from user Stores data Processes the input using instructions Displays processed data on output devices

Chapter 1

Slide 3 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

Types of Computers
Types of Computers

Microcomputer

Minicomputer

Mainframe

Supercomputer

Chapter 1

Slide 4 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

Microcomputer I
Digital computer that works on a microprocessor Used in homes and offices Performs tasks such as word processing, desktop publishing, and accounting

Chapter 1

Slide 5 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

Microcomputer II
Advantages
Small size Low cost Portability

Disadvantages
Low processing speed

Chapter 1

Slide 6 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

Minicomputer I
Known as the mid-range server Medium sized multiprocessing and multi-user computer Used by small sized companies

Chapter 1

Slide 7 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

Minicomputer II
Advantage
Cater to multiple users Lower costs than mainframes

Disadvantage
Large Bulky

Chapter 1

Slide 8 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

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

Chapter 1

Slide 9 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

Mainframe II
Advantage
Supports many users and instructions Large memory

Disadvantage
Huge size Expensive

Chapter 1

Slide 10 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

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

Chapter 1

Slide 11 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

Components of a PC
Input Devices Output Devices Storage Devices Processing Devices Communication Devices Infrastructure

Chapter 1

Slide 12 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

Input Devices
Used to enter data in computer Different types are:
Keyboard Pointing Devices Scanner Digital Camera

Chapter 1

Slide 13 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

Output Devices
Used to display or produce processed data Monitors and printers used to display output Different types of output devices are:

Chapter 1

Display System Display Card Sound Card Printers Fax

Slide 14 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

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

Chapter 1

Slide 15 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

Processing Devices
Computer main function is to process data Various types of processing devices are:
Microprocessor Chipset BIOS

Chapter 1

Slide 16 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

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

Chapter 1

Slide 17 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

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

Chapter 1

Slide 18 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

Discuss case study from CBT

Chapter 1

Slide 19 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

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

Chapter 1

Slide 20 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

Introducing the Front and Back Side of the PC I

Back side of PC contains:
Power supply and the cooling fan Input and output ports of the PC Connect devices to the ports at back of the PC

Chapter 1

Slide 21 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

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

Chapter 1

Slide 22 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

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

Chapter 1

Slide 23 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

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
Chapter 1 Slide 24 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

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
Chapter 1 Slide 25 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.

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
Chapter 1 Slide 26 of 25

Release 16/7/2009

Jetking Infotrain Ltd.