MODERN UNIVERSITY

FOR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Contents of the Book

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 1

CHAPTER TWO: THE POWER SUPPLY UNIT (PSU) .............................................................. 6

CHAPTER THREE: INPUT DEVICES ........................................................................................ 9

CHAPTER FOUR: OUTPUT DEVICES ..................................................................................... 16

CHAPTER FIVE: CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU) ...................................................... 19

CHAPTER SIX: STORAGE DEVICES ...................................................................................... 22

CHAPTER SEVEN: MOTHERBOARD ..................................................................................... 27

CHAPTER EIGHT: ADAPTER CARDS .................................................................................... 30

CHAPTER NINE: ASSEMBLING AND DISASSEMBLING PC.............................................. 36

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
A Computer is an electronic machine that can solve different problems, process data, store &
retrieve data also perform calculations.

A Computer is programmed device with a set of instructions to perform specific tasks and
generate results at a very high speed.

Computer is an electronic device that converts data in to information.

Definition of Hardware

Hardware is any part of the computer that can see and touch.

Computer hardware is the physical part that you can actually touch of a computer

All parts made up of computer called Hardware.

Hardware is a mechanical device in the computer.

Types of Hardware

Internal hardware devices include motherboards, hard disk drives, and RAM.

External hardware devices include:- monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, and scanners.

The Internal hardware parts of a computer are often referred to as Components, While
External hardware devices are usually called Peripherals.

Definitions of Software

The programs that run the computer are called Software.

Software controls the computer hardware and makes it useful work. Without software a
computer is useless machine.

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Operating System is the most important program that runs on a computer. Every general
purpose computer must have an operating system to run other programs.

Type of Software

• System software :- Controls all parts of the computer

• Application Software:- Enable the user to complete tasks , such as creating documents,
spreadsheets and databases.

How Computer Works

Works computers from the input devices feed information into the computer, the CPU processes
the information and the output devices translate this information back to the user in a form that
is easily understandable.
The relationship between Hardware and Software.

Relationship is complementary, so that the hardware cannot function without Software ... Not
benefit from the presence of Software without Hardware .All hardware needed to Software so it
works.

Parts of Computer

Hardware: Hardware is any part of the computer can see and touch.

Software: the programs that runs the computer are called software.

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Computer Components

It consists of five basic units:

• Input Unit
• Output Unit
• The central processing unit CPU
• Memory unit
• Storage Units

PC Stands for "Personal computer." A typical PC includes a system unit, monitor, keyboard, and
mouse. Most PCs today also have a network or Internet connection, as well as ports for
connecting peripheral devices, such as digital cameras, printers, scanners, speakers, external hard
drives, and etc. A PC is a single-user system.

The Parts of Personal Computer

PC is short for Personal Computer Also known as a Desktop and single-user computer,

Personal computer is made up of many components; called "hardware".

Desktop:- most common the monitor sets on the system unit and keyboard separate all are on
the desk

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Tower:- the system units sets on the ground of the desk Beside the monitor and keyboard set
separately

Mini Tower: - same as the tower but the System unit shorter than monitor,

System unit and keyboard all fit on the top of the desk

Laptop:-The monitor, system unit and keyboard all are in one unit that fit one’s lap

While working. The monitor is cover for the rest of the unit when not in use.

Desktop Computer Cases

Desktop computer cases are the home to all the computer components, except for the peripherals,
like Printers. In other words there are two common styles of cases: "desktop" and "Tower." The
desktop case usually sits under the monitor the tower case stands upright on the floor. Tower
cases can be the same size as a desktop case but often range up much larger. The computer case
comes with the power supply already installed.

Measurement of Computer

A bit is the smallest measurement of the computer.

A byte is a basic unit of measurement of information storage in computer. A byte most often
consists of eight bits. A byte is a collection of bits, with each bit denoting a single binary value
of 1 or 0. The byte most often consists of 8 bits in modern systems.

These terms are usually used in the world of computing to describe disk space, or data storage
space, and system memory.

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For instance, just a few years ago we were describing hard drive space using the term
Megabytes. Today, is measured Gigabytes the size of a hard drive. Byte, KB, MB, and GB,

• 1byte = 8bit 1 character.

• 1024byte = 1kb.
• 1 Mb = 1024 kb
1 Gb = 1024 Mb (1024*1024Kb)
1 Tb = 1024 Gb (1024*1024*1024Kb)
1 Eb = 1024 Tb (Eb = Exabyte)

Rule
Symbol Decimal binary
Symbol Decimal binary
A 65 01000001
a 97 01100001
B 66 01000010
b 98 01100010
Z 90 01011010
z 122 01111010

Review Questions

1. What is computer?

2. What is Hardware?

3. What is the relationship b/w Hardware and Software?

4. What is software?

5. Tell Types of Software?

6. What is an operating system?

7. What is byte and bit measure?

8. Tell types of computer components?

9. How computer works?

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CHAPTER TWO:
THE POWER SUPPLY UNIT (PSU)
A power supply is a component that supplies power to at least one electric load. Typically, it
converts one type of electrical power to another, but it may also convert a different form of
energy – such as solar, mechanical, or chemical - into electrical energy.

Power supply it is actually a power converter that changes high voltage alternate current (AC) to
low voltage direct current (DC)

The power supply is one important part of the computer.

Where the power cable connects to the back of the PC is the power supply. PSU is short for
Power Supply Unit.

The power supply unit (PSU) in a PC controls and delivers the power to the components in the
case. The power supply converts AC current from the wall outlet to the appropriate DC voltages
for the various.

Components of the Power supply.

The power supply has a fan built into it to keep itself and the PC cool. Most PC's have at least
one additional cooling fan, often mounted directly on the CPU.

• AC is the best way to transmit electricity over the large distances.

• AC is the power that comes from a power wall outlet.

• AC is the most economical way transmit electricity to Home.

• DC travels in only on direction and is the type of current that most electronic devices
require, including computers.

A power supply is used to reduce the mains electricity at 240 volts AC down to something more
useable, say 12 volts DC. There is a way uses a power supply called linear

A linear power supply uses a transformer to reduce the voltage. ... The AC signal is fixed and
regulated to produce a high DC voltage.

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• Types of Power Supply

AT PSU (Advanced Technology Power Supply Unit)

ATX PSU (Advanced Technology Extended Power Supply Unit)

AT power supplies are found on older computers and earlier Pentium systems.

ATX power supplies are most common and they plug in to all size of ATX of MOBO

ATX power supplies are found on Pentium II and later systems.

Power supply Pins Description

AT PSU 12 pint notched Connector Used with AT case and motherboard

ATXPSU 20 pin notched connector Used with ATX case and motherboard

AT Power Supply - still in use in older PCs.

ATX Power Supply - commonly in use today.
Note: Can’t use an AT PSU with an ATX motherboard and vice versa.

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Power supply connectors

• Power supply provide a power more connectors for the following

• Mother board
• HDD
• Floppy disk
• CD/DVD drive
Tips:- All have four Molex connectors for floppy drive , four wire Molex connectors for HDD ,
CD/DVD drive , 12 Bin for AT MOBO and 20,24,28 Bins for ATX MOBO.

More Power supply have a serial SATA connectors for SATA Drive.

Problems of Power Supply

• When the power supply stops working the computer, the Pc stops working and when the
power supply stops function properly all kinds of computer problems can take place.

• If your computer is Problem you should test the power supply to see if it’s cause the
problem.

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CHAPTER THREE
INPUT DEVICES
Input Units:- Allows you to enter data and instructions to the computer.
Most common input units.
 Keyboard
 Mouse
 Scanner
 Microphone
 Touchpad
The keyboard is the most common input device for entering numeric and alphabetic data to a
computer.
There are two types of the keyboard, Dvorak Keyboard and QWERTY Keyboard.
The most common keyboard used is the QWERTY keyboard.
QWERTY is the most common modern-day keyboard layout on English-language computer.

Your keyboard comprises various sections of keys which can be described as follows:
• Alpha numeric keys :
• The function keys (F1 F2 etc)
• The numeric keypad (1 2 3 etc) on the right of the keyboard
• Cursor control keys (the arrows) on the right of the keyboard
• Modifier keys (Ctrl, Alt,Shift)
• Alpha numeric keys: All of the letters and numbers on the keyboard. A-Z and 1-0.
• Enter key : - performs two primary functions * create paragraph * like clicking
• Modifier keys := Shift , Ctrl , Alt.
• Esc {Escape}:- like clicking cancel
• Function keys :- The function keys are used to perform specific tasks. They are labeled as
F1, F2, F3, and so on, up to F12..

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• Navigation keys. These keys are used for moving around in documents or webpages and
editing text.
• They include the arrow keys, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, Delete, and Insert.
• Delete :- Erases character to the right of the cursor .
• Backspace :- Erases character to the left of the cursor.
• Home :- let you move the cursor to the beginning of the line.
• End :- let you move the cursor to the end of line.
• Page up :- let you scroll quickly through a document moving back.
• Page down :- let you scroll quickly through a document moving a head .
• Print screen :- Allows the user to capture whatever is shown on the screen as an image
• Tab key :- Moves the insertion point to the next tab stop.
• Caps lock key :- lets you “lock” the alphabet so they produce only capital letters
Mouse
Mouse is an input device, connected to a computer which one or more buttons, it can be used to
select text, activate programs, or move items around the screen by quickly pressing and releasing
one of the buttons. A mouse is a hardware device which allows the user to control a cursor to
manipulate data without complicated commands.

Mouse Buttons
Your mouse probably has at least two buttons on it.
The button on the left is called the primary mouse
Button, the button on the right is called the secondary

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Mouse button or just the right mouse button. I'll just refer to them as the left and right mouse
buttons. Many mice have a small wheel between the two mouse buttons.

Different types of Computer Mouse.

Mechanical mouse
The mechanical mouse requires a ball to move the cursor on the screen. To get more abilities
with this type of mice, a flat surface named mouse pads is necessary.
Optical-mechanical mouse
The opt mechanical or optical-mechanical mouse is a combination of the optical and the
mechanical technologies. It uses a ball but identifies the mouse movement optically. It is now
the most commonly used with PC.
Optical mouse
The optical mouse uses a laser; surely an optical sensor to help identifying the mouse’s
moving. More expensive than the two other types, the optical mousses offer more precision
and speed and even can be used on any surface.
Mouse Pad
The pad on which you move the mouse.

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Mouse operations
The mouse is used to select and operate objects, choose options from menus and respond to
dialog boxes. Click, Double-Click, Right-Click, Point, Drag and Drop, Those are Functions
of the mouse.
Explanation of the mouse function
 Click:- Means pressing and releasing the left mouse button over an object.
 Double click:- Means quickly pressing and releasing the left mouse button twice over
an object
 Right click:- Means pressing and releasing the right mouse button
 Drag and drop:- Means moving an elements from one location to another location
by dragging it with the left mouse button
 Point:- Means move the mouse pointer until the tip of the mouse over an object
Keyboard and Mouse Connector
The keyboard and Mouse connector is the device at the end of the cable that is used to attach
the keyboard or Mouse to the system. There are tree standard types of connectors:
The First style is serial Connector, which connect the serial port from the Motherboard.

The second style called a "PS/2 connector". (PS/2 Personal System/2 ) That entered the
"PS/2 Port ". PS/2 connectors are small, round connectors with six pins on the inside. The
PS/2 connector is a classic keyboard connector, often purple in color. It is a round, small
connector featuring six pins. It plugs in to the port only one way.

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PS/2 keyboard
connector

PS/2 keyboard port

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a "plug and play" interface between a computer and
peripherals (like audio players, camcorders, digital cameras, keyboards, mousse and
printers). USB ports can connect a wide variety of devices aside from just keyboards. They
have a flat, rectangular shape unlike the round PS/2 connector. Like the PS/2 port, the USB
connector only fits into the port one way

USB connector

USB port

Most keyboards connect to a computer via a cable that has a connector that plugs into a
computer PS/2 or USB port. The connection provides the keyboard power and relays
electrical signals between the keyboard and computer. Wireless keyboards typically use
battery power and a receiver that you connect to the computer for communicating, usually
via RF (Radio Frequency) or Bluetooth technology.

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Both PS/2 and USB ports are usually located on the back I/O panel of the PC.
The circular PS/2 port is designated not only by the standard purple color, but also by a small
keyboard icon. The two USB ports are located directly below the keyboard PS/2 port.

Scanner
Scanner is an equipment that uses to transfer text and graphics to the computer and copy
images form photo graphics prints and journal pages.
Scanners- Scanners allow you to transfer pictures and photographs to your computer.
Scanners usually attach to your personal computer.
There are a few different kinds of scanners and, as with printers, the one that’s right for you
depend on how you intend to use it. The most common types of scanners are flatbed scanners
and portable scanners, or hand scanner.
Flatbed scanners: a flatbed scanner can fit standard or legal-sized documents.
Portable scanners: are small enough to bring on the street.

Microphone:
Microphone is an input device that is used to record sound.

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Review Questions
1. What is an input Device?
2. Give some example of Input device?
3. What is keyboard?
4. Tell Types of keyboard?
5. What is the mouse?
6. Types of mouse?
7. What is the difference b/w optical mouse and mechanical mouse?
8. Define microphone?
9. What is scanner and it’s types?

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CHAPTER FOUR

OUTPUT DEVICES
OUTPUT DEVICE
Output device Is any hardware component that convey information from computer to one or
more people.
An Output Device is a piece of hardware that is used receiving information from a computer.
Are the devices that are used to display the data in the computer?
Most common output device include
 Monitor
 Printer
 Speaker
 Projector
Soft copy vs hard copy output
Soft-copy output: A soft-copy output is not produced on a paper or some material that can be
touched and carried for being shown to others. They are temporary in nature.
Example: Content displayed on a terminal screen, or words spoken out by a voice response
system are Soft-copy output.
Hard-copy output: A hard-copy output is produced on a paper or some material that can be
touched and carried for being shown to others. They are permanent in nature and can be kept
in paper files or can be looked later when the person is not using a computer.
Monitors - The monitor shows information on the screen when you type. This is called
outputting information. Monitors come in many sizes 14” 15” 17” 19” and so on. Computers
need a color monitor with a display or graphics card.
Most desktop computers use a monitor with a cathode ray tube (CRT) these was the most
popular display device for older computers. And most Computers use a liquid crystal display
(LCD) monitor.
PC Monitors must be connected to the VGA port. A Video Graphics Array input on the
monitor means that it will connect to any PC.

LCD
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The first standalone LCD displays appeared in the mid-1990s.

Printer

Printer is an output device and receives information from computer and prints it on paper.
Printers are the most popular output devices used today for producing hard-copy output.
 Types of Printers.
 Impact printers
 Dot matrix
 None Impact Printer
 Laser jet printer
 Inkjet printer
Impact printers include Dot matrix and Line printer. These printers print output by stroking
with pins of hammers.
Non-impact printers include ink-jet printer, Desk jet, thermal printer and laser jet printer. The
output is printed on paper by using special ink. In ink-jet printers, the liquid ink is used.
A laser jet printer used dry power ink placed in a cartridge. The cartridge also has a drum
which is charged magnetically. A charged drum uses the ink from cartridge and places it on
the paper. Paper then goes through a heater which dries the ink.

Speakers
Speakers are used to play sound. They can be built into the system unit or
Connected with cables, Speakers allow you to listen to Audio from your computer.
Speakers are used to connect to a computer to generate sound, which are one of the most
common output devices. Some speakers are designed to connect with any kind of sound
system, while some can be hooked up only with computers.

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Projector
A projector is an output device that can take images generated by a computer and reproduce
them by projection onto a screen, wall, or another surface.
You could use a projector to show a presentation on a large screen so that everyone in the
room can see it. Projectors can produce either still (slides) or moving images (videos).

Review Questions
1. What is an output device?
2. List Most common output device?
3. What is Monitor and it’s types?
4. Explain printer
5. Tell types of printer?
6. What is speaker?
7. What is projector?
8. CRT & LCD stand for what?

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CHAPTER FIVE

CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)

Central Processing Unit
The central processing unit (CPU) is the primary component of any digital computer system,
consisting of the main memory, the control unit, and the arithmetic-logic unit. It is the physical
heart of the entire computer system, to which various peripheral equipment, such as input/output
devices and auxiliary storage units, are connected.
The CPU in modern computers is housed on an integrated circuit chip known as a
microprocessor.

The CPU, which stands for Central Processing Unit, is the brain of the PC. It is often referred to
as the "processor" or "chip". The CPU directs, coordinates and communicates with the hardware
components and performs all of the "thinking".
The speed of the CPU, now measured in gigahertz (GHz. the bottom of the processor should not
be touched, as the contacts can be damaged.
A processor, or "microprocessor," is a small chip that resides in computers and other electronic
devices. Its basic job is to receive input and provide the appropriate output.
While this may seem like a simple task, modern processors can handle trillions of calculations
per second.
The central processor of a computer is also known as the CPU, or "central processing unit." This
processor handles all the basic system instructions, such as processing mouse and keyboard input
and running applications.
A processor core (or simply “core”) is an individual processor within a CPU.
Many computers today have multi-core processors, meaning the CPU contains more than one
core.

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The Processor has a different parts which perform a different functions

Control Unit: access program instruction and controls the follow of data and from the
This unit manages the operations of all computer components but does not perform any actual
data processing. To function properly, all CPU components must be synchronized.
This unit’s functions are as follows:

It is in charge of controlling the transfer of data and instructions among the various components
of a computer.
It manages and coordinates all of the computer’s units.
It reads instructions from memory, interprets them, and directs the computer’s operation.
It communicates with Input/Output devices to transfer data.
ALU , the register primary storage , and secondary storage
ALU receives the data and instructions from the registers and make the desired computation .
These data and instructions have been translated into binary form that is only 0s and 1s
Registers: are memory circuits located inside the CPU that hold data before and after
processing.
Connecting to the Motherboard
The CPU attached to the Motherboard sockets.

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CPU Cooling Devices

Heat Sink and fan needed because CPU gets very hot while PC is on, the CPU Cooling needed
power connection for the cooler's fan.

Review Question
1. Define Central Processing Unit?
2. Tell types of CPU
3. What does the CPU stand for?
4. What does the ALU stand for?
5. What is the measurement of todays’ CPU?
6. What is Registers?
7. What are the functions of Control Unit?

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CHAPTER SIX

STORAGE DEVICES
Purpose of storage devices is to hold data even when the computer is turned off so

The data can be used whenever needed.

Storage involves writing data to the medium and reading from the medium. Writing data à
recording the data on the surface of the disk where it is stored for later use. Reading data à
retrieving data from the surface and transferring it into the computer’s memory for use.

Types of storage
There are two main categories of storage technology used today are
Magnetic storage and Optical storage.
Magnetic Storage:
 HDD
 Floppy Disk
 Flash disk drive
Optical Storage:
 CD
 DVD
The Hard Disk Drive
A computer hard drive is the place where computer data is stored.
A HDD (Hard Disk Drive) is generally referred to as the secondary computer storage device,
as the RAM (Random Access Memory) is the primary.
A hard drive is a permanent storage device, so even when the computer is turned off the
information will still be there. Operating system, program files, and all data files are stored
on the hard drive.
Types of Hard Disk
Internal: All the hard drives that are inside a computer are called internal hard drives.
External: External hard drives sit outside the computer in a case and they connect to the
computer through USB

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Internal External
HDD HDD

CD/DVD Drive (Optical Drive)

Optical drives retrieve and/or store data on optical discs like CDs and DVDs which hold
much more information.

Important Disk Drives are CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-R,
DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-R. All are devices that read data, music and video

CD-ROM: Short for Compact Disc Read Only Memory is used to Store a data, Stores about
700 Mb of data. The media can be recorded to once and not erase.

CD-R: short for Compact Disc Recordable is a CD that allows for data to be stored onto a
media type that can only be written to once and not be erased. Stores up to 700 Mb of data.

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CD-RW: short for Compact Disc Rewritable Optical storage format based on CD standards
that allows the media to be erased and rewritten multiple times. Stores up to 700 Mb of data.

DVD: short for Digital Video Disc. A form of optical storage media that can store either
digital video or data. Discs that store data are typically referred to as DVD-ROM. Storage
capacity varies depending upon if the disc is single sided or double sided and if it has
multiple layers.

DVD+/-R: Short For DVD Recordable. An optical storage Format that can store up to 4.3GB
of data. The media can be recorded to once and not erased. There are actually two standards:
DVD+R and DVD-R. Most burners now support both types of media and are thus labeled as
the DVD+/-R.

DVD+/-RW: Short For DVD Rewritable. A form of optical storage using DVD that can be
recorded to and erased multiple times and holds 4.3GB of data. There are two standards for
the media: DVD+RW and DVD-RW. Most burners are capable of using both and are labeled
DVD+/-RW.

The CD replaced the floppy disk as the medium of choice for storage of transportable data.
When you purchase software today, it is stored on CDs. The DVD has even greater capacity
and is replacing the CD.

Flash Disk

Flash disks a data storage device and they are so easily portable.

USB flash drives (also known as pen drives, or USB memory sticks) are a cheap, this is a
form of memory that keeps its contents even when unplugged and power is removed.

Flash Memory can store any type of computer data

Flash is a permanent memory that can be electrically Installed and erased.

Advantage of Flash Disk

• They store much more data than and replaced a floppy disk.
• They require a USB socket on the computer to plug it in.

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• They are pretty reliable (no moving parts to break)

• A variety of sizes (e.g. 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB 16GB 32GB and
so on.

Flash Disk

RAM or PC memory

RAM is an acronym for Random Access Memory that is also known as volatile memory,
because the data it holds is lost when the PC switched off. It is used by the computer to
temporarily store data. When the computer is turned off all the data stored on the computer
memory is lost.

RAM (pronounced ram) is an acronym for Random Access Memory, a type of computer
memory that can be accessed randomly.
The amount of RAM memory used in modern PC computers is expressed in megabytes (MB)
and gigabytes (GB).

Types of RAM
RAM comes in two primary forms:

Dynamic random access memory. DRAM is what makes up the typical computing device
RAM and, as noted above, requires constant power to hold on to stored data

Static random access memory. SRAM doesn't need constant power to hold on to data, but the
way the memory chips are made means they are much larger and thousands of times more
expensive than an equivalent amount of DRAM. However, SRAM is significantly faster than
DRAM.

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SDRAM

SDRAM: Short for Single Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory.

Dynamic Random Access Memory stands for DRAM or Dynamic RAM which is the more
common memory found in a computer.

The RAM memory used in current PCs comes in the form of SDR, DDR, DDR2 and DDR3
memory, some motherboards can support two types, such as DDR and DRR2, but most
motherboards only support one type.

RAM Connection

The RAM connect to the motherboard slots Called DIMM1 (dual in-line memory module)
and DIMM2. Older PC these slots called SIMM (single in-line memory modules).

Review Questions

1. Define Storage device?

2. Tell types of Storage device?

3. What Hard Disk Drive?

4. What are the types of HDD and explain each?

5. What is a Flash Disk?

6. What does the HDD Stand for?

7. What does the following terms stand for?

 CD ROM, CD+R, CD RW, DVD ROM, DVD-R and DVD RW

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CHAPTER SEVEN

MOTHERBOARD
Mother board

The motherboard is the mother of your computer. The motherboard is the largest and most
fundamental component of a PC.. A motherboard is also known as a system board, a
mainboard, or a “MOBO”.

A motherboard is the mother to all the computer parts. Everything including inside the
motherboard, the hard drive, the CD drive, the floppy drive and the power supply go inside a
computer case.

Types of Motherboard

The two most popular motherboards are the Older AT, and the newer ATX., There is
difference between AT and ATX motherboards. In the Power Supply an AT motherboard
uses a two piece single row connector. An ATX motherboard connector is one piece with two
rows of ten connections.

Motherboards have Two Connecters

• External Connector
• Internal Connector

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External Connecters

Most motherboards have the following connectors: The input/output port connectors are:

Serial port: which uses a 9 pins connector, for connecting older mouse devices

Parallel port which uses a 25 connector, mainly for connecting old printers.

USB ports for connecting more recent peripherals. Such as Scanner, Print, Flash, External
HDD ,CD, keyboard and mouse.

RJ45 connector (called the LAN port or Ethernet port), for connecting the computer to a
network. It interfaces with a network card built into the motherboard.

VGA connector (called SUB-D15), used for attaching a monitor. This connector interfaces
with the built-in graphics card.

Jacks (Line-In, Line-Out and microphone), for connecting speakers or sound system, as
well as a microphone. This connector interfaces with the built-in sound card.

Mouse and Keyboard Connecters. ( Serial, Ps/2, USB )

Internal Connecters

Most motherboards have the following internal connectors

Processor: sockets connect to the Motherboard

Hard Disk:.

RAM:

CD/DVD: A 40-wire cable connects the IDE (PATA) CD drive,

Floppy Disk: 34-wire ribbon connects the floppy drive (if present) to the motherboard.

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Power Supply:. Is where the power connect to the Motherboard

Sound Card: PCI "Peripheral Component Interconnect." Expansion Slot PCI slots can
handle 64 bits of data at a time

Video Card: AGP (Advanced Graphics Port ) Slot

Network Card: PCI Expansion Slot

CMOS Battery: CMOS is short for Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor, a clock

generator which produces the system clock signal.

BIOS (Basic Input Output System) –

Function of the BIOS

• Stores a set of instructions to tell the PC how to control devices

• Tests All hardware Components
• The BIOS sits between the hardware and the Operating System

Summary Keyboard and Mouse Connecters

Serial Connector and Serial Port.

PS/2 Connector and Ps/2 Port.

USB Connector and USB Port

Wireless (Cordless) These are not physically connected to the computer and have no cable.

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CHAPTER EIGHT

ADAPTER CARDS
Adapter Cards

An adapter card is any internal expansion card that allows the computer to communicate with
another peripheral such as a monitor. For example, the video card is an adapter card.

Types of expansion cards in a computer

• Modem
• Network Card
• Sound Card
• Video Card

The Sound Card

A sound card (also known as an audio card) is n interface card that is used to transfer the
audio signal between the computer and the speakers or Headphones. The sound card plugs
into a slot on the motherboard or is built right into the board. Many PCs now include a basic
sound processor built into the motherboard.

A typical sound card usually has four ports. The largest port is the Midi/Game port, which
is used for connecting a joystick or gaming controller to.

The other three ports look similar and are generally green, pink and blue.

The pink port is for a microphone which can record sound to the computer. The green port is
line out and this is where the speakers are connected to produce sound from the computer.
The blue port is line in and this is for connecting a CD-player or cassette tape to the
computer.

Remember a sound card by itself is not enough to hear sound. You will still need to
purchase some computer speakers or a headphone set.

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The Graphics Card or Video Card

The video adapter card or graphics adapter translates information into graphics and text that
appear on the monitor screen.

The graphics adapter plugs into a slot on the motherboard. A special slot designated
specifically for the graphics card called the AGP slot (Advanced Graphics Port) has been
superseded by the PCI-e or PCI-express slot which is as much as four times faster than AGP.

AGP or PCI Express

Two types of Graphics card available today are the AGP and PCI-e versions. The AGP
(Accelerated Graphics Port) is the older of the two technologies but still quite popular as
many people still have these slots incorporated into their motherboards. The PCI-Express
(Peripheral Component Interconnect) version has been around for a couple of years now and
new graphics cards and motherboards alike are using this technology.

There are several ways the computer graphics card transfers the signal to the monitor. The
older and most common way is through the VGA (Video Graphics Array) port. More
recently the DVI (Digital Video Interactive) port has been used.

Some computer graphics cards have both of these ports on the one card allowing two
monitors to be connected at the same time. S-Video (TV Out) ports have also become more
common on computer video cards. These can be connected to through the S-Video In port of
a TV thus turning a TV into a computer monitor.

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External Connecters

CRT Connectors: Cathode-Ray Tube used in most televisions and computer display screens.

LCD Connectors: Short for Liquid Crystal Display, a type of display used in digital watches
and many portable computers.

Networked Card

Network Interface Card (NIC) - A hardware device that is used to connect a computer to
other networked devices such as other computers and printers. This card on the below is a
network card, also sometimes referred to as an Ethernet card.

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All new computers come with a pre-installed NIC. If you don't already have a network card
you can purchase

Network cards use network cables that have 8 copper contacts. Phone cords will NOT work.
There are two things to remember about this cable. First, it's not the same as a phone cord
which has smaller RJ-11 connectors, and is wired differently.

Some network cards have status lights that indicate whether or not they are functioning.

The cable on the left is a network cable. Also known as a Category 5, Category 6, UTP
(unshielded twisted pair). This cable has 8 copper.

The cable on the right is a standard one line telephone cord. Has 4 copper.

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•
Adding a controller card to your PC is easy. These cards are designed to plug into existing
slots in your PC mainboard. These slots are called expansion slots. Today, PCI slots are the
most common. The older ISA slots are now outdated.

Modem Card.

A MODEM short for Modulator/Demodulator. This is the piece of equipment that links your
computer to the Internet via telephone lines. Or a device that links a personal computer to a
telephone line, so that the computer can receive information from other computers.

Advantage: You need a modem to connect to the Internet, to send electronic mail and to fax.

Types of Modem

There are two Types of the Modem.

• Internal
• External

Internal Modem

Internal computer modems. Some computers have an internal modem which can be a built-in
modem or a PC card modem, for slot to the motherboard.

Internal computer modems are used with Dial-Up Internet connection through a couple of
RJ-11 connection. Also called copper telephone lines, the RJ-11 allows computer to receive
and send data as explained above.

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Internal computer modems are usually 56K modem which means that the modem is able to
receive 56 Kbits/s (56 kilobits or 56000 bits per second) of data.

External modems.

An External modem can be used to the same purpose and in the same conditions as internal
computer modem. However external modem is a small box that uses other kind of interfaces
to be connected to the computer.

Usually installed on the back of the computer, the serial port is an easy-to-install option for
the external modem. First of all external modem can be a Dial-Up modem but more
expensive than the internal.

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CHAPTER NINE

ASSEMBLING AND DISASSEMBLING PC

Computer Assembly Is An Essential Job Of A Computer Installation Technician.

Computer Assembly Is A Process In Which All The Internal Components Required For The
Computer System Are Fitted So As To Make The Computer Functional. There Is A Proper
Sequence Of Attachment Of Each And Every Component Into The Computer System.

Computer Assembly

As We Know, Computer Assembly Is A Systematic Process. First, Arrange The Computer Parts.

The Sequence For Computer Assembly

1. Open The Case

2. Install The Power Supply
3. Attach The Components To The Motherboard
4. Install The Motherboard
5. Install Internal Drives
6. Connect All Internal Cables
7. Install Motherboard Power Connections
8. Connect External Cables To The Computer
9. Boot The Computer For The First Time.

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Material Required

1. Computer Case, With Power Supply Installed

2. Motherboard
3. CPU
4. Heat Sink/Fan Assembly
5. Thermal Compound
6. RAM Module(s)
7. Motherboard Standoffs And Screws
8. Anti-static Wrist Strap And Anti-static Mat
9. Tool Kit
Procedure for Computer Assembling
Step 1: Open The Case
The First Step In Assembling A Computer Is To Open The Computer Case.
To Open The Case, First Remove The Screws Of The Left Side Cover And Slide The Side
Cover.

Step 2: Install The Power Supply

The Next Step Is To Install A Power Supply. There Are Usually Four Screws That Attach
The Power Supply To The Case

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Step 3: Attach The Components To Motherboard

The Motherboard Has To Be Prepared

Before Its Installation. To Prepare The Motherboard, You First Need To Install The CPU,
Then The Heat Sink On The CPU And CPU Fan.

A CPU Socket Uses a Series of Pins to Connect a CPU’s Processor to the Pc’s Motherboard.
If A CPU Is Connected Via A CPU Socket.

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Heat sink and fan assembly

A Heat Sink And Fan (HSF) Is An Active Cooling Solution Used To Cool Down Integrated
Circuits In Computer Systems, Commonly The Central Processing Unit (CPU).

Connect The Assembly Power Cable To The CPU Fan

Connector On The Motherboard.

Installation of RAM
To Install The RAM First On The Motherboard And Then Fix The Motherboard In The Case.
To Install RAM, First Ensure Its Compatibility with The Motherboard

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Step 4: Install Motherboard

After Preparing The Motherboard, You Can Install In the Computer Case.

Step 5: Install internal drives

The Hard Drive Is The Device Which Stores All The Data.

Connect The Power Cable Coming From The SMPS To The Power Socket Of Hard Disk
Drive.

Connect SATA Data Cable From Hard Disk Drive Socket To The Motherboard Socket.

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Step 6: Connect all internal cables

Power Cables Are Used To Distribute Electricity From The Power Supply To The
Motherboard And Other Components. Data Cables Transmit Data Between The Motherboard
And Storage Devices, Such As Hard Drives.

Step 7: Install motherboard power connections

The Advanced Technology Extended (ATX) Main Power Connector

Will Have Either 20 Or 24 Pins.

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Step 8: Connect external cables to the computer

Connecting Monitor

The VGA Cable Is Used To Connect To Monitor.

Connecting Keyboard

If It Uses A USB Connector, Plug It Into Any Of The USB Ports On The Back Of The
Computer.

Step 9: Connect external cables to the computer

Connecting Headphones or Speakers, And Microphone

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Connect The External Speakers or Headphones, To Computer’s Audio Port (Either on the Front
or Back Of the Computer Case).

Step 10: Connect external cables to the computer

Power Supply Cable Connect Into The Back Of The Computer Case.

Step 11: Connect external cables to the computer

Connecting Printer, Scanner, Webcam

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Step 12: Starting the computer

Always Remember That the First Step Is to Push Power Button of the CPU than the Monitor’s.
An Operating System Or System Software like Window Or Linux Will Start Loading, Now Your
Computer Is Ready To Use.

Procedure for Computer Dissembling

Disassembly Is The Process Of Breaking Down A Device Into Separate Parts.

Material Required

 One Working PC
 An Anti-static Wrist Strap
 An Anti-static Mat
 Anti-static Bags Of Various Sizes
 Technician’s Toolkit
 A Plastic Cup Or Box To Organize Screws, Nuts, And Bolts
Procedure for Computer Dissembling

Step 1: Unplugging

 Unplug The Power Cord From The PC

 Unplug All The Peripherals Attached To The Computer, Such As The Keyboard, Mouse,
Monitor, Headphones.
Procedure for Computer Dissembling

Step 2: Open The Case

First Remove The Screws Of The Left Side Cover And Slide The Side Cover.

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Step 3: Disconnect All The Connectors

Disconnect All The Connectors Connected To The Motherboard. These Include SATA Power
Cable And Data Cable Of HDD As Well As SATA Cable Of Optical Drive.

Step 4: Remove The Fan

Step 5: Remove The Power Supply

Remove The Power Supply Is Connected to the Motherboard by A 20-pin Connector And 4-pin
Connector.

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Step 6: Removing HDD And Optical Drive

Remove The SATA Cable Connecting To The HDD And Optical Drive In Motherboard.

Step 7: Remove RAM (Random Access Memory) Modules

Step 8: Remove Expansion Cards

To Remove The Expansion Cards, Disconnect TheCables Attached To It.

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Step 9: Remove Motherboard

To Remove The Motherboard, Disconnect All The Cables From The Motherboard.

Step 10: Reassemble The Components

Identify Every Component And Take Its Photograph.

After Identification Of Each Component, Put All The Components Back In Their Place And
Ensure that all cables and wires are connected at the right place to avoid further troubleshooting.

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