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System Unit: Hardware Software

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32 views3 pages

System Unit: Hardware Software

Uploaded by

Danny Kiroo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ICT

If you use a desktop computer, you might


already know that there isn't any single part
called the "computer." A computer is really a
system of many parts working together. The
physical parts, which you can see and touch,
are collectively called hardware. (Software,
on the other hand, refers to the instructions,
or programs, that tell the hardware what to
do.)

The illustration below shows the most


common hardware in a desktop computer
system. Your system may look a little
different, but it probably has most of these
parts. A laptop computer has similar parts but
combines them into a single notebook-sized
package.

Let's take a look at each of these parts.

System unit
The system unit is the core of a computer system. Usually
it's a rectangular box placed on or underneath your desk.
Inside this box are many electronic components that process
information. The most important of these components is
the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor,
which acts as the "brain" of your computer. Another
component is random access memory (RAM), which
temporarily stores information that the CPU uses while the
computer is on. The information stored in RAM is erased
when the computer is turned off.

Almost every other part of your computer connects to the


system unit using cables. The cables plug into
specific ports (openings), typically on the back of the system unit. Hardware that is not
part of the system unit is sometimes called a peripheral device or device.

Storage
Your computer has one or more disk drives—
devices that store information on a metal or
plastic disk. The disk preserves the information
even when your computer is turned off.

Hard disk drive


Your computer's hard disk drive stores
information on a hard disk, a rigid platter or stack of platters with a magnetic surface.
Because hard disks can hold massive amounts of information, they usually serve as your
computer's primary means of storage, holding almost all of your programs and files. The
hard disk drive is normally located inside the system unit.

CD and DVD drives


Nearly all computers today come equipped with a CD or DVD drive,
usually located on the front of the system unit. CD drives use lasers to
read (retrieve) data from a CD, and many CD drives can also write
(record) data onto CDs. If you have a recordable disk drive, you can
store copies of your files on blank CDs. You can also use a CD drive to
play music CDs on your computer.

Mouse
A mouse is a small device used to point to and select items on your computer screen.
Although mice come in many shapes, the typical mouse does look a bit like an actual
mouse. It's small, oblong, and connected to the system unit by a long wire that
resembles a tail. Some newer mice are wireless.

A mouse usually has two buttons: a primary button (usually the left button) and a
secondary button. Many mice also have a wheel between the two buttons, which allows
you to scroll smoothly through screens of information.

When you move the mouse with your hand, a pointer on your screen moves in the same
direction. (The pointer's appearance might change depending on where it's positioned on
your screen.) When you want to select an item, you point to the item and
then click (press and release) the primary button. Pointing and clicking with your mouse
is the main way to interact with your computer.

Keyboard
A keyboard is used mainly for typing text into your computer. Like the keyboard on a
typewriter, it has keys for letters and numbers, but it
also has special keys:

 The function keys, found on the top row, perform


different functions depending on where they are
used.
 The numeric keypad, located on the right side of most keyboards, allows you to
enter numbers quickly.
 The navigation keys, such as the arrow keys, allow you to move your position within
a document or webpage.

Monitor
A monitor displays information in visual form, using text and graphics. The portion of
the monitor that displays the information is called the screen. Like a television screen,
a computer screen can show still or moving pictures.

There are two basic types of monitors: CRT (cathode


ray tube) monitors and LCD (liquid crystal display)
monitors. Both types produce sharp images, but LCD
monitors have the advantage of being much thinner
and lighter. CRT monitors, however, are generally
more affordable.

Printer
A printer transfers data from a computer onto paper. You don't need a printer to use
your computer, but having one allows you to print e-mail, cards, invitations,
announcements, and other materials. Many people also like being able to print their own
photos at home.

The two main types of printers are inkjet


printers and laser printers. Inkjet printers are the most
popular printers for the home. They can print in black and
white or in full color and can produce high-quality
photographs when used with special paper. Laser printers
are faster and generally better able to handle heavy use.

Speakers
Speakers are used to play sound. They may be built into the system
unit or connected with cables. Speakers allow you to listen to music
and hear sound effects from your computer.

Modem
To connect your computer to the Internet, you need a modem. A modem
is a device that sends and receives computer information over a
telephone line or high-speed cable. Modems are sometimes built into the
system unit, but higher-speed modems are usually separate components.

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