ICT – CSS

Computer – an electronic device that accepts and process data to produce information that can be
stored for future use.

Types of Microcomputers:

 Desktop - is a personal computer in a form intended for regular use at a single location
desk/table due to its size and power requirements.
 Laptop - A portable computer, usually battery-powered, small enough to rest on the user's lap
with a screen that closes over the keyboard like a lid.
 Tablet - A general-purpose computer contained in a touchscreen panel, equipped with sensors,
including cameras, a microphone, and the touchscreen display uses finger or stylus gestures
substituting for the use of computer mouse and keyboard.
 Wearable computer - is an electronic device capable of storing and processing data that is
incorporated into a person's clothing or personal accessories.

4 Components of a Computer System

Hardware – It is the mechanical part of the computer system. Anything that can be touched or any
tangible part of the computer system.

Subcomponents of computer hardware:

 Input Device - these are the hardware component that accepts data and
instructions from the user or from another computer system.
Example:
 mouse - used to move the pointer (cursor) on the screen.
 Scanner - A device that can read text or illustrations printed on paper and
translates the information into a form the computer can use.
 Microphone - allows user to speak to the computer in order to record a
voice message or navigate a software.
 Output Device -displays results after the computer has processed the input data
that has been entered.
Example:
 Monitor - It displays information in visual form, using text and graphics.
 LCD Projectors - -this device utilizes two sheets of polarizing material with a
liquid crystal solution between them.
 Printer - A device that prints text or illustrations on paper.
 Speaker - devices that are used to play sound.
 I/O Device - I/O devices or Input/Output devices, as the name implies, these devices
can perform both as input and output device.
Example:
 Digital camera
 Smartboard
 System Unit - The system unit is the main part of the computer system, sometimes
called chassis.
  Storage Device - media used to store data and programs for use by a computer.
Example:
 Hard disk drive – permanent storage of a computer that stores the
applications and programs that run on the PC, as well as any work created
by users.
 Flash drive - a data storage device that includes flash memory with an
integrated USB interface.
 Optical Disc - storage type in which data is written and read with a laser.
 SD Card - an electronic data storage device used for storing digital
information, typically using flash memory.
 Communication Devices - pieces of equipment or hardware designed to move
information or data from one place to another. They also allow one computer
device to communicate with another.
Example:
 LAN Card/Network interface card – computer hardware component
installed in the system unit that connects a computer to a computer
network with the use of a LAN cable.
 Router - These are devices that connect the entire networks to each other.
 Switch - creates networks and uses multiple ports to communicate between
devices in the LAN.

Software - a set of instructions (also called a program) that guides the hardware to operate effectively.

Data - symbols or signals that are inputted, stored, and processed by a computer, for output as usable
information. Examples of these are letters, numbers.

Peopleware - refers to people involved in the data processing operations such as the system
administrators, database managers, programmers, office workers, teachers, students, etc.

Internal Parts of a System Unit

Parts of the motherboard

Tools:

Flat-head screwdriver - Used to tighten or loosen slotted screws.

Phillips-head screwdriver - Used to tighten or loosen cross-headed screws.
Long nose pliers - It is used for holding, bending and stretching the lead of electronics component or
connecting wire.
Wire stripper - wire stripper is used to remove the insulation from wire so that it can be twisted to other
wires or crimped to connectors to make a cable.
Crimping tool - Used to attach connectors to wires.

Safety and Anti-Static Rules:

1. Always use an anti-static wrist strap when working on a computer.

2. Always disconnect a computer from the AC power and from any powered peripherals while you
are working on it.
3. Always grasp a metal part of the computer chassis with your bare hand before you touch
anything inside.
4. Always handle electronic components by a non-conducting (nonmetallic) edge.
5. Never plug an ATX power supply into AC power unless it is connected either to a computer's
motherboard or to a dummy test load.
6. Always use a UL-approved surge protector or an Uninterruptible Power Supply that incorporates
surge and spike protection.
7. Never eat, drink, or smoke while working on a computer.