Computer Hardware and

System Start up
Key Learning Outcomes;
By the end of this chapter, learners should be able to:

a) know the physical devices of a computer system and how each

operates.

b) assemble a computer system.

c) safely start and shut down a computer system.

d) use computer peripheral tools.

 Key words

1. Hardware

2. Device

3. Booting

4. Peripheral
 Introduction

In this chapter you will learn about the physical parts of the computer and their
use in everyday life.
Different parts of a computer are assembled to make a complete system. These
parts may be manufactured by the same company or different companies.
Some of the hardware parts are internal components (within the system case)
while others are peripherals (externally connected to the system case
through a port).
As a computer user, you should know how to assemble the hardware parts and
safely start the computer.
Computer Hardware parts
 Meaning of Computer Hardware

Have you ever used a desktop computer? You realize

that there is not any single part called a Computer.
Generally, a computer is a system of many parts
working together as shown in Figure 2.1. below
Computer Hardware
 Meaning of Computer Hardware

The tangible parts that you can touch and feel such as the
monitor, keyboard, mouse, disk drives, printer, scanner and
speakers, are collectively referred to as hardware.

The opposite of hardware is software, which refers to the

instructions or programs that tell the hardware what to do.
Software is intangible.
 Computer Hardware
Imagine you have been asked to type and produce a letter inviting your head

teacher a debating competition in your class on Tuesday at 2:00pm in the

main hall.

In this case, you can use a keyboard for typing, a mouse for controlling the

cursor on the screen (these are input devices), the printer will be used to

produce a hard copy of the work seen on the screen (output). Storage is

done within the system unit where a harddisk is the one responsible for this

activity.
 Activity 2.1: Parts of a computer

1. Discuss and identify whether use of each of the devices labeled in Figure
2.1 is an input, output, storage, communication or processing device and
summarize your findings in the table below:

Label Name of Device Category

1 Mouse Input
2
3
4
5
6
 Categories of Computer Hardware
Hardware devices are categorized according to their functions. The various hardware

categories include input, storage, processing , output, and communication

devices.

Input devices are used for entering data or information into the computer after which

other processes can follow. Output hardware is used for producing or displaying

information which can be in form of a soft copy or hard copy. Storage devices are

used for storing data or information for future use. The storage devices can be

inside the computer itself (internal) or can be external to the computer. Sometimes

storage devices can be looked at in terms of the methods used to store data on them.

For example, can you compare a flash disk and a CD? The method of storing data

on each of these devices is different.

 Activity 2.2: Categories of Computer hardware

1. What is the difference between a soft copy and a hard copy?

Give examples to support you answer.

HARD COPY SOFT COPY

 Activity 2.2: Categories of Computer
hardware

2. Move around the computer laboratory or any office in your school and
identify other computer hardware devices other than those mentioned in 1)
above. Summarize their details in terms of Name, features, function and
category.

Name Features Function Category

 Activity 2.2: Categories of Computer hardware

3. Identify at least one device in each category and demonstrate

how it works.
 Assembling a Computer System

At the beginning of this chapter, you looked at hardware devices

which can be categorized as input devices like mouse,
keyboard, microphone, camera; Output devices like monitor,
printer, projector, speakers; Storage devices like hard disks,
flash disks compact disks; processing devices like a CPU.
Some of these devices are summarized in Figure 2.2 below.
Figure 2.2: Some examples of
computer hardware
 Continued
When these devices are connected together, they make a computer system. For
a computer system to work well, the above hardware devices must be
connected properly. For instance, a keyboard, mouse, monitor should be
connected to the System unit, the system unit and monitor then connected
to power directly to the sockets or through a UPS by use of power cables.

If you are setting up a newly purchased computer, you will probably find a
how-to use or a user guide in the packaging that includes step-by-step
details. However, even if it does not include instructions, you can still set
up the computer in just a few easy steps.
A typical computer Laboratory
 Activity 2.3: Assembling a Computer
System (Desktop)

1. With guidance from your teacher, assemble a computer system from its
various parts provided in the computer laboratory. You can make reference

to the guidelines below.

 Guidelines
Step 1: Check whether all the devices required are available.

Step 2: Locate the monitor cable. It will usually be either a VGA or DVI cable.

VGA cables will often have blue connectors to make them easier to identify.

Step 3: Connect one end of the cable to the monitor port on the back of the

computer case and the other end to the monitor. Hand-tighten the plastic covered

screws on the monitor cable to secure it.

Step 4: Connect other devices by critically looking at the port types.

Step 5: Locate the power supply cables. Plug the first power supply cable

into the back of the computer case, and then into a surge protector. Then,

using the other cable, connect the monitor to the surge protector.

Step 6: Finally, plug the surge protector into a wall outlet. You may also need

to turn the surge protector on if it has a power switch.

 Activity 2.3: Assembling a Computer System
(Desktop)

2. Explain any key steps followed to assemble a computer system

in 1. above.
 Activity 2.3: Assembling a Computer
System (Desktop)

3. What precautions must be taken while assembling a computer

system?
 Setting up a laptop computer

If you have a laptop, setup should be very easy. Just open

it up and press the power button. If the battery is not
charged, you will need to plug in the AC adapter and
charge it before using it. If your laptop has any
peripherals, such as external speakers, you may
want to read the instructions below, since laptops and
desktops generally use the same types of connections.
 Starting and Shutting down a Computer
System

After assembling a computer (see Figure 2.3), the next

step is how it can be powered on correctly, used and
then shut down with proper procedures. The process
of starting a computer is called booting.
Figure 2.3: A computer system
ready for startup
 Starting the computer

1. Make sure all the plugs are well connected.

2. Switch on the electricity socket and the Uninterruptible Power Supply Unit.

3. Press the power button on the computer monitor first. It should show signal.

4. Press the power button on the system unit.

5. The computer should now start to boot and load windows.

6. If the welcome screen appears, select your username and enter the password.

7. The Desktop should now appear.

8. Give it time to load the elements and start up programs.

 Shutting down a Computer System

1. Turn Off Computer option is Located on the Start

menu.
2. The Turn Off Computer dialog has the Turn off the
computer, Standby/Hibernate, and Restart Option.
3. Log Off and Switch User options are also located on
the Start menu.
Shutting down a Computer System
 Procedures of Shutting down a
Computer System
Outline the steps of shutting down a computer system
 Activity 2.4: Starting and shutting down a
Computer System

1. Explain the logical order of switching on the assembled

computer system and how it can be shut down properly.
 Activity 2.4: Starting and shutting down a
Computer System

2. Stating from a fully connected compute system, demonstrate

how a compute can be switched on and late switched off after
use.
 Activity 2.4: Starting and shutting down
a Computer System

3. What precautions MUST be considered in 2) above.

 Activity of Integration
Sazamwe Secondary School is planning to have a careers day to
sensitize S.1 students about the importance of vocational subjects.
The 100 students of S.1 will assemble in the main hall which has a
power supply. The career’s teacher will share pictures and videos
showing areas where various subjects are applicable.

Task

Advise the career’s teacher on which computer hardware devices will

be needed and how they work to support her presentation to the

students.
Assessment Grid
 Chapter Summary

In this chapter, the learners have learnt about:

a) The physical devices of a computer system

and how each operates.

b) How to assemble a computer system.

c) Safely starting and shutting down a