Chapter 1 v.1

Fundamentals of a Personal Computer
(PC)
Chapter 1

of 25Chapter 1
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)

of 25Chapter 1
Functions of a PC
 Accepts data input from user
 Stores data
 Processes the input using instructions
 Displays processed data on output devices

of 25Chapter 1
Types of Computers
Types of Computers
Microcomputer Minicomputer Mainframe Supercomputer

of 25Chapter 1
Microcomputer – I
 Digital computer that works on a microprocessor
 Used in homes and offices
 Performs tasks such as word processing, desktop
publishing, and accounting

of 25Chapter 1
Microcomputer – II
Advantages
• Small size
• Low cost
• Portability
Disadvantages
• Low processing speed

of 25Chapter 1
Minicomputer – I
 Known as the mid-range server
 Medium sized multiprocessing and multi-user
computer
 Used by small sized companies

of 25Chapter 1
Minicomputer – II
Advantage
• Cater to multiple users
• Lower costs than mainframes
Disadvantage
• Large
• Bulky

of 25Chapter 1
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

of 25Chapter 1
Mainframe – II
Advantage
• Supports many users and instructions
• Large memory
Disadvantage
• Huge size
• Expensive

of 25Chapter 1
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

of 25Chapter 1
Components of a PC
 Input Devices
 Output Devices
 Storage Devices
 Processing Devices
 Communication Devices
 Infrastructure

of 25Chapter 1
Input Devices
 Used to enter data in computer
 Different types are:
• Keyboard
• Pointing Devices
• Scanner
• Digital Camera

of 25Chapter 1
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

of 25Chapter 1
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

of 25Chapter 1
Processing Devices
 Computer main function is to process data
 Various types of processing devices are:
• Microprocessor
• Chipset
• BIOS

of 25Chapter 1
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

of 25Chapter 1
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

of 25Chapter 1
Discuss case study from CBT

of 25Chapter 1
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

of 25Chapter 1
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

of 25Chapter 1
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

of 25Chapter 1
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

of 25Chapter 1
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

of 25Chapter 1
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 v.1

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

Similar to Chapter 1 v.1

Similar to Chapter 1 v.1 (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Chapter 1 v.1