The document provides information about the hardware components of a computer system. It discusses the system unit and its main parts including the motherboard, microprocessor, memory chips, buses, ports, and expansion slots. It describes the motherboard in more detail and lists common motherboard sizes. It also discusses other internal components like the hard drive, power supply, central processing unit, random access memory, optical drives, expansion slots, and expansion cards. External components and ports are briefly covered as well.

1. HARDWARE
COMPONENTS
OF
A COMPUTER
SYSTEM

2. WHAT IS A SYSTEM UNIT?
The main part of a microcomputer,
sometimes called the chassis or system case. It
includes the following parts:
Motherboard,
Microprocessor,
Memory Chips,
Buses, Ports,
Expansion Slots
and Cards.

3. What is motherboard?
Motherboard- a big
printed circuit board.
The main circuit board
of the computer, that
contains the CPU,
memory, expansion
slots, bus,etc.

4. What are the 2 common motherboard
sizes or form factors?
1. ATX Form Factor (Full
ATX)
The most common form
factor for a motherboard is
the ATX form factor. The
board is approximately 12″
x 9.6″ (30cm x 24cm).

5. 2.Micro ATX
The micro-ATX form factor
is an even smaller version
of the ATX standard, with a
maximum size of 9.6″ x
9.6″ (24cm x 24cm). The
faceplate line up to the
exact same position as in
all other
oth

6. Can you name manufacturers of
motherboards?
ASU
S
HEWLETT PACKARD
(HP) MSI
ASROCK
GIGABYTE
ECS
HASEE
ACER
LENOVO

7. A hard disk drive (hdd) also known
as hard drive. This is the computer's main
storage device used to store all data on the
computer permanently. ..
What is a Hard Disk Drive?

8. In the hard drive is where we
saved our files and data including
our operating system, antivirus and
other applications.
What are the two common
types of hard drive?

9. Two types of Hard drive:
1. PATA (Parallel Advanced
Technology Attachment)
HDD
2. SATA (Serial Advanced
Technology Attachment)
HDD

10. Can you differentiate the two
types of hard disk drive?
CAN YOU NAME
MANUFACTURERS OF HARD
DRIVES?
HITACHI
WESTERN DIGITAL
SAMSUNG
SEAGATE
FUJITSU

11. A PATA (Parallel ATA) HDD is connected to
motherboard using a 40 pin data cable (
known as PATA or IDE cable) while a SATA
HDD is connected in the motherboard
using a high speed computer bus
interface known as SATA data cable ( a 7
pin cable used for modern motherboards

12. POWER SUPPLY UNIT – a metal
cased assembly that converts AC utility
power into special low voltage required by
your computer’s circuitry.

13. Power Connectors
Molex power connector is a 4-
pin power connector found in
most computer power supplies.
It is used to provide power to
large internal drives like hard
drives and CD/DVD drives.
 Berg connector which
is much smaller and is
used to power floppy
drives.

14. SATA power connector- A 15-pin
SATA power connector use to provide power
to Internal SATA DVD drives and Hard drives

15. ATX power connector
have one 20 pin connector to
the mother board . Modern
power connectors can have 20
or 24 pins, depending on the
power necessary for the
processor.
AT power
connector have two 6
pin connectors for the
motherboard.

16. ATX 12Volts/P4- a 4 pin power connector
that is used to provide power to the
microprocessors circuitry.

17. CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT: The
CPU, or the Central Processing Unit, is the
brain of the computer and one of the most
important chip in the computer.

18. Can you differentiate the two types of Central
Processing Unit?
a
b

19. Kinds of Central Processing Unit
PIN GRID ARRAY (PGA) is a type of
integrated circuit packaging. The package
is square or roughly square, and the pins
are arranged in a regular array on the
underside of the package.

20. LAND GRID ARRAY (LGA) is a type
of surface-mount packaging for integrated
circuits (ICs) that is notable for having the
pins on the socket rather than the
integrated circuit.

21. RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY: The
personal computer memory module also
known as Random Access Memory (RAM) is
a piece of hardware that allows stored data
to be accessed randomly. Its main function
is to store the data temporarily.

22. Types of Random Access Memory
(DIMM)
SDRAM usually refers to first
generation synchronous DRAM, which is
slower than subsequent generations
(DDR).

23. DDR - second generation of synchronous
DRAM memory chips . The chip reads or
writes two words of data per clock cycle.
The DDR interface accomplishes this by
reading and writing data on both the rising
and falling edges of the clock signal.

24. CD-ROM/DVD-ROM DRIVE is a device that
uses photo diodes to detect reflecting lights on
optic discs and uses a laser to read or write data.
Commonly, it uses the same cables as hard
drives to connect to the motherboard.

25. IDE OPTICAL DRIVE
S-ATA OPTICAL DRIVE
Types of CD-ROM/DVD-ROM DRIVE

26. Floppy Disk Drive, (or FDD or FD)
- is a computer disk drive that enables a user to
save data to removable diskettes. The floppy drive
reads data from, and writes data to, a small disk.
3 ½ inch floppy disk drive

27. Expansion slots
•
Are receptacles in a
computer where a circuit
board can be inserted to
add new capabilities to the
computer

28. •INDUSTRY STANDARD
ARCHITECTURE (ISA)- IS AN
OUTDATED EXPANSION SLOT
TECHNOLOGY THAT WAS USED
IN MANY COMPUTERS IN THE
1980’S AND EARLY 90’S.
TYPES OF EXPANSION SLOTS

29. •Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)-
is a standard type of expansion slot found
in most modem computers. PCI can be
used to connect hardware, such as network
cards, sound card and modems to a
motherboard

30. Accelerated Graphics
Port(AGP)- is a type of expansion
slot used only for graphics display
adapters. PCIe replaced AGP in
many new computers

31. Peripheral Component Interconnect
Express
(PCI-e)- is a faster version of the PCI
expansion bay that is commonly used in to
connect high-powered video cards.

32. Audio Modem Riser (AMR)- is an
expansion slot found on the motherboards
of some Pentium III and Pentium IV
computers. It was designed by Intel to
interface with chipsets and provide
analogue functionality such as sound
cards and modems on an expansion card.

33. EXPANSION CARD is also known as
an add-on card, internal card or interface
adapter or interface card. Expansion
cards are add-on cards that adds other
capability to your computer.

34. VIDEO CARD is commonly known as
graphics accelerator card, display
adapter, or graphics card. It is
responsible for producing the images
that you see on your monitor.
TYPES:
•PCI –PERIPHERAL COMPONENT
INTERCONNECT
•AGP – ACCELERATED GRAPHICS PORT
•PCI-E - PERIPHERAL COMPONENT
INTERCONNECT EXPRESS

35. PCI VIDEO CARD PCI-e x1 VIDEO CARD
PCI-e x16 VIDEO CARD

36. It is an internal computer
expansion card that facilitates the
input and output of audio signals to
and from a computer under control
of computer programs.
SOUND CARD ( AUDIO CARD)

37. Network Interface
Controller (NIC) (also known as
a network interface card, network
adapter, LAN adapter and by similar
terms) is a computer hardware
component that connects a computer
to a computer network.

38. TV tuner card is a kind
of television tuner that
allows television signals to be
received by a computer

39. Chipsets- chips that connects the
microprocessor to the rest of the
motherboard and to the rest of the
computer

40. Chipsets:

41. Northbridge- is a part of the chipset that
controls the high-speed channel such as
communicating with RAM and graphics
controller.

42. Southbridge- is a part of the chipset
manages relatively slower devices such as
the network interface and the USB ports.

43. Read Only Memory- provides the
industry standard program code that
operates the fundamental components
of the PC example, keyboard, printer
port and ensures that the design of each
manufacturers motherboard is PC
compatible

44. Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-
conductor-Random Access Memory
(CMOS RAM)
Stores the configuration of the PC
example; The password, disk types,
amount of memory installed, current time
and dates.

45. •CMOS battery- used to preserve the
computer’s clock time.

46. IDE controllers/IDE Ports- it is where you
plug the IDE ribbon cable.

47. SATA controllers/SATA
Ports- it is where you plug the
Serial –ATA data cable.

48. Floppy Disk Drive ribbon Cable-
used for connecting the floppy disk drive
to the motherboard.

49. FDD controller/FDD Ports- for
floppy disk cable connections

50. ATX Socket /ATX Ports- it is
where you plug the 20 pin or 24 pin
ATX power connector.

51. ATX12V Socket /ATX12V
Ports- it is where you plug the4 pin
ATX12v power connector.

52. HEATSINK- are used to cool
central processing units or
graphics processors.

53. CPU Cooling Fan- is used to
prevent overheating of the processor
on the motherboard.

54. External parts
of System Unit

56. Input/Output Ports
Ports
These are connectors(sockets) used in
connecting external devices. External
connecting sockets on the outside of
the computer. This is a pathway into
and out of the computer.

57. PS/2 Port- 6-pin, low-
speed serial
connections commonly
dedicated to a
keyboard and mouse.
Video port - use
to connect the
monitor or display.
Universal Serial Bus
(USB)- a high speed
serial interface that
is used with almost
all devices.

58. Parallel port /printer
port- use to connect
older printers. It has
25 pins.
LAN port (Network
port)- A physical
interface often used
for terminating
twisted pair type
cables used to
connect computers
onto a local-area
networks (LAN),

59. Serial port-
Intended for
serial type
mouse and
modems
Power Port-
Intended for power
cord.

60. Audio Ports- use to
connect external audio
devices.
-Microphone( Pink)-
for connecting
microphone.
- Earphone/speaker
(Yellow-Green)- use to
connect external speakers
or earphones.
Line In (Light Blue)-
serves as an audio input

61. DVI-I Port -connect a
monitor with DVI
connection.
HDMI port
-connect a monitor or
HDTV with HDMI
connection.

62. Optical S/PDIF
-used for sound
connections to home
audio recievers or
powered PC speakers
with optical
connections.

63. PC Hardware Servicing
Tools
Hardware tools are grouped into these four
categories:
· Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) tools
· Hand tools
· Cleaning tools
· Diagnostic tools

64. ELECTRO-STATIC
DISCHARGE (ESD) TOOLS
Static electricity is easily generated by
friction on carpets, tile flooring, clothing,
hair, fabric, and etc.
1. Anti-static wrist strap
–Used to prevent ESD
damage to computer
equipment.

65. •Anti-static mat – Used to stand on or
place hardware on to prevent static
electricity from building up.

66. HAND TOOLS
•A hand tool is a device for
performing work on a material or
a physical system using only
hands.

67. Flat Head
Screwdriver – Used to
loosen or tighten
slotted screws.
Philips Head Screwdriver
– Used to loosen or
tighten cross-head
screws.

68. Torx Screwdriver - Used to
loosen or tighten screws that
have a star-like depression
on the top, a feature that is
mainly found on laptop.
Hex Driver – Sometimes
called a nut driver, is used to
tighten nuts in the same way
that a screwdriver tightens
screws.

69. Needle-Nose Pliers –
Used to hold small parts.
Wire Cutter – Used to
strip and cut wires.

70. Tweezers –
Used to
manipulate small
parts.
Part Retriever – Used to
retrieve parts from
location that is too small
for your hand to fit.

71. Flashlight – Used to light up
areas that you cannot see
well.

72. CLEANING
TOOLS

73. Lint-free Cloth –
Used to clean different
computer components
without scratching or
leaving debris.
Compressed Air –
Used to blow away dust
and debris from
different computer parts
without touching the
components.

74. Cable Ties – Used to
bundle cables neatly
inside and outside of a
computer.
Parts Organizer –
Used to hold screw,
jumpers, fasteners and
other small parts and
prevents them from
getting mixed together.

75. Diagnostic Tools

76. Multi-meter – Used
to test the integrity of
circuits and the quality
of electricity in
computer
components.

77. Loopback
Adapter – Used to
test the
functionality of
computer ports

79. Linux
A Linux-based operating system is a Unix like computer operating
system assembled under the model of free and open source software
development and distribution. The defining component of a Linux-based
operating system is the Linux Kernel, an Operating system Kernel first
released 5 October 1991 by Linus Torvalds. The Linux kernel was
originally developed as a free kernel for Intel x86-personal computers. It
has since been ported to more computer hardware platforms than any
other kernel. Linux based operating systems are the leading operating
system type on servers and other big iron systems such as mainframe
computers and supercomputers: more than 90% of today's 500 fastest
computers run some variant of Linux, including the 10 fastest. Linux also
runs on embedded system (devices where the operating system is
typically built into the Firmware and highly tailored to the system) such
as mobile phones, tablet computers, network routers televisions and
video game consoles; the Android system in wide use on mobile
devices is built on the Linux kernel.

80. The term Linux properly refers to just the kernel of the
operating system. However, in popular parlance ‘Linux’ is
used to refer to a complete Linux Distribution which
includes GUI components and many other utilities, many
of which are from the GNU Project. Android, for example
also uses the Linux kernel but includes different
components from most desktop Linux distributions. Since
the C compiler Linux is written with and the main
supporting user space system tools and libraries
originated in the GNU project, initiated in 1983 by Richard
Stallman, the Free Software Foundation prefers the name
Gnu/Linux.

82. Windows
XP
Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal
computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers.
First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second
most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base. The name
"XP" is short for "eXPerience", highlighting the enhanced user experience.
Windows XP, the successor to Windows 2000 and Windows me, was the first
consumer-oriented operating system produced by Microsoft to be built on the
Windows NT Kernel. Windows XP was released worldwide for retail sale on
October 25, 2001, and over 400 million copies were in use in January 2006. It
was succeeded by Windows Vista in January 2007. Direct OEM and retail sales
of Windows XP ceased on June 30, 2008. Microsoft continued to sell Windows
XP through their System Builders (smaller OEMs who sell assembled
computers) program until January 31, 2009. On April 10, 2012, Microsoft
reaffirmed that extended support for Windows XP and Office 2003 would end
on April 8, 2014 and suggested that administrators begin preparing to migrate
to a newer OS.

84. Windows
7
Windows 7 is an Operating System produced by Microsoft for use
on personal computers, including home and business desktops,
laptops, netbooks, tablet PCs , and media center PCs; Windows 7
was released to manufacturing on July 22, 2009, and reached
general retail availability worldwide on October 22, 2009, less than
three years after the release of its predecessor, Windows Vista.
Windows 7's server counterpart, Windows Server 2008 R2, was
released at the same time. Windows 7 is succeeded by Windows 8,
which was released on October 26, 2012. Unlike Windows Vista,
which introduced a large number of new features, Windows 7 was
intended to be a more focused, incremental upgrade to the
Windows line, with the goal of being compatible with applications
and hardware with which Windows Vista was already compatible.
Presentations given by Microsoft in 2008 focused on multi-touch
support, an updated Windows Shell with a new taskbar, referred to
internally as the Superbar, a home networking system called Home
Group, and performance improvements.

86. Windows
8
Windows 8 is the current release of the Windows Operating System, produced
by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business
desktops, laptops, tablets, and home theater PCs. Development of Windows 8
started before the release of its predecessor in 2009. Its existence was first
announced at CES 2011, and followed by the release of three pre-release
versions from September 2011 to May 2012. The operating system was
released to manufacturing on August 1, 2012, and was released for general
availability on October 26, 2012.
Windows 8 was released to mixed reception—although reception towards its
performance improvements, security enhancements, and its improved support
for touchscreen devices was positive, the new user interface of the operating
system has been widely criticized for being confusing and having a steep
learning curve (especially when used with a keyboard and mouse instead of a
touchscreen). Despite these shortcomings, 40 million Windows 8 licenses were
sold during its first month of availability, mostly to Original Equipments
Manufacturer (OEMs).

89. Antivirus or anti-virus software is software used to prevent,
detect and remove malware (of all descriptions), such as:
computer viruses, adware, backdoors, malicious BHOs,
dialers, fraudtools, hijackers, keyloggers, malicious LSPs,
rootkits, spyware, trojan horses andworms. Computer
Security, including protection from social engineering
techniques, is commonly offered in products and services of
antivirus software companies. This page discusses the
software used for the prevention and removal of malware
threats, rather than computer security implemented by
software methods.
Antivirus
software

90. Here are some of the known antivirus softwares:
Avast! is an antivirus computer program developed by AVAST
Software a.s. (formerly known as ALWIL Software a.s.), a
company headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic, with offices
in Linz, Austria; Friedrichshafen, Germany; and San Mateo,
California. The name Avast is an acronym of "Anti-Virus –
Advanced Set". The official, and current logo of Avast! is a white
orb with the letter 'a' on it and an orange circle around it, sticking
out to four directions.
Avast! Antivirus software is based on a central scanning engine
that is certified by ICSA Labs and West Coast Labs' Checkmark
proccess. Avast! also offers anti-spyware technology, also certified
by West Coast Labs' Checkmark process, as well as anti-rootkit
and self-protection capabilities.

92. Anti-Virus Guard (AVG) is a family of anti-virus and
Internet Security software for the MS Windows, Linux, Mac
OS X, and FreeBSD computing platforms, developed by AVG
Technologies, a publicly traded Czech company formerly
known as Grisoft.
AVG features most of the common functions available in
modern anti-virus and Internet security programs, including
periodic scans, scans of sent and received emails (including
adding footers to the emails indicating this), the ability to
"repair" some virus-infected files, and a quarantine area:
"virus vault/chest" in which infected files are held.
A handy & clear (if somewhat misleading) feature / product
comparison table is at Free vs Paid

94. Avira Operations GmbH & Co. KG is a German
multinational and family owned antivirus
softwarecompany. With an estimated 9.6% of the
global market share according to OPSWAT, and over
100 million customers, Avira is considered the sixth
largest antivirus vendor worldwide.
The company supports the Auerbach Stiftung, a
foundation created by the company's founder and
CEO, Tjark Auerbach. It promotes charitable and
social projects as well as the arts, culture and
science

96. Bitdefender is an antivirus software suite developed
by Romania-based software company Softwin. It was
launched in November 2001, and is in its 15th build
version. The 2011 version was launched in August
2010, and it includes several protection and
performance enhancements such as Search Advisor
and Performance Optimizer. The 2013 version was
launched in 25 June 2012. The Bitdefender products
feature antivirus and antispyware, personal firewall,
privacy control, user control and backup for corporate
and home users. PC Tuneup and Performance
Optimizer are available in the Total Security Suite.

98. Comodo Internet Security (CIS), developed by Comodo
Group, is an Internet security suite available for MS Windws. It
offers anti-malware(antivirus) software, a personal firewall, a
sandbox and a Host-based Intrusion Prevention System
(HIPS)called Defense+
Comodo Internet Security (CIS) is available in four editions:
Comodo Internet Security (the standard edition), Comodo
Internet Security Plus, Comodo Internet Security Pro and
Comodo Internet Security Complete. All editions contain a
personal firewall which prevents unauthorized communication
with the Internet, an antivirus that seeks and eliminates
malicious software and the Defense+ monitors software for
suspicious behavior and can "sandbox" certain programs, thus
preventing them from making permanent changes to the
system.

100. ESET NOD32 Antivirus, commonly known as
NOD32, is an antivirus software package made by
the Slovak company ESET. ESET NOD32 Antivirus
is sold in two editions, Home Edition and Business
Edition. The Business Edition packages add ESET
Remote Administrator allowing for server
deployment and management, mirroring of threat
signature database updates and the ability to
install on Microsoft Windows Server operating
systems.

102. Kaspersky Anti-Virus (formerly known as AntiViral Toolkit Pro;
often referred to as KAV) is an antivirus program developed by
Kaspersky Lab . It is designed to protect users from malware and
is primarily designed for computers running MS Windows and
MAC OS X, though a version for Linux is available for business
consumers.
Kaspersky Anti-Virus features include real-time protection,
detection and removal of viruses, trojans, worms, spyware,
adware, keyloggers malicious tools and auto-dialers, as well as
detection and removal of rootkits. It also includes instantaneous
automatic updates via the "Kaspersky Security Network" service

104. McAfee, Inc. is an American security software
company headquartered in Santa Clara,
California, USA. It markets software and services
to home users, businesses and the public sector.
On August 19, 2010, electronics company Intel
agreed to purchase McAfee for $7.68 billion
(£5 billion). The acquisition closed on February
28, 2011

106. Panda Security SL, formerly Panda Software, is a computer security
company founded in 1990 by Panda's former CEO, Mikel Urizarbarrena,
in the city of Bilbao, Spain. Initially centered on the production of
antivirus software, the company has expanded its line of applications to
include firewall applications, spam and spyware detection applications,
cybercrime prevention technology, and other system management and
security tools for businesses and home users.
Panda's products include security tools for home users and enterprises,
including protection against cybercrime and kinds of malware that can
damage IT systems, such as spam, hackers, spyware, dialers and
undesirable web content, as well as detection of WiFi intrusions. Its
trademark technology, branded TuPrevent, is a set of proactive
capabilities aimed at blocking unknown viruses and intruders. In 2007
Panda introduced a new collective inteligence security model, which
utilizes grid computing for malware collection and detection.
Panda Security spots market opportunity with cloud and on November
2009, unveiled its first Cloud-Based Security Services for Home Users
and SMB.