Arab American University

FACULTY OF MODERN SCIENCES

COMPUTER SKILLS
Lecturer: Eng. Thaer Khatib
Spring | 2022 -2023

Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware 1

 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.1 Introduction
○ All types of computers follow the same basic logical structure and perform the following five basic
operations for converting input data into information useful to their users.

2
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.1 Introduction
○ Computer System is the integration of:

Physical components Non-Physical components

Hardware Software

3
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.1 Introduction
○ Hardware: defined as the physical part or component of a computer system which can be felt,
seen, and touched.

○ Software: defined as a set of instructions or collection of programs which are designed

and developed to perform specific tasks. Software can be classified into systems software
and application software.

4
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

○ Computers Hardware include components that are used for:

Input Output Processing Storage Communication

5
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ Input device: is a piece of equipment used to provide data and control signals to an
information processing system.

Computer Inputs

keyboard Pen Input Sensors

Pointing Device Graphics Tablet Digital Cameras

Touch Screens Smart Card Microphone

Scanners and Reading Devices

6
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ 3.2.1 Keyboard: is an input device used to enter characters and functions into the computer
system by pressing buttons, or keys.

7
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ There are two basic types of keyboards: standard and extended
○ Standard keyboards: have the normal character keys (A-Z, 1-0), modifier keys (control, alt, escape,
etc.), and function keys.

○ Extended keyboard: include standard keyboard plus navigation keys (arrows, page up/down, etc.) and a
numeric keypad.

Standard Extended
8
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ Keyboarding skills: the ability to input information at a keyboard smoothly while typing.
○ Touch typing – a method of typing (with all the available fingers) without looking at the
keyboard.

○ Benefits of touch typing:

■ Speed (efficient): type faster
■ Accuracy (focus): make fewer mistakes
■ Productivity: type longer without getting tired
■ Health: less likely have health problems

9
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ Typing tips:

■ Maintain a healthy posture.

■ Familiarize yourself with the keyboard layout.
■ Start typing with touch typing.
■ Press each key with the proper finger.
■ Each key has to pressed by the same finger all the time.
■ Take a typing speed test to keep track of your progress.

10
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

Typing speed test:
https://www.keybr.com/

11
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

English Typing
When the Wisdom speaks, be silent. Do not waste your candle when the sun is there.

‫الكتابة بالعربية‬
‫ والحكيم يُعرف من اسئلته‬، ‫الذكي يُعرف من اجاباته‬

12
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ Keyboard common shortcuts: Open
File Select All
Explorer
■ Begin by holding down one of Modifier keys Find Open

E A
Desktop F O Print

D + + + P
+
+ + New
Italic
I + + N
+ +
Underline U +
CTRL
+
S Save

+ +
B + + w
■ Then, you press any letter key in addition Bold Z X Close

V C
Window

■ Finally let go of both keys

Undo Cut
● Ex. Alt + F4 (closes the foremost window) Paste Copy

● Alt + Tab (Switch Window)

13
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ 3.2.2 Pointing Device: is an input device that allows user to control small symbol on the
screen called the points. In a graphical user interface (GUI), a pointer is a small symbol on the
screen whose location and shape change as a user moves a pointing device.

Mouse Touchpad Pointing Stick Trackball

14
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ 3.2.3 Touch Input: Devices that utilize touch input include monitors for desktops and screens
on laptops and tablets, smartphones, portable media players, digital cameras, tablets, kiosks,
and navigation systems.

15
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ 3.2.4 Digital Cameras: It produces digital images that can be stored in a computer, displayed
on a screen, and printed. The big advantage of the digital camera is making photos both
inexpensive and fast because there is no film processing.

16
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ 3.2.5 Pen Input: With pen input, you touch a stylus or digital pen on a flat surface to write,
draw, or make selections.

17
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ 3.2.6 Graphics Tablet: also called a digitizer, is an electronic plastic board that enables a user
to hand-draw images, animations, and graphics. graphics tablet detects and converts
movements of a stylus or digital pen into digital signals that are sent to the computer.

18
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ 3.2.7 Scanners and Reading Devices: input devices capture data directly from a source
document.
Optical Scanners Optical Readers
Bar Code Readers

MICR Readers RFID Readers Magstripe Readers

19
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ Optical Scanners: usually called a scanner is a light-sensing input device that reads printed
text and graphics and then translates the result into a form the computer can process.
○ A flatbed scanner works in a manner similar to a copy machine except it creates a file of the
document in memory instead of paper copy.

20
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ Optical Readers: is a device that uses a light source to read characters, marks, and codes and
then converts them into digital data that a computer can process. There are two technologies
used by optical readers which are:
OCR is a technology that reads typewritten, computer
Optical Character printed, or handwritten characters from ordinary documents
Recognition (OCR) and translates the images into a form that the computer
can understand.

Optical Mark OMR is devices read hand-drawn marks such as circles or

Recognition (OMR) rectangles.

21
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ Bar code readers: also known as bar code scanner, is an optical reader that uses laser beams
to red bar codes which are identification codes consisting of vertical lines and spaces of
different widths.
○ Manufactures print a bar code on a label that is affixed to a product such as groceries, books,
clothing, vehicles, mail and packages.

22
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ A QR code is known as 2-D bar code, Because it stores information in both vertical and
horizontal direction in a square-shaped graphic.
○ QR code represent a web address or other content such as contacts or phone number.

23
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ RFID Readers: RFID (radio frequency identification) uses radio signals to communicate with a
tag placed in or attached to an object, an animal or a person. An RFID reader reads information
on the tag via radio waves. RFID can track:

○ Tracking times of runners

○ Checking out library books
○ Managing purchases
○ Vehicles pass through booths on toll way

24
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ Magstripe Readers: read the magnetic stripe on the back of cards such as:
■ Credit cards
■ Entertainment cards
■ Bank cards
■ Identification cards
■ Other similar cards

25
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ Magstripe Readers: read the magnetic stripe on the back of cards such as:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71_8NHHD8OI&t=93s 26
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ MCIR Reader: (magnetic ink character recognition) devices read text printed with magnetized
ink.

○ An MICR reader:
■ Converts characters into a form the computer can process
■ Banking industry uses MICR for check processing
■ Used to verify the legitimacy or originality of documents, especially checks.

○ Special ink, which is sensitive to magnetic fields, is used in the printing of certain characters on
the original documents. Information can be encoded in the magnetic characters.
○ The MICR characters pre-printed on the check represent the bank routing number, customer
account number, and check number. The amount of the check in the lower-right corner is added
27
after the check is cashed.
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ 3.2.8 Smart Card Reader: A small electronic device about the size of a credit card that
contains electronic memory.
○ They are called smart cards as they can accept tiny memory chips embedded in them which
act as microprocessors where it is located under a gold contact pad on one side of the card.
Used for a variety of purposes such as storing digital cash and storing patient‘s medical
records.

28
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ 3.2.9 Microphone are built into most handheld and laptop devices, as well as some desktop
computers. Computers without microphones can accept peripherals (using either an audio jack
or USB) or can use a microphone which is part of a headset.
○ Speech recognition is becoming more and more common.

29
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.2 Computer Input

○ 3.2.10 Sensors: is a device that detects and responds to some type of input from the physical
environment. The input can be light, heat, motion, moisture, pressure or any number of other
environmental phenomena.

30
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

○ Computers Hardware include components that are used for:

Input Output Processing Storage Communication

31
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.3 Computer Output

○ The output: is the data that has been processed into a useful form.
○ The form of output varies, depending on the hardware and software being used and the
requirements of the user.
○ a user encounters four basic types of output: text, graphics, audio, and video. These devices
include: screen , speakers and printer.

32
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.3 Computer Output

○ 3.3.1 Monitors (Screen) and Graphics Adapter:
○ A Display: is an output device that visually conveys text, graphics, and video information.
○ Displays consist of a screen and the components that produce the information on the screen.
○ Most current displays are a type of flat-panel display, which means they have a shallow depth
and a flat-screen. Monitors use pixels which is one dot on your screen. Each pixel a separate
colour.

33
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.3 Computer Output

○ 3.3.1 Monitors (Screen) and Graphics Adapter:
○ The graphics adapter: is the electronic device that links the monitor to the processor and
motherboard.
○ A Graphics adapter can be inserted into an expansion slot on the motherboard. Nowadays,
most of the motherboards have graphics adapter built-in.

34
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.3 Computer Output

○ 3.3.2 Printers:
○ Printers produce hard copy output. Printers can be chosen according to the price, size (and
weight), speed, quality of output, colour requirement, and even noise level.

Dot-matrix printer Ink-jet printers Laser printers All in one printers

35
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.3 Computer Output

○ 3.3.2 Printers:
○ Printers Explained - Laser, Inkjet, Thermal, & Dot Matrix

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEVurb1uVFA&t=275s
36
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.3 Computer Output

○ 3.3.2 Printers:
○ Inkjet Printers | The interesting engineering behind them

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PKFQciUWBU
37
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.3 Computer Output

○ 3.3.2 Printers:
○ Dot-matrix printer: Uses metal pins to strike the ink ribbon and paper. Letters would be formed
by creating many small dots in that letter's shape. These printers produced very low-quality
text.
○ Ink-jet printers (line printers): Spray small dots of liquid ink on paper to create images. Its
resolution is good.
○ Laser printers (page printers): Its High speed, High resolution, and Speed of printing
relatively high.
○ All-in-One Printers: A single device that looks like a printer or a copy machine but provides
the functionality of a printer, scanner, copy machine, and perhaps a fax machine.
○ 3-D printer: can print solid objects, such as clothing, eyewear, implants, toys, parts, prototypes.
38
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.3 Computer Output

○ 3.3.2 Printers:
○ What is 3D Printing and how does it work?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcTzyx35odY
39
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.3 Computer Output

○ 3.3.3 Data Projectors
○ It‘s a device that takes the text and images displaying on a computer or mobile device screen and projects
the images on a larger screen.

40
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.3 Computer Output

○ 3.3.4 Interactive Whiteboards
○ It‘s a touch-sensitive device, resembling a dry-erase board, which displays the image on a connected
computer screen, usually via a projector.

41
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

○ Computers Hardware include components that are used for:

Input Output Processing Storage Communication

42
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ Many of Computer components are inside a CASE that contains and protects the electronics
of the computer from damage. These cases are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.

43
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ System Unit Components:

44
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ System Unit Components:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB4I2CgkcCo
45
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ 3.4.1 Motherboard
■ Is the main circuit board of the computer. Many electronic components, such as the
processor and memory, attach to the motherboard; others are built into it.

Desktop motherboard Laptop motherboard

46
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ 3.4.1 Motherboard
■ Explained in deep (For IT & CS)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2pd3Y6aBag
47
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ 3.4.2 The Processors (CPU)
■ The processor also called the Central Processing Unit (CPU): is the electronic component
that interprets and carries out (Executes) the basic instructions that operate the computer.
(Multicores, Multiprocessors)
■ CPU has three components:
● Control Unit (CU): it Controls the flow of input/output, and it Used to fetch and decode
instructions.
● Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Does the logical and arithmetic operations.
● Registers (MU): It‘s very high-speed storage arrears and it’s a part of processor.

48
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ Logical structure for any computer:

1: print (Hello!)
2: Go to 1

49
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ 3.4.2 The Processors (CPU)
■ Machine Cycle

50
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ 3.4.3 Memory
■ The memory consists of electronic components that store:
● Instructions waiting to be executed by the processor.
● Data needed by those instructions
● The results of processing the data

Memory size commonly is measured in megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB)

51
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ 3.4.3 Memory

Volatile Memory Non-Volatile Memory

Loses its content when power is off Does not Lose content when power is removed

RAM ROM Flash Memory

Random Access Memory Read Only Memory

DRAM SRAM
Dynamic RAM Static RAM
52
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ 3.4.3 Memory
■ Random Access Memory (RAM): Is used to store programs and other data waiting for processing.
■ Read Only Memory (ROM): It holds the instructions that boot (start-up) and prepare a computer for
use.

■ Cache Memory: is a type of (RAM) that a (CPU) can access more quickly than it can access regular
RAM.

The CPU processes data looks first in the cache memory, and if finds the data there, it does not
have to do the more time-consuming reading of data from larger memory (RAM)

■ Access time: is the amount of time it takes the processor to read from memory, which is measured
53
in nanoseconds.
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ Primary Memory : Types and differences from Secondary Storage Memory

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3m9r62jMS8
54
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ RAM Explained - Random Access Memory

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVad0c2cljo
55
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ CPU Cache Explained - What is Cache Memory?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi0FhRqDJfo
56
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

System Unit Components

○ Remember

57
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ 3.4.4 Expansion Slots and Cards
■ Bus: It is a collection of wires through which data is transferred from one part of the computer to
another.
■ A bus allows the various devices both inside and attached to the system unit to communicate with
one another. Type of Buses

Front-side bus (FSB) Backside bus (BSB) Expansion bus

System bus

CPU Memory CPU Cache CPU Peripheral devices

58
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ 3.4.4 Expansion Slots and Cards
■ All buses consist of:

■ The address bus: Transfers information about where data should go.
■ The data bus: Transfers instructions coming from or going to the processor. (Transfers actual data).
■ The control bus: holds the control and timing signals needed to coordinate all of the computer’s
activities.

59
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ 3.4.4 Expansion Slots and Cards
■ Ports: It is the interface between the computer and the outer world.

60
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ 3.4.4 Expansion Slots and Cards
■ Ports:

61
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ 3.4.4 Expansion Slots and Cards
■ Ports:

62
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.4 Processing Devices

○ 3.4.4 Expansion Slots and Cards
■ Ports:

63
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

○ Computers Hardware include components that are used for:

Input Output Processing Storage Communication

64
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.5 Storage
○ A storage medium, (secondary storage), is the physical material on which a computer keeps
data, information, programs, and applications.

RFID
Tag

65
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.5 Storage
○ Storage Operations
○ Writing: The process of transferring data, instructions, and information from memory to a storage.
○ Reading: The process of transferring these items from a storage medium into memory.

Writing

Memory Storage
Reading

66
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.5 Storage
○ Storage Capacity
○ Capacity is the number of bytes (characters) a storage medium can hold

■ We all remember that the smallest piece of information can be stored is a bit (0 or 1).

■ Each 8 bits called a Byte which represent one character in computer

Capital A Representation
Bit (7) Bit (6) Bit (5) Bit (4) Bit (3) Bit (2) Bit (1) Bit (0)
0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

67
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.5 Storage
○ Storage Capacity

Terms used to define storage

Exact Number of Bytes
Storage Term Approximate Number of Bytes
(Binary System)
Kilobyte (KB) 1 thousand 𝟐𝟏𝟎 = 1024
Megabyte (MB) 1 million 𝟐𝟐𝟎 = 1024 x 1024
Gigabyte (GB) 1 billion 𝟐𝟑𝟎 = 1024 x 1024 x 1024
Terabyte (TB) 1 trillion 𝟐𝟒𝟎 = 1024 x 1024 x 1024 x 1024

68
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.5 Storage
○ Storage Capacity
○ Example1: How many Bytes in 15 Kbytes?
■ 15 𝐾𝐵 = 15 𝑥 210 = 15 𝑥 1024 = 15360 𝐾𝐵

○ Example2: How many Bits in 25 MB?

■ 25 𝑀𝐵 = 25 𝑥 220 𝑥 8 = 25 𝑥 1024 𝑥 1024 𝑥 8 = 209,715,200 𝐵𝑖𝑡𝑠

○ Example3: How many GB in 2000 MB?

■ 2000 𝑀𝐵 = 2000 ÷ 210 = 2000 ÷ 1024 = 1.95 𝐺𝐵 ≈ 2 𝐺𝐵

69
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.5 Storage
○ Types of mass storage devices and media
○ Hard Disk Drive (HDD): is a storage device that contains one or more inflexible, circular platters
that use magnetic particles to store data. Depending on how the magnetic particles are aligned,
they represent either a 0 bit or a 1 bit.

70
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.5 Storage
○ Types of mass storage devices and media
○ How do Hard Disk work:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wteUW2sL7bc&t=1s
71
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.5 Storage
○ Types of mass storage devices and media
○ Operations applied on Hard Disk:
■ Defragmentation: Rearranging Clusters to enhance performance

■ Partitioning: divide the hard disk into separate areas called partitions; each partition functions as if it
were a separate hard disk drive.
■ Formatting: The process of preparing the disk to be used (read/write). It erases the FAT

72
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.5 Storage
○ Types of mass storage devices and media
○ Optical Laser Disks is a type of storage medium that consists of a flat, round, portable disc made
of metal, plastic, and lacquer that is written and read by a laser

73
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-jxTzFrnpg
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.5 Storage
○ Types of mass storage devices and media
○ Solid-State Drive (SSD) is a flash memory storage device that contains its processor to manage its
storage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Mh3o886qpg&t=487s 74
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.5 Storage
○ Types of mass storage devices and media
○ Cloud Storage is an Internet service that provides storage to computer or mobile device users

75
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.5 Storage

○ Binary and decimal numbering systems

○ Decimal to binary conversion

○ Binary to decimal conversion

76
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.5 Storage

○ Binary and decimal numbering systems

○ Decimal to Binary conversion

128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20

○ Binary to Decimal conversion

128 64 32 16 8 4 2 1
27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20

77
 Chapter 3 : Computer Hardware

3.5 Storage
○ Computer Encoding Systems:

○ The ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) code is 7 Bits.
○ The ANSI (American National Standards Institute) code is 8 Bits
○ The Unicode is 16 Bits, 65536 characters, which includes most of the languages of the world

78
Computer Skills

Thank You

79