Computer Basics

1. Desktop Computer Cases

2. Motherboards
3. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
4. Computer Memory(CPU)
5. Hard DriveDisk(HDD)
6. CD/DVD Drives
7. Video Cards
8. Sound Card9. Monitors
10. Network Card
2. Computer Power SupplyA power cable connects from thepower
point to the power supplywhere it supplys the motherboard andother
components with power.most common power supply - ATXPower
Supply.AT Power Supply, few years ago butthis has become less
common.The computer power supply is placedinside the computer case
generallynear the top of the casesometimes necessary to buy a
minipower supply for some cases There are usually power ports on
themotherboard for the fans in the casebut if not it is possible to buy
anadapter that will convert power fromthe 4-pin power cable to a fan
powercable.
3. Computer Motherboards A motherboard is the mother to allthe
computer parts. In other words,everything in a computer connects tothe
motherboard.A typical motherboard hasattachment points for all the
commoncomponents in a computer. These arethe Power Supply, CPU
(CentralProcessing Unit), hard drive, RAM(Random Access Memory),
graphicscard, CD drive and other peripheraldevices such as sound cards,
networkcards etc.In recent motherboards, the soundcards and even the
network cards arebuilt into the motherboard making itunnecessary to
purchase additionalcards.
4. Different MotherboardComponentsCPU
SocketCMOSBIOSMemory SlotsPower ConnectorsIDE
ConnectorsSATA ConnectorsCMOS BatteryAGP Graphics SlotPCIExpress Graphics SlotPCI SlotsChipset
5. CPU Socket A CPU socket is a connectorbuilt into the
motherboardwhere the CPU (centralprocessing unit) goes.
Mostmotherboards use the PGA(Pin Grid Array) architecturewhich means
that there is agrid of holes, in which aparticular CPUs pins will fitinto.
Several of the recent LGA(land grid array) motherboardsnow have pins in
the socketwhile the CPU has contact padsthat match the pins.
6. CMOS Complementary MetalOxide Semiconductor Memory which
containsBIOS information The CMOS batterypowers the CMOSMemory so
that all thisdata wont be lost. Motherboard Battery

7. Computer Bios
Basic Input/Output System. to identify and make sure that the major
computercomponents such as the,CPU, Hard Drive and Optical Drives
The Bios contains code needed to run the keyboard,screen, disk drives
and other functions. It is typically storedon the ROM (Read Only Memory)
Bios, which means that ifthe computer suffers a major catastrophe (such
as a brokenCPU, or dead hard drive) then the Bios information
remainsunharmed and the computer will still be able to functionafter
these components are replaced. The Bios is what makes the computer
boot from theoperating system, it makes it initiate thePOST (Power On
Self Test). The more recent computer biosare flash compatible. This
means that they can be updatedto a more recent version.
8. BIOS Setup Utility The computer BIOS setup utility (also known as
theCMOS setup) is the place where you can change a fewbasic computer
hardware settings. The BIOS and CMOSoften get confused but there is
quite a difference. The BIOS contains all the settings and the
CMOSmemory is a piece of RAM that remembers all the info. In the case
of many computers pressing delete or F10in the booting process will bring
you to the BIOS setuputility. If these dont work, then your computer
willspecify on startup such as (press ******* to entersetup) or it will be
mentioned in your manual. There isno harm in looking at the setup, so
find your key andhave a look (just make sure you dont save on exit).
9. Main TabWhen your in the setup, you canchange many options. You can
changethe order of booting, which device doyou want the computer to
boot to etc.You can decide whether to disableparticular devices (such as
onboardsound or network cards). You canchange the date or time and you
canalso reset the CMOS back to factorysettings. This will return the BIOS
backto default, which isnt the greatestidea in the world unless you
knowwhat your doing.The settings in the BIOS depend oneach
manufacturer. Here I will giveyou a little run down on the Tabs andwhat
they could have in them.
10. Advance tabIn the advance tab you often findinformation on the IDE
configuration, theFloppy Configuration, the Boot Settingsconfiguration.
You can further investigateby pressing enter over the IDEconfiguration
and then looking at theitems listed. It will have all your harddrives and
cd/dvd drives listed here. Ifyou have two hard drives connected thentwo
will show up here.This is a great place to check if your harddrive is being
recognized. If the new harddrive or cd/dvd drive is not recognized inhere,
then your operating system willdefinetely not find it. If your hard drive
isrecognized here but not by windows thenthere is some problem with
youroperating system, but not your computer.You can zoom in even more

by pressingenter and have a look at a specific harddrive in detail. You can

see its exact size,the vendor and the mode and otherspecifications.
11. Power Tab The power tab is self-explanatory. It just givesyou power
options that you can change. Iwould recommend leaving these as they
are.
12. Boot tabThe boot tab of the BIOS setup givesyou all the options for
when you bootup. You can order the preference inbooting. You can choose
whether youwant to boot from the Floppy Drive,CD drive, or hard drive
and in whatorder. This is probably the mostchanged setting in the BIOS
setup. Iwould also leave as they are unlessyou need to specifically boot
fromanother location.In more recent computers you canchange it to boot
via a network, orthrough USB. Check outthis page on the boot process for
moreinformation on what a computer doeswhen it starts.
13. Security Tab In this tab you can change all the passwords,or assign
passwords to the BIOS. This can be arisky thing to do because you could
forgetyour password, but if you do there is a way offixing it. Follow this
tutorial to learn how.
14. Exit tabThe Exit tab is more completed thenyou would expect. There
are a numberof options here. You can exit savingyour changes, you can
exit discardingchanges, you can load optimal defaultsand also the failsage
defaults. Iwouldnt recommend going back tothese defaults as they will
changeeverything, unless you know whatyour doing.
15. Boot Process The boot process is something that happens every time
you turn your computeron. You dont really see it, because it happens so
fast. You press the power buttoncome back a few minutes later and
Windows XP, or Windows Vista, or whateverOperating System you use is
all loaded.
1. The first step your computer does when you press the power button, is
to turn theComputer Power Supply on. Once a Power Good signal is
sent to themotherboard, the CPU then (understanding that the power
supply is stable) looksfor the ROM bios.
2. The CPU looks to the ROM bios for the first instruction, and the first
instruction isto run the POST (Power-On-Self-Test).
3. The POST first checks the bios and then tests the CMOS RAM. If there is
noproblems with this then POST continues to check the CPU, hardware
devices suchas the Video Card, the secondary storage devices such as
the Hard Drive, FloppyDrives, Zip Drive orCD/DVD Drives.
4. If there are any errors found then an error message is displayed on
screen or anumber of beeps are heard. These beeps are known as
POST beep codes. Thereason the computer sometimes uses beep

codes instead of displaying an errormessage is because the video card

has not yet been initiated or there may be anerror with the card.
5. Next the bios finds the video card and runs the video cards bios. This
usually is thefirst thing that modern machines display on the screen.
After that the computerlooks at the other devices and runs their bios if
they have one
6. The bios then displays the system configuration.
7. During the display more tests are conducted including the test that
shows yourcomputer testing the memory. If there are any problems
found from now on theywill be displayed in a text message on the
screen.
8. After that the bios searches for something that it can boot from. This
can be set inthe CMOS under boot sequence. It can be set to the A:
Drive (Floppy) C: (HardDrive, Primary Partition) D: (CD/DVD Drive) or
others such as the USB drive ornetwork card (depending on the bios).
9. Once the target boot device has been selected the bios will search for
the MasterBoot Record (MBR). If it is searching for a hard drive it looks
at cylinder 0, head 0,sector 1.
10.
Once a valid volume boot sector is found the bios has done its
job and hands overcontrol to the Operating System that completes the
booting process. It will alsoconduct a few hardware tests.
17. 11. If no valid boot record is found the computer will display an error
such as thefollowing:Non-System Disk or disk errorReplace and press any
key when ready12. If a valid boot record is found but it cannot read the
Master Boot Record then thecomputer will display a message such as:Disk
boot failure, insert system disk and press enter
18. Power On Self Test (POST) The Power On Self Test happens each time
you turn your computeron. It sounds complicated and thats because it
kind of is. Yourcomputer does so much when its turned on and this is just
part ofthat. The POST is an automated test that is controlled by the Bios.
Ithappens during the boot process. The first step of the POST, whichis
operated by the Bios, is to verify the Bios code. After it has completed
that, the POST then continues to check allthe computer hardware. If there
are no errors the POST willproceed very quickly. However if any errors are
found, these will bedisplayed via an error message, or if the video hasnt
been turnedon, or if there is some error in it, then the computer will make
anumber of beeps. These are known as the POST beep codes. The
computer may make one or two beeps on startup anyway,however these
are normal. It is only when the beep continues andyour computer does
not start up correctly. Then you may haveproblems.

19. Master Boot Record (MBR) The Master Boot Record (MBR) is a small
program that starts when thecomputer is booting, in order to find the
operating system (eg. WindowsXP). This complicated process (called the
Boot Proces) starts with thePOST (Power On Self Test) and ends when the
Bios searches for the MBRon the Hard Drive, which is generally located in
the first sector, first head,first cylinder (cylinder 0, head 0, sector 1). The
bios will search for the MBR in a few places such as the hard drive,floppy
drive, cd/dvd and USB and the order of what is searched can bechanged
in the CMOS. Once the bios has found the Master Boot Record then the
comptertransfers control over to the MBR, which then proceeds to load
theoperating system. You can create the MBR with Windows/Dos with
thecommand FDISK/MBR. The Master Boot Record was specifically
targeted by viruses early on. Avirus in your MBR was fatal to the computer
and involved a lot of work forthe user to fix the MBR. Dont worry though,
most MBR viruses infect the computer via a CD orFloppy Disk.
20. IDE Cables andConnectorsThe connector to which you will insertan
IDE cable (supplied withmotherboard) IDE cables connectdevices such as
hard disks, CD Drivesand DVD Drives. current 4 standards of IDE
devicesare ATA 33/66/100 and 133. the numbers specify the amount
ofdata in Mb/s in a max burst situation.
21. Serial ATA Connector(11) more commonly seen as S-ATA. to connect
HDD much faster than ifconnected via IDE S-ATA hard disks are fast
becomingthe norm for hard drive technology
22. PCI SlotsThe Peripheral Component Interconnect slots, commonly
known as the PCIslots, refers to a computer bus. Thecomputer bus is used
by the computerto connect to peripheral add-ondevices, such as a pci
video card,network cards, sound cards, tv tuners,firewire cards, graphics
cards andmany other types of extension cards. PCI expansion slot was
introduced byIntel, but can be found in both PCsand Macs.PCI was then
succeeded by the PCI-Eor (PCI Express slot), but PCI is stillfound in most
computers becausemany expansion devices dont needPCI-E capabilities.
also possible to get a PCI card thathad more PCI expansion slots on
it.Better buy bigger case for some moreUSB ports, wireless card, TV
tunner
23. Computer Sound CardA computer sound card is anadditional card
that is often includedin the motherboard. This computercomponent is not
compulsory but it isuseful to have as most programs use asound
card.translates signals into sounds that canbe played back through
speakers.motherboards have a sound card builtinA pc sound card is
placed into the PCIslots of a motherboard.The largest port is the
Midi/Gameport, which is used for connecting ajoystick or gaming
controller to. Theother three ports look similar and aregenerally green,
pink and blue.
24. The pink port is for a microphone which can record sound to the
computer. The green port is line out andthis is where the speakers are
connected to produce sound from the computer. The blue port is line

inand this is for connecting a CD-player or cassette tape to the

computer.Sound Card Manufactures:1. Realtek
25. Network Carda network card is a piece of computerhardware, that is
designed to allowcomputers to communicate over anetwork.
26. Types of Network CardsThere are also different types of network
cards.1.wireless network cards,2.usb network adapters,3.typical network
cards4.and more.Benefits of wireless
network1.Setup2.Security3.Cheaper4.Speed
27. Types of Network CardsThere are also different types of network
cards.1.wireless network cards,2.usb network adapters,3.typical network
cards4.and more.Benefits of wireless
network1.Setup2.Security3.Cheaper4.SpeedEg: Wi fi, Wi max, Bluetooth,
Infra Red
28. AGP Graphics SlotAccelerated Graphics Port specific point to point
video cardinterface that is used to connect thecard to your computers
processor andmemory. It is most commonly used for videogames first
released in the late 1990s
29. Computer Video Card very important component in a
computerWithout this we cant any information onmoniter.it transfers
video signals through a cable to yourmonitorvideo card can either be
built into themotherboard or be a separate card that is placedin either the
AGP or PCI-Express Slots.The computer graphics cards major job in
acomputer is to convert graphic patterns intosignals for the monitors
screen.2D and 3D effects
30. several ways the computergraphics card transfers thesignal to the
monitor.1. VGA (Video Graphics Array)port -most common way2. DVI
(Digital VideoInteractive) port Some graphic card allows toconnect two
monitors S-Video (TV Out)Measuring the Video Card1. MB (Megabyte)2.
similar to RAM but smaller,3. E.g., 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, type of memory it
has(DDR, DDR2, DDR3 orDDR4) and by its chipset.
31. List of graphics card manufacturers:1.Galaxy NVIDIA Geforce
8400 GS 512 MB DDR32.Galaxy NVIDIA GeForce 210 1 GB DDR33.
Sapphire AMD/ATI Radeon HD 5450 1 GBDDR34.Asus NVIDIA GeForce
EN210 1 GB DDR35.Sapphire AMD/ATI Radeon HD 6450 1 GBDDR3
32. Computer Network Cables When connecting computer network cards
to eachotheror even to a hub/switch or router, you need
networkcables.Types of Computer Network CablesCat 3 - typically used for
voice cabling and the slower10Mb Ethernet. These were a popular cabling
format inthe 1990s.Cat 5 - used for the 10/100Mb Ethernet networks
andalso used for voice cabling, token ring and ATM. Cat 5cables were
superceded by the superior Cat 5e cabling.Cat 5E - an improved version of
Cat5 cabling thatprevents cross-talk and is rated at a much
higher350Mhz. Cat5e cables are also used for the 10/100Mbnetworks and
the 1000Mb (or Gigabit Ethernet)networks.

33. Cat
6 - used for the 10/100/1000Mb networks. Similar to the Cat5e cables but
with larger gauge wires. People incorrectly assume that getting Cat 6 cabl
es will automatically increase your network speeds to Gigabit (1000Mb) sp
eeds. However, this is only possible if everything in your network (cards, s
witch and cables are all Gigabit certified). Cat
7 - also known as class F, this fully-shielded cable is relatively new and isn
t used as much at the moment. Cat 7 cables support frequencies of up to
600Mhz. Read more on Cat 7 cables. Basically two types of ethernet
cables1.Straight Through Cables2.Crossover CablesStraight Through
Cables both ends of the cables will be identical.used for connecting a P
C to a hub/switch or for connecting a router to a switch. hub/switch perfo
rms the crossover for youCrossover
Cables both ends of the cables will be different.Used connecting one PC
directly with another PC
34. Computer
CPU/Processors: brain of the computer. Central Processing Unitplaced
in the cpu socket.it forms an electrical interface with the motherboard.
have millions of transistors Intel released the first CPU processor
35. Specifications of
processors : Socket Type: LGA 775 Architecture: 32-bit, 64bit Number of Cores Number of Threads Speed:3 GHz, 1.80 MHz
36. List of processors manufacturers: AMD Cyrix Intel(Pentium, i3,i5,i7)
37. DIMM (Double InlineMemory Module)
slots: Most used Memory slots. four standards of DIMMs 1.DR (Single Da
ta Rate), 2.DDR (Double Data Rate),3. DDR2 4.DDR3.DDR RAM will only g
o into a motherboard supporting DDR.DDR RAM (name) 400mhz (speed o
f the RAM) 256mb (RAM size).sizes are, 16mb, 32mb,64mb, 128mb, 512
mb, 1Gb and 2Gb.
38. Computer
RAM random access memory volatile data storage device. When the co
mputer is turned off all the data stored on the computer memory is lost.
byte of data can be accessed directly by the computer instead of it search
ingIt is placed at DIMM slot at motherboard.
39.
RAM Measurement: ns (nanoseconds) which equals one billionth of a sec
ond. measured in MHz (megahertz) , GHz (gigahertz)in SDRAMTypes of
RAM1.Dynamic RAM (DRAM) 2.Static RAM (SRAM)Dynamic RAMmore com
mon Low costneeds to refreshed thousands of times per second.Static R
AM does not need to be refreshedFasterHigh cost
40. List of RAM manufacturers:1. Kingston2. Corsair3. Transcend

41. Firewire
header(1)also known as IEEE 1394It is basically a high performance seri
al bus for digital and audio equipment to exchange data. But, it is preced
ed by USB.Much fast than USB.USB
Ports(12) To connect USB enabled devices such as Pendrive etc.. USB 1.
1, slower than USB 2.0.
42. Specifications of Motherboard Form
Factor:Arrangement of components to reduce heat.E.g. ATX(Advanced T
echnology eXtended), BTX (Balanced Technology Extended) and more.
Socket
Type:Place where CPU/Processors is placed.E.g. LGA(land grid array), PG
A (pin grid array) and more.Compatible Processors:E.g.
Intel Core i7, Intel Core i5Memory
Configuration:32 GB DDR3 Dual Channel DIMM Memory Frequency:E.g.
1333 MHzPCI SlotsChipsetE.g. AMD , Intel(Best), Cyrix PCIe x1 Slots,
Generation:2, 2.0PCIe x16 Slots, Generation:1, 2.0
43.
Chipset A motherboard chipset controls all the data that flows through th
e data channels (buses) of the motherboard. The primary function of the
motherboard chipset is to direct this data to the correct areas of the moth
erboard, and therefore the correct components.Different chipsets contain
different features and components.Categories of Chipset1.North Bridge (w
ith heatsink)(4)2.South Bridge(10)North Bridge (with heatsink)
number of integrated circuits to provide specific functions.
Such as modem. South Bridge
It handles things like the PCI bus, onboard Network and sound chips as w
ell as the IDE and S-ATA buses.
44. List of Motherboard
manufacturers:1.Intel2.Asus3.Gigabyte4.MSI5.Sapphire6.ASRock
45. Computer Hard
Drive where computer data is stored Secondary memorywhen the com
puter is turned off the information will still be there.uses circular platters
to store data.The head of this arm reads data even when the disk is runni
ng at 7200rpms (a common hard drive speed).now do up to 15,000rpms
available
46. Hard Drive
Connectors1.IDE Ribbon Cable2. SCSI Cable3.SATA CableHard drive capa
cities vary between 1Gb (or less) to 2Tb (maybe even bigger).Hard Drive
Manufacturers Western Digital Seagate Samsung Iomega Hitachi
47. CD RW
Drives CD RW drives and other drives such as CD ROMs, DVD ROMs and
DVD RWs have become a crucial component of a computer.CD drives are
outdated replaced by DVD RW Drives CD ROM - Compact Disc Read Onl
y Memory
48. CD Drive
Cables1.IDE Ribbon Cable2.SATA (Serial ATA) CableSATA cables is that th

ey are smaller and the transfer rate is higher.

CD drive there is usuall
y some numbers with a x symbol after it. This stands for times, for exampl
e common speeds are 4x, 8x, 16x, 18x, 24x, 32x, 40x and 52x. CD RW dri
ves have speeds like 24x-10x-40x or 52x-32x-52x.Choosing a CD
Drive having a DVD drive and a DVD Burner SATA (serial ata) DVD drive
CD Drive Manufacturers1.LG(Best)2.ASUS
49. DESKTOP COMPUTER
CASES:Home to all the computer componentsInclude HDD, CD drive, flo
ppy drive and PSU.Computer chassis/Cabinet/Box/Tower/ Enclosure/Housi
ng/Base unit/Case.Keep space for cooling include cooler.
50. Choosing a Computer Case 1. Whats your budget 2. Whats your
needs Number of HDD spaces, USB ports,CD drives two fans at least 3.
Computer Case Style black or white case, a fancy or plain case four
types of computer case form factors Based on motherboards form factor.
ATX (most commonly used today), BTX, LPX,NLX, backplane systems, and
the outdated AT form factor.
51. Full TowerFull-tower cases aregenerally big with a heightthat is about
or more than30 inches (more than 76cm). The number ofinternal drive
bays insidethese cases can bebetween 6 and 10.
52. Mid TowerAnother case that might be a stepdown, would be classified
as a midtower case. Mid-tower cases are themost widely used computer
cases. MidTower cases are about 18 to 24 (45 to60 cm) inches high and
they usuallycontain 2 to 4 internal drive bays and asimilar number of
external bays (forCD/DVD readers and similar).
53. Mini TowerMini-tower usually have up to 2 orsometimes 3 internal
drive bays. Mini-cases normally stand at a height of 12to 18 inches (30 to
45 cm).Expandability is a problem with thesecases.
54. Slim Line CaseSlim line cases are simply tower casesturned on their
sideways. They canhold a monitor on top of the case.
55. Small Form Factor (SFF)CaseSmall form factor or SFF cases arecustom
cases that are designed tominimize the spatial volume of adesktop
computer. SFFs are availablein a variety of sizes and shapes,including
shoe boxes, cubes, and book-sized PCs.
56. Thermaltake SopranoSpecifications:Form Factor: ATX MidTowerCompatible Motherboards: ATXBezel Type: Swing OutSide Panel
Type: Clear, VentedMaterial: SteelExternal 5.25" Drive Bays: 4External
3.5" Drive Bays: 2Internal 3.5" Drive Bays: 5Expansion Slots: 7Front USB
Ports: 2Front Audio Ports: 2120mm Fan Ports: 2120mm Fans Included:
1Depth: 19.75"Width: 8"Height: 17.5"
57. List of computer case manufacturers: Antec Coolermaster
Thermaltake Silverstone Lian Li Aerocool
58. Computer Monitor viewing display of a computer.types of
monitors1.CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)2.LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)connects
to the computers videocardRAM/HDD Info Processor Video Card
Monitordoes not store information computer can run without a
monitorCRT monitor connected by VGA(VideoGraphics Array) port.LCD

monitor connected eitherthrough the S-VGA port or the DVI(Digital Video

Interface) Port.
59. A pc monitor is measured in inches.Specifications of
MonitorGENERALDisplayResolutionHDDISPLAY FEATURESNumber of
ColorsPixel PitchList of Monitor
Manufactures:1.LG2.Samsung(Best)3.Wipro4.Dell
60. Best Keyboard/MouseManufactures
1. Microsoft
2. Logitech (At Budget)Types:
1. PS/2 Keyboard/ Mouse
2. USB Keyboard/ Mouse
61. Best SpeakerManufactures
Bowers & Wilkins MM-1 Audyssey Logitech Bose harman/kardon
SoundSticks IIIKlipsch ProMedia 2.1 Orb Audio Mini-T Amp and
Speakers Creative Inspire S2 Edifier PrismaBT UCube by UltraLinkJBL
5.1 5 Satellites, 1 Subwoofer5.0 5 Satellites, 0 Subwoofer
62. Web Cams Specifications
GENERALConnectivity such as USB 2.0Built In MicrophoneVIDEO AND
IMAGEStill Image Sensor Resolution:1.3 megapixelIsHDSensor Type:
VGAVideo Capture Resolution:640 x 480Digital Zoom:4 XHas Night
Vision: 4 LEDBest Web Cam ManufacturesLogitech
63. Printers Based on function:
1.Single function: Only print2.Multi function: Print, Scan,Copier(XEROX),
FAXBased on type:1.Inkjet printers use liquid ink sprayed
throughmicroscopic nozzles onto thepaper Less paper minute Low
cost(i.e. Multifunction) Less Quality2. Laser printers use a toner
cartridge (filledwith fine powder) and a heatedfuser. More paper minute
High cost(i.e. Multi function) More QualityBest Printers
Manufactures:HPSamsung