This chapter teaches the components that make up a personal computer. A personal computer comprises many components, most notably the CPU, motherboard, RAM, hard disk, removable media, and input/output devices.
Identify the functions of the hardware in a computer system:
· Motherboard is an important computer component because it's what everything else connects to! The motherboard is a decently sized circuit board that lets other components communicate.
· Central Processing Unit (CPU)
is referred to as a computer's brain and is the machine's workhorse. It performs the calculations needed by a system and can vary in speed.
· Random-access Memory (RAM)
is temporary memory.
· Graphics Card- The major work of the graphics card is to create graphics and images that can be shown on a monitor. If your computer does not have a graphics card, you will not see the data, and the computer would be useless.
· Hard Drive- Hard drive would be another component of a computer. A hard drive is used to store programs and files on your computer.
· Network Card- A network card would be a separate card or integrated into the motherboard. The major work of a network card is to enable your computer to connect to the network and Internet.
· Monitor- It is an important component of the computer. Even though the computer is great, without a monitor, it also would be useless.
· USB Ports- USB port is also one of the most important computer components. The USB port enables you to connect some computer accessories, such as a mouse, keyboard, external hard drive, etc. So, it would be an essential part of the computer.
Computer hardware (usually called
hardware when a computing context is concerned) is the collection of physical elements that constitutes a computer system. Computer hardware is the physical parts or components of a computer, such as a monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, hard disk drive (HDD), graphic cards, sound cards, memory, motherboard, etc., which are tangible, physical objects. In contrast, the software is instructions that can be stored and run by hardware.
Software is any machine-readable instruction that directs a computer's processor to perform specific operations. A combination of hardware and software forms a usable computing system.
Von Neumann Architecture Scheme
The template for all modern computers is the Von Neumann architecture, detailed in a 1945 paper by Hungarian mathematician John von Neumann. This describes a design architecture for an electronic digital computer with subdivisions of a processing unit consisting of an arithmetic logic unit and processor registers, a control unit containing an instruction register and program counter, a memory to store both data and instructions, external mass storage, and input and output mechanisms.[3] The term's meaning has evolved to mean a stored-program computer where an instruction fetch and a data operation cannot co.
This chapter teaches the components that make up a personal comput.docx
1. This chapter teaches the components that make up a personal
computer. A personal computer comprises many components,
most notably the CPU, motherboard, RAM, hard disk,
removable media, and input/output devices.
Identify the functions of the hardware in a computer system:
· Motherboard is an important computer component because it's
what everything else connects to! The motherboard is a decently
sized circuit board that lets other components communicate.
· Central Processing Unit (CPU)
is referred to as a computer's brain and is the machine's
workhorse. It performs the calculations needed by a system and
can vary in speed.
· Random-access Memory (RAM)
is temporary memory.
· Graphics Card- The major work of the graphics card is to
create graphics and images that can be shown on a monitor. If
your computer does not have a graphics card, you will not see
the data, and the computer would be useless.
· Hard Drive- Hard drive would be another component of a
computer. A hard drive is used to store programs and files on
your computer.
· Network Card- A network card would be a separate card or
integrated into the motherboard. The major work of a network
card is to enable your computer to connect to the network and
Internet.
· Monitor- It is an important component of the computer. Even
though the computer is great, without a monitor, it also would
be useless.
· USB Ports- USB port is also one of the most important
computer components. The USB port enables you to connect
some computer accessories, such as a mouse, keyboard, external
hard drive, etc. So, it would be an essential part of the
2. computer.
Computer hardware (usually called
hardware when a computing context is concerned) is the
collection of physical elements that constitutes a computer
system. Computer hardware is the physical parts or components
of a computer, such as a monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer
data storage, hard disk drive (HDD), graphic cards, sound cards,
memory, motherboard, etc., which are tangible, physical
objects. In contrast, the software is instructions that can be
stored and run by hardware.
Software is any machine-readable instruction that directs a
computer's processor to perform specific operations. A
combination of hardware and software forms a usable
computing system.
Von Neumann Architecture Scheme
The template for all modern computers is the Von Neumann
architecture, detailed in a 1945 paper by Hungarian
mathematician John von Neumann. This describes a design
architecture for an electronic digital computer with subdivisions
of a processing unit consisting of an arithmetic logic unit and
processor registers, a control unit containing an instruction
register and program counter, a memory to store both data and
instructions, external mass storage, and input and output
mechanisms.[3] The term's meaning has evolved to mean a
stored-program computer where an instruction fetch and a data
operation cannot coincide because they share a common bus.
This is referred to as the Von Neumann bottleneck and often
limits the system's performance.
Sales
For the third consecutive year, U.S. business-to-business
channel sales (sales through distributors and commercial
resellers) increased, ending 2013 up nearly 6 percent at $61.7
3. billion. The impressive growth was the fastest sales increase
since the recession's end. Sales growth accelerated in the second
half of the year, peaking in the fourth quarter with a 6.9 percent
increase over the fourth quarter of 2012.
Different Systems
There are several different types of a computer system in use
today.
Personal Computer
The hardware of a modern personal computer: 1. Monitor 2.
Motherboard 3. CPU 4. RAM 5. Expansion cards6. Power
supply 7. Optical disc drive8. Hard disk drive9. Keyboard
10.Mouse.
Inside a custom-built computer: the power supply at the bottom
has its cooling fan.
The personal computer, also known as the P.C., is one of the
most common types of computer due to its versatility and
relatively low price. Laptops are generally very similar,
although they may use lower-power or reduced size components.
Case
The computer case is a plastic or metal enclosure that houses
most components. Though a case can be big or small, what
matters more is which form factor of motherboard it's designed
for. Those found on desktop computers are usually small enough
to fit under a desk; however, in recent years, more compact
designs have become more common place, such as the all-in-one
style designs from Apple, namely the iMac. Laptops are
computers that usually come in a clamshell form factor again;
however, in more recent years, deviations from this form factor
have started to emerge, such as laptops with a detachable screen
that becomes tablet computers in their own right.
Power Supply
4. A power supply unit (PSU) converts alternating current (A.C.)
electric power to low-voltage D.C. power for the computer's
internal components. Laptops are capable of running from a
built-in battery, generally for hours.
Mainboard
The motherboard is the main component of a computer. It is a
large rectangular board with integrated circuitry that connects
the other parts of the computer, including the CPU, the RAM,
the disk drives(CD, DVD, hard disk, or any others), and any
peripherals connected via the ports or the expansion slots.
Components directly attached to or part of the motherboard
include:
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) performs most of the
calculations that enable a computer to function and is
sometimes referred to as the computer's " brain. " A heat sink
and fan usually cool it. Most newer CPUs include an on-die
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).
The Chipset, which includes the northbridge, mediates
communication between the CPU and the other components of
the system, including main memory.
The Random-Access Memory (RAM) stores the code and data
actively accessed by the CPU.
The Read-Only Memory (ROM) stores the BIOS that runs when
the computer is powered on or otherwise begins execution, a
process known as Bootstrapping, or "booting" or "booting up."
The BIOS (Basic Input Output System) includes boot firmware
and power management. Newer motherboards use Unified
Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) instead of BIOS.
Buses connect the CPU to various internal components and
expand cards for graphics and sound.
The CMOS battery is also attached to the motherboard. This
battery is the same as a watch battery or a battery for a remote
to a car's central locking system. Most batteries are CR2032,
which powers the memory for date and time in the BIOS chip.
Expansion Cards
An expansion card in computing is a printed circuit board that
5. can be inserted into an expansion slot of a computer
motherboard or backplane to add functionality to a computer
system via the expansion bus. Expansions cards can be used to
obtain or expand on features not offered by the motherboard.
Storage Devices
Data storage is a core function and fundamental component of
computers. Computer data storage, often called storage or
memory, refers to computer components and recording media
that retain digital data. The price of solid-state drives (SSD),
which store data on flash memory, has dropped a lot in recent
years, making them a better choice than ever to add to a
computer to make booting up and accessing files faster.
Fixed Media
Data is stored by a computer using a variety of media. Hard disk
drives are found in virtually all older computers due to their
high capacity and low cost. Still, solid-state drives are faster
and more power-efficient, although currently more expensive
than hard drives, so they are often found in more expensive
computers. Some systems may use a disk array controller for
greater performance or reliability.
Removable Media
A USB flash drive or Optical disc may transfer data between
computers. Their usefulness depends on being readable by other
systems; most machines have an optical disk drive, and virtually
all have a USB port.
Input and Output Peripherals
Input and output devices are typically housed externally to the
main computer chassis. The following are either standard or
very common to many computer systems.
Input
Input devices allow users to enter information into the system
or control its operation. Most personal computers have a mouse
and keyboard, but laptops typically use a touchpad instead of a
mouse. Other input devices include webcams, microphones,
joysticks, and image scanners.
Mainframe Computer
6. An IBM System z9 mainframe
A mainframe computer is a much larger computer that typically
fills a room and may cost many hundreds or thousands of times
as much as a personal computer. They are designed to perform
large numbers of calculations for governments and large
enterprises.
Departmental Computing
In the 1960s and 1970s, more and more departments started to
use cheaper and dedicated systems for specific purposes like
process control and laboratory automation.
Supercomputer
A supercomputer is superficially similar to a mainframe but is
instead intended for extremely demanding computational tasks.
As of November 2013, the fastest supercomputer globally is the
Tianhe-2, in Guangzhou, China.
The term supercomputer does not refer to a specific technology.
Rather it indicates the fastest computers available at any given
time. In mid-2011, the fastest supercomputers boasted speeds
exceeding one petaflop or 1000 trillion floating-point operations
per second. Supercomputers are fast but extremely costly, so
large organizations generally use them to execute
computationally demanding tasks involving large data sets.
Supercomputers typically run military and scientific
applications. Although they cost millions of dollars, they are
also used for commercial applications where huge amounts of
data must be analyzed. For example, large banks employ
supercomputers to calculate the risks and returns of various
investment strategies. Healthcare organizations use them to
analyze giant databases of patient data to determine optimal
treatments for various diseases and problems incurring to the
country.
Hardware Upgrade
When using computer hardware, an upgrade means adding new
hardware to a computer that improves its performance adds
7. capacity or new features. For example, a user could perform a
hardware upgrade to replace the hard drive with an SSD to
boost performance or increase the number of files that may be
stored. Also, the user could increase the RAM so the computer
may run more smoothly. The user could add a USB 3.0
expansion card to use USB 3.0 devices fully. Performing such
hardware upgrades may be necessary for older computers to
meet a programs' system requirements.
References
Casey, J. (2015).
Computer Hardware: Hardware Components and
Internal P.C. Connections. Technological University Dublin
https://arrow.tudublin.ie/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1003&cont
ext=schmuldissoft (Links to an external site.).
IC3 Certification. (2016).
Introduction to Computers and Information
Technology. Person Education Company.
In this module, you will learn the components that make up a
personal computer. A personal computer is made up of many
components, most importantly the CPU, motherboard, RAM,
hard disk, removable media, and input/output devices. Parts
make a whole: it takes many several parts working together for
a computer to do its job. For instance, a computer system
includes various devices to performs the basic functions of
computing like input, processing, output, and storage.
According to the book
Introduction to Computer and Information
Technology (2019), input devices means entering data, such a
text, images, or sounds.
8. Text and Commands. Perhaps the most basic input device is the
keyboard. Also, the mouse to move the pointer on the monitor.
A Trackball that is similar to a mouse. Images that you can
download from the internet. Sounds for example microphones
can be used to input sounds.
Processing Devices. Inside the computer, data travels from one
device to another through the computer’s motherboard. This
boar is covered with electrical circuits and switches, and it
connects vital pieces of hardware such a CPU and memory.
Output Devices. It is the results of the computer’s processing.
The output that the user sees or hear can lead them to give the
computer new instructions for processing their data. A computer
needs output devices to display the results of its processing.
Text and images are displayed on a computer screen on a
computer. They can also be printed by a printer. Sound data is
sent to speakers inside or connected to a computer to, the
computer (
IC3 Certification, 2016).
What is an Operating System?
An Operating System (OS) is a software that acts as an interface
between computer hardware components and the user. Every
computer system must have at least one operating system to run
other programs. Applications like Browsers, MS Office,
Notepad Games, etc., need some environment to run and
perform its tasks. The OS helps you to communicate with the
computer without knowing how to speak the computer’s
language. It is not possible for the user to use any computer or
mobile device without having an operating system.
An operating system is also referred to as an OS, and it’s a
programming framework. That allows the user to interact with
various computer applications and their functions without
knowing any computer language. Thus, it’s a crucial program
that stays functional in the computer device to run single or
multiple tasks at a time.
The computer operating systems can perform the activities like
accessing software, showing commands on the screen, analyzing
9. records, printing documents, and more. The operating system
also makes sure that the multiple tasks of the user do not mix up
with each other. It also provides security from any unwanted
access and prevents unauthorized access.
So, the operating system can be explained as the framework that
builds up the suitable interface between the computer resources
and the user. It functions from essential to advanced computing
activities on the command of the user. Memory management,
input, and output handling are a few tasks it executes for the
user. Windows 8, Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro,
Windows 11, Linux, Mac OS, iOS, and Android are examples of
the operating system.
Williams, L (2021)
What is Operating System?. Guru99
https://www.guru99.com/author/lawrenceLinks to an
external site.
Difference between Hardware and Operating System :
Hardware
Operating System
Computer Hardware consists of physical parts of computer.
Operating System is a translator between computer user and
hardware.
It is physical component required for system to function without
which computer will not start.
It usually allows software and hardware to communicate and
helps to make computer hardware available to application
programs.
Features of hardware includes tangible, physical component,
memory, storage capacity, power supply, etc.
Features of operating system includes resource allocation,
handle input/output operations, program execution, protected
and supervisor mode, etc.
Type of computer hardware includes input devices, processing
devices, output devices and storage devices, etc.
10. Types of OS includes Batch OS, Real time OS, Mobile OS,
Multiprocessing OS, Time sharing OS, etc.
Benefits of hardware include increase staff productivity,
implement right business technology, store information, develop
effective communication, etc.
Benefits of OS includes eliminates external fragmentation, make
it easy to allocate memory, easy to use with GUI, create
abstraction, etc.
Functions of computer hardware includes input, processing,
storage, and output.
Functions of OS includes manage computer resources, establish
user interface, execute, and provide services for application
software.
Its main purpose is to make any electronic or computer device
work and execute tasks.
Its main purpose is translated language of hardware language
into software language and then display it in human readable
form.
It can be touched because it is a physical part of computer.
It cannot be touched because it runs on computer.
Hardware’s are important for computer to work properly and
computer cannot function without computer hardware’s.
It is important because one cannot access computer hardware
without operating system.
Difference between Hardware and Operating System. (2020).
geeksforgeek.
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/difference-between-
hardware-and-operating-system/ (Links to an external site.)
The following are important definitions that you need to learn
to understand all the concepts learned in this modules:
· Motherboard -It is an important computer component because
it's what everything else connects to! The motherboard is a
decently sized circuit board that lets other components
communicate.
· Central Processing Unit (CPU) It referred to as a computer's
brain, is the workhorse of the machine. It performs the
11. calculations needed by a system and can vary in speed.
· Random-access Memory (RAM) It is temporary memory.
· Graphics Card. The major work of the graphics card is to
create graphics and images that can be shown on a monitor. If
your computer does not have the graphics card, you will not see
the data and the computer would be useless.
· Hard Drive. Hard drive would be another component of a
computer. Hard drive is used to store programs and files on
your computer.
· Network Card. Network card would be separate card or
integrated into the motherboard. The major work of network
card is to enable your computer to connect to the network and
Internet.
· Monitor. It is an important component of the computer. Even
though the computer is great, but without monitor, they also
would be useless.
· USB Ports. USB port is also one of the most important
computer components. The USB port enables you to connect
some computer accessories, such as a mouse, keyboard, external
hard drive and so on. So, it would be an essential part of the
computer.
Operating System Characteristics (Features)
Do you know all the applications, including MS Office, editing
software, browser, and games need a suitable environment to
execute their task? The operating system is the software that
enables an ideal environment for all these application software
to work effectively. And here, users do not require using any
computer language to interact with various input and output
activities.
And without using an operating system, it is not possible to use
smartphone devices to computer devices efficiently. Especially
for the general user, it is mandatory to implement at least a
stable operating system. Hence, the operating system is the
software that aligns other software to work sufficiently using
the computer’s hardware devices.
Below are some crucial and notable features of the operating
12. system. So read these to understand all these characteristics of
the operating system.
1. Work Management
Task management of the computing device is one of the
significant features of the operating system. Also, it is
considered an essential function of the OS because it manages
all activity here. So, the work can execute systematically and be
processed when it is needed. In short, here, the OS defines the
sequence in which the activities execute, wherein queue means
the task is awaiting its execution.
If you also use a PC, then it is one of the everyday things you
can notice. However, there can be many reasons, but a few
resources are getting used by other programs. Or another
prioritized task is executing, and any other special requirement
can also be there.
2. Resource Management
Hardware and software both are interdependent. And if the
hardware is absent, then the software cannot be used, and if the
software is not there, then hardware is useless to run the task.
Hence, to balance these two resources, the operating system
takes place. It optimizes the resources of the computer by
allowing a simple task executing process.
OS reviews all the tasks in the tabular format and checks
whether all the computer
components (Links to an external site.) are working
well. Hence, it’s also one of the essential characteristics of an
operating system.
3. Input and Output Control
The operating system contains the control of the input and
output activities of the computer. It builds up a dictionary or
input and output task to execute whenever the user gives the
command. Input and output are two essential terms from where
the task starts and ends.
And maintaining control over both OS can ensure a stable and
efficient experience for the user. However, to execute the input
13. and output, the operating system must carry a set of programs
that allow it to manage and process the input and output
instructions provided by the user.
4. Multitasking System
Nowadays, modern operating systems also encompass
multitasking functionality. These are now capable of executing
multiple tasks at the same time. For example, if the user is
doing a computing task in Excel and wishes to print the page, he
does not need to stop the task.
This requires only one command, and the page will get printed,
and at the same time, the user can also access the drives without
closing the tab. Hence, multitasking is another excellent feature
of an operating system.
5. Has Associated Mechanism
Operating systems also contain some crucial mechanisms
mentioned below.
It has a mechanism to verify each user, and for this, it can use
password protection or other features.
It also provides security from harmful elements and blocks
before it reaches the device. Nowadays, many spyware and
malicious codes are impacting computer devices. Hence this
mechanism is crucial to have within the operating system.
OS mostly also has the mechanism to set the limit on the
available resources for each user. Hence, if the boss needs to
give access to his computer to his employee, in that case, he can
put some limitations to access some files.
6. Encompasses Nucleus
It’s a core of the operating system, and in the modern OS, you
can find monolithic nuclei. These cores help the OS to give way
to the program so they can execute. For this, it can use ram to
store the data quickly until the task gets completed. Many cores
offer drivers to control the hardware, such as the hard disk and
monitor of the computer device.
7. Ensure Connection
OS also ensures the stable and reliable connection between the
hardware and software of the computer. It is the critical base on
16. each person. They have a gift for figuring out how people who
are different can work together productively.
YOUR PERSONALIZED STRENGTHS INSIGHTS
What makes you stand out?
Chances are good that you customarily observe people’s
behaviors and listen to their words. These
insights often permit you to determine what makes each human
being a distinct, separate, and unique
person. Driven by your talents, you can stand in another
person’s place and view what is going on from his
or her unique perspective. You have an ability to become well-
acquainted with individuals. This magnifies
your capacity to feel their joys and sorrows as well as their
successes and failures. Instinctively, you easily
engage others in conversation. You seek to make discoveries
about each individual’s unique traits. You
ask questions to understand someone’s hopes, successes, goals,
experiences, talents, strengths, and/or
interests. It’s very likely that you sometimes rely on reason to
determine how an event, decision, or
condition led to a specific event. Perhaps you desire to
understand how things converge to produce the
final result. By nature, you intuit — that is, know without
conscious reasoning — how individuals with very
different work styles or personalities can complement each
other. Understandably, you reject the idea of
forcing everyone to rely on the same plans, methods, or
resources to overcome obstacles. Often you
search for ways people can use their talents to resolve issues. In
the process, they are likely to move
closer to worthwhile goals.
Questions
19. People who are especially talented in the Achiever theme have a
great deal of stamina and work hard.
They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive.
YOUR PERSONALIZED STRENGTHS INSIGHTS
What makes you stand out?
Instinctively, you earnestly evaluate problems by identifying
the basics facts. You normally let reason rather
than emotion guide you to the proper solution or the correct
conclusion. Because of your strengths, you
characteristically exhibit tendencies for precision and accuracy.
You probably work intently to eliminate
errors. You habitually review your plans to ensure each step is
properly sequenced and implemented.
Driven by your talents, you routinely contrive innovative ideas.
The art of invention stimulates your mind.
You likely spring from one original thought to an entirely
different one. You usually find unique ways to link
two or more concepts. Chances are good that you genuinely
delight in juggling multiple tasks within the
course of a day, week, or month. The challenge of keeping
several assignments moving forward
simultaneously, yet independent of each other, sparks your
drive to excel. When you are forced to
concentrate on one task at a time, however, you risk becoming
bored, frustrated, and/or inefficient. By
nature, you do a fine job of imparting knowledge to individuals.
You spend a lot of time preparing
appropriate stories, vivid examples, graphic illustrations, or
useful materials to enliven your training
sessions.
Questions
22. YOUR PERSONALIZED STRENGTHS INSIGHTS
What makes you stand out?
By nature, you might want to be the very best in certain fields
or activities. Maybe you realize that
excellence is the result of not only hard work, but also of top
quality materials and people. This partially
explains why you devote yourself to some activities but not to
others. Because of your strengths, you
sometimes find that your capacity for using common sense or
reason gives you an edge — that is, an
advantage — over some people in certain situations. Perhaps
you motivate yourself to use your
brainpower to accomplish more or do better work than you ever
have. Chances are good that you
intentionally choose to exercise your expertise in situations that
cater directly to your particular areas of
specialization. Before you decide to test your abilities, you
must know the process for scoring, rating,
ranking, and comparing your outcomes to those of your rivals.
You want to understand how the first-place
winner will be determined before you agree to participate.
Driven by your talents, you invest time in getting
to know people as individuals. Although it might not be your
intention, the insights you gain often allow you
to outwit and outmaneuver others. It’s very likely that you
refuse to be content with your performance until
you have been declared the most capable, successful, or
accomplished person in the group. Just knowing
you are being compared to others gives you the extra energy and
determination you need to surpass
everyone else’s performance.
Questions
24. · Some understanding is received from what is published that
synthesizes the information and offers new perspectives or
suggestions.
· The validation or rejection of the idea (supported by your
experience or research).
· New information broadens, adds, or contrasts perspectives
(based on reading and evidence).
2. Remember that your work must be original and not contain
material copied from books or the internet. You must respect
the intellectual property of the authors and not commit
plagiarism.
3. Examine the criteria used to evaluate your assignment to find
out how to get the highest grade for your work. The assignments
are graded or evaluated through rubrics or the distribution of
points.
4. Before submitting your entry, read your message several
times. This will ensure that it contains the exact information
you want to communicate.
· Contribute a minimum of 200 words to the initial post. It
should include at least one academic source, formatted and cite
in APA.