Lab 1 Reading Material

Background and Overview:

Hardware:
The hardware components of a computer system are the electronic and mechanical parts. The
hardware is the parts of the computer itself, including the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and
related microchips and micro-circuitry, keyboards, monitors, cases and drives (hard disk, CD,
DVD, floppy disk, optical, tape drives, etc.). Other extra parts called peripheral components or
devices include the mouse, printers, modems, scanners, digital cameras, cards, etc.
Built-in Computer Components:
There are several hardware devices that are integrated into a computer. Some of these are listed as
follows.
1. Motherboard: A motherboard is a backbone that ties the computer's components together
at one spot and allows them to talk to each other.
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU): A CPU is the electronic circuitry that executes
instructions comprising a computer program.
3. Basic Input Output System (BIOS): BIOS is the program a computer's microprocessor
uses to start the computer system after it is powered on.
4. Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS): CMOS is a small amount of
memory in the motherboard of your computer and is used to store BIOS settings.
5. CMOS Battery: A battery that maintains the time, date, hard disk and other configuration
settings in the CMOS memory.
6. Random Access Memory (RAM): A RAM is a computer's short-term memory, which it
uses to handle all active tasks and apps.
7. Power Supply: A power supply is an electrical device that supplies electric power to a
computer.
8. Fan (CPU, GPU, Case, etc.): A computer fan is any fan inside, or attached to, a computer
case used for active cooling.
9. Video Card: A video card is a built-in hardware component which generates a feed of
output images for a display at display device.
10. Sound Card: A sound card is a built-in hardware component for producing sound on a
computer that can be heard through speakers or headphones.
11. Computer Bus: A computer bus is a subsystem (comprised of wires) that is used to
connect computer components and transfer data between them.
12. Data Bus: A data bus is a system within a computer or device, consisting of a connector
or set of wires, that provides transportation for data.
13. Control Bus: A control bus is a computer bus that is used by the CPU to communicate
with devices that are contained within the computer.
14. Network Interface Card (NIC): A NIC is a hardware component, which connect a
computer over a network.
15. Hard Drive (HDD): A HDD is a computer's long-term memory (permanent storage),
which it uses to store all type of data. HDD is electro-mechanical data storage device
which retains data even computer is turned off.
16. Solid-State Drive (SSD): A SSD is electronic data storage device which retains data even
computer is turned off.
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17. Optical Drive (e.g., BD/DVD/CD drive): An optical drive is an internal or external
computer disk drive that uses laser beam technology to read and write data.
18. Card Reader (SD/SDHC, CF, etc.): A card reader is a data input device that reads data
from a card-shaped storage medium.
Computer Connected Devices:
Here are some of hardware devices which are usually connected with a computer, although
laptops and notebooks have these as built-in components.
1. Monitor: A computer monitor is an output device that displays information in pictorial or
text form.
2. Keyboard: A keyboard is a peripheral device that enables a user to input text into a
computer.
3. Mouse: A mouse is a small handheld input device that controls a computer screen's cursor
or pointer in conjunction with the way it is moved on a flat surface.
4. Battery Backup (UPS): An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that allows a
computer to keep running for at least a short time when the primary power source is lost.
5. Flash Drive: A flash drive is a small electronic device containing flash memory that is
used for storing data or transferring it to or from a computer, digital camera etc.
6. Printer: A printer is a device that accepts text and graphic output from a computer and
transfers the information to paper.
7. Speaker: A Speaker is a transducer that convert electromagnetic waves into sound waves.
8. External Hard Drive: An external hard drive is a portable hard disk that connects to your
computer with a USB cable.
9. Pen Tablet: A pen tablet is an input device consisting of a flat, pressure-sensitive pad
which the user draws on or points at with a special stylus, to guide a pointer displayed on
the screen.
10. Joystick: A joystick is an input device that can be used for controlling the movement of
the cursor or a pointer in a computer device using a lever.
11. Webcam: A webcam is a small digital video camera that connects to a computer.
12. Microphone: A microphone is a device that translates sound vibrations in the air into
electronic signals or scribes them to a recording medium.
13. Scanner: a scanner is a device that optically scans images, printed text, handwriting or an
object and converts it to a digital image.
14. Projector: A projector is an optical device that projects an image on computer screen onto
a surface, commonly a projection screen for a larger audience.
15. Plotter: A plotter is a graphics printer that draws images with ink pens on larger sheets.
16. Floppy Disk Drive: The floppy disk drive is a piece of computer hardware that reads data
from and writes data to, a small disk called floppy disk.
17. Heat Sink: A heat sink is a passive heat exchanger that transfers the heat generated by an
electronic or a mechanical device to a fluid medium, often air or a liquid coolant,
18. Data Cable: A data cable is, essentially, any type of media capable of carrying a binary
electrical communication signal.
19. Power Cable: A power cable, also called a power cord is the primary cable that provides
power to the computer’s internal and external components.
20. Daughterboard: A daughterboard or daughter-card is a circuit board that plugs into and
extends the circuitry of motherboard.
Computer Network Devices:

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Here are some of hardware devices which are required for communication between computers,
usually called as network devices.
1. Repeater: A repeater is an electronic device in a communication channel that increases
the power of a signal and retransmits it, allowing it to travel further.
2. Hub: A network hub is a node that broadcasts data to every computer connected to it. A
hub is less sophisticated than a switch, the latter of which can isolate data transmissions to
specific devices.
3. Bridge: A bridge is a network device that connects multiple networks (local area
networks) together to form a larger network.
4. Switch: A network switch connects devices within a network (often a local area network)
and forwards data packets to and from those devices.
5. Router: A router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer
networks.
6. Gateway: A gateway is a hardware device that acts as a "gate" between two possibly
different networks. It may be a router, firewall, server, or another device that enables
traffic to flow in and out of the network.
7. Brouter: A brouter also known as the bridging router is a device that combines features of
both bridge and router.
8. Access Point: A wireless access point, or more generally just access point, is a
networking hardware device that allows other Wi-Fi devices to connect to a wired
network.
9. Print Server: A print server is a device or program that connect printer to computers over
a network.
10. Firewall: A firewall is a network security device that monitors incoming and outgoing
network traffic and decides whether to allow or block specific traffic based on a defined
set of security rules.

Operating System:
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware, software
resources, and provides common services for computer programs. The OS communicates user’s
requests to the computer in its language and gives the user the results. In other words, it acts as an
interface between the user and the computer hardware. OS is system software that manages both,
hardware and software of a computer. An OS usually provides basic functionalities that are
common to most applications such as file management, device management, disk management,
memory management, input/output management, network communication, graphical user
interface etc.
There are different types of OSs available for various purposes. Following is a list of most
commonly used OSs.
Microsoft ® Disk Operating System:
Microsoft ® Disk Operating System (MS DOS) is a command line based operating system. In
this operating system user types various commands in text format to perform different task. It is a
singleuser, single-tasking operating system. MS DOS itself has no functionality to allow more
than one program to execute at a time. Various commands of MS DOS could be used in the
Command Line Interface (CLI) of the Microsoft ® Windows operating system.
Microsoft ® Windows:

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Microsoft ® Windows (also referred to as Windows or Win) is a family of proprietary operating

systems which provides Graphical User Interface (GUI) to interact with the computer. It is
developed, published and owned by Microsoft. It is a multi-user, multi-tasking operating system.
It provides a way to store files, run software, play games, watch videos, and connect to the
Internet using standard Mouse and Keyboard.
Linux:
Linux is a family of free, open source operating systems which provide both Graphical User
Interface (GUI) as well as a very powerful Command Line Interface (CLI) to interact with the
computer. It is a multi-user, multi-tasking operating system. It provides a way to store files, run
software, play games, watch videos, and connect to the Internet using standard Mouse and
Keyboard.
Apple ® macOS:
Apple ® macOS (also referred to as MAC) is a family of proprietary operating systems which
provides
Graphical User Interface (GUI) to interact with the computer. It is developed, published and
owned by Apple. It is a multi-user, multi-tasking operating system. It provides a way to store
files, run software, play games, watch videos, and connect to the Internet using standard Mouse
and Keyboard.
Android:
Android is a mobile operating system based on a modified version of the Linux and other open
source software, designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and
tablets. It is a multi-user, multi-tasking operating system. Android is developed by a consortium
of developers known as the Open Handset Alliance and commercially sponsored by Google.
Many, to almost all, Android devices come with preinstalled Google apps including Gmail,
Google Maps, Google Chrome, YouTube, Google Play Music, Google Play Movies & TV, and
many more.
Apple ® iOS:
iOS (formerly iPhone OS) is a mobile operating system created, developed and owned by Apple
Inc. exclusively for its hardware. It is a multi-user, multi-tasking operating system. It is the
operating system that powers many of the company's mobile devices, including the iPhone and
iPod Touch. iOS is the second most popular mobile operating system in the world, after Android.

Introduction to Computer Hardware Devices:

Computer hardware refers to the physical components that make up of a Computer. There are
various hardware devices which are built-in a computer or could be connected.
Monitor:
A Monitor is a display device. It is technically a matrix (kind of a table) of tiny squares that can
be one of three colors (Red, Green, or Blue). Squares will light up in particular colors and when
you look at the image as a whole, it will appear as though the colors blend into another. So, a
yellow screen can be made by alternating blue and green pixels. Each pixel has sub-pixels and a
lot of other complexities.

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Fig. 1(Monitor)

Keyboard:

A Keyboard is a device that enables a user to input text into a computer. A keyboard is the most
basic way for the user to communicate with a computer. The keys include punctuation, alphabets,
digits, and special keys like the Windows key and various Multimedia keys, which have specific
functions assigned to them. Most keyboards have a similar layout. The layout of these keys is
derived from the original layout of keys on a Typewriter. The most widely used layout in the
English language is called QWERTY, named after the sequence of the first six letters from the
top left.

Escape Key Function Keys Numeric Keypad

Main Typing Keypad Cursor Control Keys

Fig. 2(Keyboard)

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Mouse:
A Mouse is a hand-controlled input device for interacting with a computer that has
a graphical user interface (GUI). The mouse can be moved around on a flat
surface to control the movement of a cursor on the computer display screen.
Equipped with one or more buttons. It can be used to select the text, activate
programs, or move items around the screen by quickly pressing and releasing one
of the buttons (“clicking”) or by keeping a button pressed while moving the
device (“clicking and dragging”).

Fig. 3(Mouse)

Motherboard:

A motherboard is the main printed circuit board in a computer. The motherboard

is a computer’s central communications backbone connectivity point, through
which all components and external peripherals connect.

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Fig. 4(Motherboard)
Processor:
A Processor is an integrated electronic circuit that performs the calculations that
run a computer. A processor performs arithmetical, logical, input/output (I/O),
and other basic instructions that are passed from an Operating System (OS).

Fig. 5(Processor)

RAM:
Random Access Memory (RAM) is a high-speed component in devices that
temporarily stores all information a device needs for the present and future. It’s a
type of computer memory that can be randomly accessed.

Fig. 6(RAM) USB:

USB is the most common type of port found on modern computers. It is used to
connect various peripherals, such as keyboards, mice, game controllers, printers,
scanners, and external storage devices. USB provides both data transmission and
low voltage (5V) power over a single cable. Devices that require five volts or less
can operate over USB without an external power source.

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Fig. 10(USB)

Hard Disk:
When you save data or install programs on your computer, the information is
typically written to your hard disk. A hard disk drive (HDD) is a data storage
device. It is usually installed internally in a computer, attached directly to the disk
controller of the computer's motherboard. It contains one or more platters, housed
inside of an air-sealed casing. Data is written to the platters using a magnetic
head, which moves rapidly over them as they spin. Because the data is stored
magnetically, information recorded on the hard disk remains intact after you turn
your computer off.

Platter Motor

Actuator
Read/Write head

Interface

Jumpers
Power Supply

Fig. 7(Hard Disk)

Floppy Disk:
A floppy disk is a magnetic storage medium for computer systems. The floppy
disk is composed of a thin, flexible magnetic disk sealed in a square plastic
carrier. To read and write data from a floppy disk, a computer system must have a
floppy disk drive (FDD). A floppy disk is also referred to simply as a floppy.
Since the early days of personal computing, floppy disks were widely used to
distribute software, transfer files, and create backup copies of data. When hard
drives were still very expensive, floppy disks were also used to store the operating
system of a computer.

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High Density Indicator

Write Protect

Read/Write region

Fig. 8(Floppy Disk)

Webcam:
A webcam is a small digital video camera connected to a computer. Webcams
come with software that needs to be installed on the computer to help users to
record video. Webcams are capable of taking pictures as well as high-definition
videos, although the video quality can be lower compared to other camera
models.

Fig. 9(Webcam)

Graphic Tablet:
A graphics tablet is a device that replaces your mouse with a stylus and digitized
drawing pad. This gains creators the ability to make very specific brush strokes
and pen paths that feel similar to drawing on paper. Since a graphics tablet feels
more natural and precise than a mouse, they’re a common tool used by many
artists to improve their digital artwork.

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Fig. 11(Graphic Tablet)

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Microsoft ® Windows
Installation Creating
Bootable USB:

• Attach USB to your PC

• On the Google search bar type “download Windows 10”
• Open the first site

Fig. 12
After opening the site select the “download tool now” option under “Create
Windows 10 installation media.”

Fig. 13(DownloadWindows 10)

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• After downloading open the “Media Creation Tool” following screen will appear
• Read the license terms
• Accept the license terms by clicking “Accept”

Fig. 14(Windows Setup)

• Select “Create installation media for another PC”

• Click “Next”

Fig. 25(Windows Setup)

• Select “Language”

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• Select “Edition” of Microsoft ® Windows

• Select “Architecture”
• Click “Next”

Fig. 36(Windows Setup)

• Select the “USB Flash drive” option

• Click “Next”

Fig. 47(Windows Setup)

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When your USB drive is ready Click “Finish”.

Fig. 58(Windows Setup)

Installing Windows via Bootable USB:

• Attach booted USB to PC for installing Microsoft ® Windows
• Start the PC
• Press the boot key of your PC
Common boot keys are Esc, F2, F10, or F12.

 Boot Menuwillappear after following

the above steps
 From Boot Menu choose your
USB device

Fig. 69(Boot menu)

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• Choose “Language to install”

• Choose “Time and currency format”
• Choose “Keyboard or input method”  Click “Next”

Fig. 20(Windows Setup)

• Select the Microsoft ® Windows you want to install  Click “Next”

Fig. 21(Windows Setup)

• Read the license terms
• Accept the license terms
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• Click “Next”

Fig. 22(Windows Setup)

Select the partition in which you want to install windows.

Fig. 23(Windows Setup)

You can also create a new partition by clicking the “New” option and mentioning the
size of the new partition in megabytes (MB).

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Fig. 24(Windows Setup

)

• Enter “Username”
• Enter “Password”
• Enter “Password hint”
• Click “Next”

Fig. 25(Account
Creation) Creating Folder:

• Open “File Explorer” o Turn on your PC o Enter “Username” o Enter “Password”

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Fig. 26(Login Screen)

o Click on the “File Explorer” icon on the taskbar

Fig. 27(File Explorer)

• Right-click and select “New” from the context menu

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Fig. 28(Create Folder)

Click “Folder” from the extended context menu.

Fig. 29(Create Folder)

A new folder will be created.

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Fig. 30(Created Folder)

Creating File:
• Open a folder
• Right-click in it
• Select “New” from the context menu

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Fig. 31(Create
File) Select any file you want to create. Here we will be making a text document. So, click on
“Text Document”.

Fig.
32(Create Text File) A new file will be created.

Fig.
33(Created Text File) Renaming a File or Folder:
• Right-click the file or folder you want to rename  Select “Rename” from the context
menu
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Fig. 34(Renaming File

)

• Type “BSEF19M021” as a filename

• Press “Enter”
The file will be renamed.

Fig.
35(Renaming File) Creating Zipped folder:

• Select the file or folder you want to zip

• Right-click it
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• From the Context menu, select “Send to”

Fig. 36(Create Zipped Folder) Select

“Compressed (zipped) folder” from the extended Context menu.

Fig. 37(Create
Zipped Folder) New Zipped Folder will be created.

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Fig. 38(Zipped Folder)

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