Lecture 01

Introduction to the Personal

Computer

CT4005NI - Computer Hardware and Software

Architectures
Your Module Leader
Akchayat Bikram Joshi

• BSc (Hons) Computer Networking and IT Security, First Class Honors, London
Metropolitan University.

• Previously worked as a Network officer. Monitoring, troubleshooting and

supporting network infrastructure of different NGO and INGO organizations
in Nepal.

• Trained in CCNA, CCNP, MCSA and CompTIA A+ IT certifications.

• Email: [email protected]
• Work: 980 – 1022 - 634
Your Module CT4005NI

What your module is: What your module isn’t:

• A study of PC Hardware • Bit by bit understanding of how
components. all the hardware and software
i.e. System unit components components interact inside of a
and peripherals. computer system.
• A study of Operating systems
and its components.
• A study of Computer
Networks and its
components.
• IT Security, preventive
techniques and
troubleshooting.
Your Module CT4005NI
• Google classroom ID: zianji
• Class announcements and other notices will be posted in
the google classroom page for the respective modules.
• Week by week study materials will also be provided to the
students via Google Classroom.
• Digital copies of your assignments are to be submitted
inside the google classroom.
• Physical copies of your assignments are to be submitted to
the RTE department.
“Yesterday is gone, tomorrow has not yet come.
We only have today.
Let us begin” – Mother Teresa
Lecture 01’s Objectives

• IT certifications are important.

• Describe a computer system.
• Identify the names, purposes and characteristics of:
1) Computer cases
2) Power Supply Units
3) Internal Components
4) Ports and Data cables
5) Input and Output devices
1.1 Information Technology
• Information Technology is:
•The design, development,
implementation, support and
management of computer hardware and
software applications.

• IT professional should have Knowledge of

Computer System & Operating System
1.1.1 IT Educations and Certifications
• IT is a term that encompasses the relationship between
hardware, software, networks, and technical assistance
provided to users.
• This course covers the following topics

 Personal computers
 Safe lab procedures
 Troubleshooting
 Operating systems
 Laptop computers
 Printers and scanners
 Computer Networks
 Computer Security
 Communication skills for a technician
1.1.1 IT Educations and Certifications contd.
Certifications

• This course focuses on two hardware and software skills-based industry

certifications: CompTIA A+ and EUCIP (European Certification of
Informatics Professional).

• This course is only an introduction into the world of IT. A technician may
continue to study and earn the following certifications:

CCNA – Cisco Certified Networking Associate

CCNP – Cisco Certified Networking Professional
CCIE – Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert
CISSP – Certified Information Systems Security Professional
MCSA – Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
MCSE – Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
Network+ – CompTIA Network Certification
1.1.1 IT Educations and Certifications contd.
Comp TIA A + Certification

• Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA)

developed the A+ Certification program.

• at least 500 hours of hands-on experience in the lab or field.

1.2 A Computer System
• A computer system consists of hardware and
software components.
• Hardware: case, storage drives, keyboards,
monitors, cables, so forth.

• Software: operating system and programs.

• The operating system instructs the computer

how to operate.

• These operations may include identifying,

accessing, and processing information.
• Other Programs and Application performs
different functions which they are assigned
to.
1.3 Computer Cases and Power Supplies
• A computer case contains the framework to support
the internal components of a computer while
providing an enclosure for added protection.

• Computer cases are typically made of plastic, steel,

and aluminum and are available in a variety of styles.
• The size and layout of a case is called a form factor.

• Cases are also referred as Computer chassis,

Cabinet, Tower, Box, Housing.

• Cases also provide an environment designed to keep

the internal components cool using Case Fans.

• Further, cases help to prevent damage from static

electricity as internal components of the computer
are grounded by attachment to the case.
1.3 Computer Cases and Power Supplies
• Power supply converts alternating-current
(AC) power coming from a wall outlet into
direct-current (DC) power, which is a lower
voltage.

• The PSU must provide enough power for

the currently installed components and for
the components which may be added later.

Connector in Power Supply

• Most connectors today are keyed

connectors.
• Keyed connectors are designed to be
inserted in only one direction.
1.3 Computer Cases and Power Supplies

1.3 Modular Power Supply Units

• They are PSUs that have all or some power
cables which are detachable.
• They are a good alternative for saving
space inside the computer’s System Unit
and for better cable management.
• They are priced higher than its old
counterparts.
1.3 Computer Cases and Power Supplies
Connectors in Power Supply Units

• P1 / 20 pin connector

• P1 / 24 pin connector
1.3 Computer Cases and Power Supplies
Connectors in Power Supply Units

• Molex connector

• Mini-Molex / Berg
Connector
1.3 Computer Cases and Power Supplies
Connectors in Power Supply Units

• PCIe Connectors (6 pin

and 8 pin)
1.3 Computer Cases and Power Supplies
1.4 Internal Components
1.4.1 Motherboards

• The motherboard is the main printed circuit

board and contains the buses, or electrical
pathways, found in a computer.

• A motherboard is also known as the system

board, the backplane, or the main board.

• The motherboard consists of the central

processing unit (CPU) socket, RAM slots,
expansion slots, heat sink/fan assembly, BIOS
chip, chipsets, I/Os and so forth.
1.4 Internal Components contd.
1.4.1 Common Motherboard Form Factors

Mini ITX Micro ATX ATX

Maximum Size 6.7 x 6.7 (inch) 9.6 x 9.6 (inch) 12 x 9.6 (inch)
RAM Slots 2 2 to 4 2 to 8
RAM Type DIMM, SODIMM DIMM DIMM
Expansion Slots 1 2 to 4 4 to 7
Graphics Cards 0 to 1 1 to 3 1 to 4
SATA Ports 2 to 6 4 to 8 4 to 12
1.4 Internal Components contd.
• The most common form factor in desktop computers was the
AT, based on the IBM AT motherboard.
• A newer motherboard form factor, ATX, improved on the AT
design.
• The chipset is an important set of components of the
motherboard that consist of various IC and controls how system
interacts with CPU and board.
• Most chipsets are divided into two distinct components,
Northbridge and Southbridge. There workings varies from
manufacturer to manufacturer.
• In general, the Northbridge controls access to the RAM, video
card, and the speeds at which the CPU can communicate with
them.
• The Southbridge, in most cases, allows the CPU to communicate
with the hard drives, sound card, USB ports, and other I/O ports.
1.4 Internal Components contd.
1.4 Internal Components contd.
1.4.2 CPUs

• The central processing unit (CPU) is considered the brain of

the computer.
• Most calculations take place in the CPU.

• CPUs come in different form factors, each style requiring a

particular slot or socket on the motherboard. (Intel and
AMD)

•Unlike Slot-based processors, most CPU sockets and

processors in use today are built around the pin grid array
(PGA) architecture, in which the pins on the underside of the
processor are inserted into the socket, usually with zero
insertion force (ZIF).
• The CPU executes a sequence of stored instructions called a
Program.
1.4 Internal Components contd.
1.4.2 CPU Sockets

• A CPU socket is the place where we actually place a CPU in the

Motherboard.
• They are commonly either LGA or PGA with a ZIF mechanism.
• Well known CPU manufacturers are Intel and AMD.

1.4.2 Common Intel Sockets Common AMD Sockets

a. LGA 775 a. Socket AM2
b. LGA 1156 b. Socket AM3
c. LGA 1366 c. Socket AM3+
d. LGA 1155 d. Socket FM1
e. LGA 2011 e. Socket FM2
f. LGA 1150 f. Socket FM2+
1.4 Internal Components contd.
1.4.2 Common Intel Sockets
a. LGA 775
b. LGA 1156
c. LGA 1366
d. LGA 1155
e. LGA 2011
f. LGA 1150

a. LGA 775 b. LGA 1156

1.4 Internal Components contd.

c. LGA 1366 d. LGA 1155

1.4 Internal Components contd.

e. LGA 2011 f. LGA 1150

1.4 Internal Components contd.
1.4.2 Common AMD Sockets
AM FM
a. Socket AM2
b. Socket AM3
c. Socket AM3+
d. Socket FM1
e. Socket FM2
f. Socket FM2+

a. Socket AM2 b. Socket AM3

1.4 Internal Components contd.

c. Socket AM3+ d. Socket FM1

1.4 Internal Components contd.

e. Socket FM2 f. Socket FM2+

1.4 Internal Components contd.
• While the CPU is executing one step of the program, the
other instructions and data are stored in CACHE memory.
CPU Architecture x86 and x64:

• x86 or 32bit CPU architecture

• x64 or 64bit CPU architecture

Hyperthreading

• It is used to enhance performance of the CPU where multiple pieces of code would be
executing simultaneously on each pipelines.
• To an operating system, a single CPU with hyper threading performs as though there are
two CPUs.
1.4 Internal Components contd.
• The power of a CPU is measured by the speed and the amount of
data that it can process.
• The speed of a CPU is rated in cycles per second. Example MHz, GHz.
• The amount of data that a CPU can process at one time depends on
the size of the processor data bus (FSB) or the system crystal.
1.4 Internal Components contd.
Overclocking
• Makes processor to work at a faster speed than normal but can result damage to CPU.
1.4 Internal Components contd.
CPU Throttling

• processor runs at less than the rated speed to save power and
produces less heat. Commonly used in Laptops and Mobile
devices.
1.4 Internal Components contd.
Types of Processor

• Single Core - one core inside a single CPU that handles all the processing.

• Dual Core - Two cores and both can process information at same time.

• Triple Core - Quad-core with one processor disabled.

• Quad Core - Four cores and all can process information simultaneously.
1.4 Internal Components contd.
1.4.3 Cooling Systems

• Electronic components generate heat which is caused by

the flow of current within the components.
• Case Fans - It increases the air flow in the computer case to
remove the heat generated inside.

• CPU Fans - A heat sink at bottom of CPU Fans draws heat

from the core of the CPU and Fan moves it away.

• Graphics Card Cooling System - Fans are dedicated to cool

the graphics-processing unit (GPU).

• Computers with extremely fast CPUs and GPUs may use a

water-cooling system where a metal plate is placed over the
processor and water is pumped over the top to collect the
heat that the CPU creates.
1.4 Internal Components contd.
1.4.4 ROM and RAM

ROM (Read Only Memory)

• It contains instructions that can be directly accessed by the CPU.

• ROM chips are non-volatile and are located on the motherboard.

• Basic instructions for booting the computer and loading the

operating system are stored in ROM.
• Its contents can't be erased by normal means.

• Types: ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM

1.4 Internal Components contd.
1.4.4 ROM and RAM

RAM (Random Access Memory)

• It is the temporary storage for data and programs that are being accessed by the CPU.
• It is volatile memory.

• The more RAM in a computer, the more capacity the computer has to hold and process
large programs and files, as well as enhance system performance.
• Types: DRAM, SDRAM, DDR (1,2,3 and 4) RAM

Memory Modules

• Today's memory modules are the special circuit board with memory chips on it.

• Types: DIMM (Dual Inline MM), SODIMM (Single Outline DIMM), SIMM (Single Inline MM)
• Single-sided memory modules only contain RAM on one side of the module.

• Double-sided memory modules contain RAM on both sides of the module.

1.4 Internal Components contd.
Types of DRAM:
• SDRAM
• DDR-SDRAM
• DDR2-SDRAM
• DDR3-SDRAM

a. SDRAM
1.4 Internal Components contd.
b. DDR - SDRAM

c. DDR2 - SDRAM
1.4 Internal Components contd.
d. DDR3 - SDRAM
1.4 Internal Components contd.
Comparison
1.4 Internal Components contd.
1.4.4 ROM and RAM

• The speed of memory has a direct impact on how much data a

processor can process because faster memory improves the performance
of the processor.

• DDR – SDRAM: • DDR2 – SDRAM:

MB (FSB) Speed x 2 = DDR Speed MB (FSB) Speed x 2 = DDR Speed
DDR Speed x 8 = PC Rating DDR Speed x 2 = DDR2 Speed
DDR2 Speed x 8 = PC2 Rating

Example: Example:
100Mhz x 2 = 200Mhz (DDR Speed) 100Mhz x 2 = 200 (DDR Speed)
200 x 8 = PC 1600 200 x 2 = 400Mhz (DDR2 Speed)
400 x 8 = PC2 3200
1.4 Internal Components contd.

• DDR3 – SDRAM:
MB (FSB) Speed x 2 = DDR Speed
DDR Speed x 2 = DDR2 Speed
DDR2 Speed x 2 = DDR3 Speed
DDR3 Speed x 8 = PC3 Rating

Example:
100Mhz x 2 = 200 (DDR Speed)
200 x 2 = 400Mhz (DDR2 Speed)
400 x 2 = 800Mhz (DDR3 Speed)
800 x 8 = PC3 6400
1.4 Internal Components contd.
1.4.4 ROM and RAM

Cache

• SRAM is used as cache memory to store the most frequently used data
and provides the processor with faster access to the data.
• Types: L1, L2, L3.
1.4 Internal Components contd.
1.4.5 Adapter Cards

• Adapter cards increase the functionality of a

computer by adding controllers for specific devices or
by replacing malfunctioning ports.

• Example: NIC, Wireless NIC, Sound and Video

adapter, TV Tuner, Modem adapter, USB (Universal
Serial Bus).

• Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID)

adapter – Connects multiple hard drives to a computer
to provide redundancy and to improve performance.
1.4 Internal Components contd.
Expansion Slots

• PCI (Peripheral Component

Interconnect): It is a 32-bit expansion slot
and was used in most computers.

PCI Slots

PCI in a Motherboard
1.4 Internal Components contd.

• AGP (Advanced Graphic Port): It is a 32-bit expansion slot

and is designed for video adapters.
1.4 Internal Components contd.

• PCIe (PCI Express): It is a serial bus expansion slot. It has

replaced AGP as an expansion slot for video adapters and
can be also used for other types of adapters.

I
1.4 Internal Components contd.
1.4.6 Storage Drives

• Storage Drives read or write information to magnetic

or optical storage media.
• The drive can be used to store data permanently or
to retrieve information from a media disk.

Floppy Drive
• A floppy drive, or floppy disk drive, is a storage
device that uses removable 3.5-inch floppy disks
(5.25-inch is obsolete).
• Data Capacity - 720 KB or 1.44 MB.
1.4 Internal Components contd.
1.4.6 Storage Drives

Hard Drive
• A hard drive, or hard disk drive, is a magnetic storage
device that is installed inside the computer.
• The hard drive is used as permanent storage for data.

• The storage capacity of a hard drive is measured in billions

of bytes, or gigabytes (GB).
• The speed of a hard drive is measured in revolutions per
minute (RPM).
• Multiple hard drives can be added to increase storage
capacity.
• Newer Hard Disk Drive are SSDs (Solid State Drives).

• It uses far less energy than traditional magnetic drives.

• It has same form factor and uses ATA or SATA interfaces.
Hence, can replace magnetic drives.
1.4 Internal Components contd.
1.4.6 Storage Drives

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disk)

• RAID provides a way to store data across multiple hard

disks for redundancy.
• To the operating system, RAID appears as one logical disk.
• Types: RAID (0-6), RAID 0/1.

Terms Used in RAID

Striping - A method used to write data across multiple

drives.
Mirroring - A method of storing duplicate data to a second
drive.
1.4 Internal Components contd.

RAID 0 Array
1.4 Internal Components contd.

RAID 1 Array
1.4 Internal Components contd.

RAID 10 Array
1.4 Internal Components contd.
1.4.6 Storage Drives

Optical Drive
• An optical drive is a storage device that uses
lasers to read data on the optical media.
• Types: CD (Compact Disc) (700 MB), DVD (Digital
versatile Disc) (4.3 OR 8.5 GB), BD(Blu-ray Disc)
(25 OR 50 GB).
• CD, DVD, and BD media can be pre-recorded
(read-only), recordable (write once), or re-
recordable (read and write multiple times).
• Optical Media
DVD-ROM, DVD+/-R, DVD+/-RW (likewise for CD
and BD)
1.4 Internal Components contd.
1.4.6 Storage Drives

External Flash Drive

• An external flash drive, also known as a thumb
drive, is a removable storage device that connects
to a USB port.
• It uses the same type of non-volatile memory
chips as solid state drives and does not require
power to maintain the data.
1.4 Internal Components contd.
1.4.7 Types of Drive Interfaces
• Used to interface storage devices to the motherboard.

1. IDE or PATA drive interface:

- 40 pins with 40 wires or 80 wires
- Speeds: 16MBps, 33MBps, 66MBps up to 133MBps
- Master and Slave configuration
1.4 Internal Components contd.
2. SATA drive interface:
- 7 pin data cable, 15 pin power cable
- Distinctive L shaped interface
- They are hot pluggable
- Speeds: 1.5Gbps, 3Gbps, 6Gbps and16Gbps
- No master and slave configuration

SATA Power Cable

SATA Data Cable
1.5 Ports and Cables
• Input/output (I/O) ports on a computer connect peripheral
devices, such as printers, scanners, and portable drives.

Serial (DB-9)
Used to connect a serial device such as a modem and older
peripheral devices.

Modem Ports (RJ11)

In addition to the serial cable used to connect an external
modem to a computer, a telephone cable is used to connect a
modem to a telephone outlet. This cable uses an RJ-11
connector.
1.5 Ports and Cables contd.
USB Ports and Cables
The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is
a standard interface that
connects peripheral devices to a
computer.
• It was originally designed to
replace serial and parallel
connections.
1.5 Ports and Cables contd.
FireWire (IEEE 1394) Ports and Cables
FireWire is a high-speed, hot-swappable interface that
connects peripheral devices to a computer.

• Data rates can be supported upto supported up to 3.2 Gbps

over a 100m distance.
1.5 Ports and Cables contd.

Parallel Ports and Cables (DB-25)

Parallel ports can transmit 8 bits of data at one time
and is used to connect parallel device like printer.

DB-25 Female Connector

DB-25 Male Connector

Network Ports and Cables (RJ45)

A network port, also known as an RJ-45
port, connects a computer to a network.

• Types: Ethernet-10Mbps, Fast Ethernet-

100Mbps and Gigabit Ethernet-1000Mbps.
1.5 Ports and Cables contd.
PS/2 Ports
A PS/2 port connects a keyboard or
a mouse to a computer.

Audio Ports
An audio port connects audio
devices to the computer.

Video Ports and Connectors

A video port connects a monitor
cable to a computer.
1.6 Input Devices
• An input device is used to enter data or instructions into a computer.

Types:
Mouse and keyboard
Digital camera and digital video camera
Biometric authentication device
Touch screen
Scanner

• A keyboard, video, mouse (KVM) switch is a hardware device that can be used to control
more than one computer using a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse.
1.7 Output Devices
• An output device is used to present information to the
user from a computer.

Types
Monitors
Projectors
Scanners
Printers
Speakers
End of Lecture 01