Physical Parts of a Computer

A computer is made up of a collection of different components that are interconnected together

in order to function as a single entity. A computer is basically made up of four basic components
and other devices connected to the system unit called peripheral devices.

i).System unit
A computer case (also known as a computer chassis, cabinet, box, tower, enclosure, housing,
system unit or simply case) is the enclosure that contains most of the components of a computer
(usually excluding the display, keyboard and mouse).
This part houses the brain of the computer called the Central Processing Unit (CPU),
motherboard, main memory, and the drives. The drive is used to store, record and read data. The
two common types of system units are Tower and desktop type.

ii).Peripheral devices
Can be defined as:-
- Devices that are connected to the system unit via ports and controlled by the CPU; or
- hardware that is externally connected to the computer’s system unit
Most of the devices are connected using data interface cables. The interface cables carry
data and information to and from the devices. The cables are attached to the system unit using
connectors called ports.
Some peripheral devices are:-
 Keyboard
Is a device that enables the user to enter data and instructions in the computer by pressing its
keys.
 The mouse
Is a hand held device that enables the user to issue instructions to the computer and move items
on the screen by controlling a special mouse pointer displayed on the screen.
 The monitor
Enables the user to see information (output)
Keyboarding ands mouse skills
Keyboard layout
Keys on the keyboard can be categorized into five groups as follows:
1. Alphanumeric (typing) keys
2. Function keys
3. Cursor movement and editing keys
4. Special PC operation keys
5. Numeric keypad keys
1) Alphanumeric keys (typing keys)
Are keys labeled A-Z, numbers arranged in a line 1, 2, …0 respectively and symbols like !, @,
%, ^, >, [, } etc as well as keys like Enter, Caps Lock, Tab, space bar, back space.
 Caps Lock
Lets then user switch between uppercase(CAPITAL Letters) and lowercase (small letters) by
pressing it. When its ON Caps Lock diode lights which is above Numeric keypad keys. Just
press it again to switch to lower case.
 Enter key(return key)
If pressed it forces the text cursor to move to the beginning of the next line.
Definition of cursor: Is a blinking underscore ( _ ) or a vertical beam ( I ) that shows where the
next character to be typed will appear.
Apart from cursor movement, the other function of enter key is to execute a selected command
and in spreadsheets when pressed it moves the cell pointer from one cell to another downwards.
 Space bar
It is the longest key on the keyboard and creates a space between words during typing.

 The backspace key

This key is like an eraser. It has backward arrow marked on it. When pressed it erases characters
to the left of the cursor position (insertion pointer) i.e. from right to left.
 Tab key
Moves the text cursor at set intervals on the same line. Its also used in setting Tab stops during
typing and moving from one cell to another or option to option.
2) Function keys
These keys are located on top of the keyboard. They are labeled F1, F2 …. F12. each of these
keys is used for a special function or job. Example pressing F1 invokes the on-line help, Pressing
F7 starts Spelling and Grammar Checker
3) Cursor movement(navigation) and editing keys
Cursor movement(navigation) keys: are used to move the cursor on the screen. They include:
Home, End, Pageup / Pagedown and Arrow keys.
 Arrow keys
They are four in number and have arrow marked on them showing the four directions. They are
used to;
- Move the cursor where we want it to be e.g. pressing the right or left arrow key moves the
cursor one character to right or left respectively. Pressing the Upward or Downward arrow key
move the cursor one line up or down respectively.
- Move the selected text or object to the desired place on the screen
 Page Up and Page Down
- Page Up moves the cursor up one page incase the document has many pages. Page Down
moves the cursor down one page incase the document has many pages.
 Home and End keys
Home key moves the cursor to the beginning of the current line while End key moves the cursor
to the end of the current line.
Editing keys
Editing keys are used to erase (delete) or insert characters in a document.
These are:
 Insert key
Helps the user to insert or replace a character at the cursor position i.e. switch between Insert and
Type over (Overwrite) mode.
 Delete (Del) key
Is used to delete the text or any part therefore from the right of the cursor position

4) Special PC Operation keys

These keys are rarely used singly but in combination with other keys. They give special
instructions to the computer. They include SHIFT, CTRL, ALT, and ESC keys.
Ctrl key:
- used for shortcuts in combination with other keys e.g. holding down Ctrl + S activates Save
command,
Shift Key
- used for typing alternative characters for keys that represent more than one character e.g.
Shift + 5 types operator %.
- Changing cases i.e. if the Caps Lock light is not illuminated and you hold down the shift key
and press a letter key, the upper case version of the character will be generated. The opposite
will happen if the Caps Lock light is illuminated.
- If you hold down Shift key as you delete folders/files from hard disk they will bypass recycle
bin folder and get deleted (discarded) completed.
5) Numeric keypad keys
They are located on the rightmost part on the keyboard. They have digits marked on the in rows
from bottom upwards. They have numbers in compact form and helps in rapid entry of numeric
data. Apart from the digits the numeric keypad has some mathematical symbols also marked on
its key e.g /, +,\, -, *.
Note: that the numbers on the numeric keypad can only be used when the Num Lock key is
turned on. The key is situated on the numeric pad.
They can also be used as cursor movement keys and editing keys when Num Lock key is turned
off. Some portable computers lack numeric keypad due to size limitations.
The Num Lock used to switch between numbers, editing and navigation keys on the numeric
keypad.
NB: Caps Lock, Num Lock and Scroll Lock act in ON and OFF states.

Mouse skills
The mouse got its name from shape and long interface cable which makes it look like the
biological mouse, although this is vanishing because of wireless technology.
The mouse is an input device with sensor buttons and a ball that slides it on a flat surface. When
it is made to slide, it controls a pointer on the screen, which is called a mouse pointer or a cursor.
The movement of a mouse is mirrored by a pointer on the screen. To make a selection the pointer
should be on the item that is to be selected, then manipulate the item by pressing the mouse
button.
A typical mouse has a ball at its bottom that rotates when the mouse is moved.
Mouse come in various shapes, colours and sizes even there are cordless mouse this is does not
have a connection cable. A mouse has two buttons at the top and an optional scroll wheel which
can be used to scroll up the screen in an application.

Rules to observe when using the mouse

1. Place the mouse on a flat smooth surface
2. Gently hold the mouse with your right hand, using the thumb and the two right most
fingers
3. The index finger should rest on the left button while the middle finger rests on the right
button. See diagram below.

Mouse terminologies and meaning

Terminology Meaning
Point Move the mouse until the mouse pointer on the screen points on the
item
Click Position tip of the mouse pointer over specified element, then press
and release the left mouse button once. Selects an object/icons, files in
a list and dialog box options.
Double clicking Pressing the left mouse button twice in quick/rapid succession.
Expands icons, starts applications, opens a file and chooses items from
a list .
Right clicking Pressing the right hand side mouse button once. It displays a shortcut
menu or context sensitive menu, which apply to the right clicked text /
item.
Drag and Drop Press and hold down the mouse button as the mouse is moved. Release
once the destination is reached. Through drag and drop, user drags an
item from one location on the screen to another, move windows, icons
and resizes windows.

Selecting items using the mouse

Item Using the mouse
Single item Click
Multiple sequential items Click first item, hold SHIFT key and click the last
item.
Multiple non-sequential items Hold CTRL and click.

Computer booting (starting – up)

Booting - process by which a computer loads system files into the main memory. i.e. the
operating system is read from hard disk and loaded to the maim memory.

Computer booting (starting-up) process

- Make sure that all components are properly connected. Turn on the switch at the source of the
power supply. If the computer is connected to the UPS turn on this after switching the Main
supply. Switch on the monitor and the system unit.
- The computer once switched on, you hear the sound of a cooler fan running. After a view
seconds, lines of text start to scroll on the screen as the computer goes through a process of
Power-On Self Test (POST), before it starts in preparation for use. After POST, the computer
reads some instructions such as the current time and date from special memory known as the
complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS). CMOS is a special memory where
instructions for current date and time are contained. CMOS is powered by a dry cell that
resembles that of a digital watch. If the cell is down, the computer would always require the
user to enter the current time and date. Lastly, after the checks the operating system is read
from the hard disk and loaded to the memory (RAM) in a process called booting. Once the
operating system is successfully loaded, a user-interface called desktop is displayed.
- The entire process that makes the computer ready for use is called Booting up.

Types of booting
i) Cold booting
Process of switching on a computer that has been off completely by pressing the power button.
ii) Warm booting
This happens when the computer, originally on, is forced to restart by pressing the restart button
on the system unit or using the restart command on Start menu
Shutting down a computer
Turning a PC on and off several times a day is harmful. If the correct procedure is not followed
then loss of data, damage of programs and computer components may occur. It is therefore
advisable to shutdown the computer only after the sessions for the day.

Procedure for shutting down a computer

1. Save the work done on the computer before you turn it off
 2. Close all programs that may be currently running.
3. Remove the floppy disks if you have inserted any.
4. if your computer is running on Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 7
a). click the Start button
b). on the Start menu, click Turn Off Computer or Shut Down
c). On the message box that appears(see figure below), click Turn Off. The computer will
undergo the shut down process.

The Computer Laboratory

Definition
- Is a room that has been specially prepared to facilitate installation of computers and to
provide a safe conducive environment for teaching and learning of computer studies; or
- A room where practical computer studies lessons are conducted where resources such as
printers, disks and manuals can be shared.

Factors to consider when preparing a computer laboratory

i).Security of computer programs and other resources
ii).Reliability of the source of power
iii).The number of computers to be installed and the available floor space
iv).The maximum number of users that the laboratory can accommodate.

Safety precautions and practices in the computer laboratory

Computer systems are expensive to acquire and maintain, and should therefore be handled with
great care. Most computer system malfunctions are caused by failure to follow correct
instructions on use of equipments, carelessness and neglect. We need to observe the safety
precautions, rules and practices to avoid accidental injury, damage of devices or lack of
conducive learning and teaching environment. Some safety precautions are made to protect
computers while others protect users.

Measures that protect the computers

 Behaviour in the computer laboratory
The following should be followed in and out of the computer laboratory
- Avoid smoking or exposing computers to dust by entering in shoes. Smoke and dust particles
can damage the computer components and cause wearing to moving parts.
- Never take any eatables (food or beverage). Food particles may fall in moving computer like
keyboard and clog them while liquids may pour into electrical circuits causing rusting,
electrical faults, or short circuits..
- Avoid unnecessary movements because you may accidentally knock down peripheral
devices.
- See that no waste materials (paper bits, etc) are inside the room. If any, collect them and put
them into the dustbin.
- Follow the correct procedure for starting and shutting down the computer.
 - When in doubt ask. Students should always remember the principle of: “It is not stupid to ask
a sincere question”, to ensure that no damage is caused due to lack of proper knowledge. If
you are not sure of how to handle or operate any piece of equipment in the laboratory please
ask for assistance.

 Burglar proofing
Computer equipment is expensive and it is therefore important to protect the investment against
theft by implementing the following controls:
i).Fit strong metallic grills and locks on doors, windows
ii).Do not welcome strangers to computer room
iii).Install intrusion detection alarm system at strategic access points to alert security personnel
incase of break in.

 Protection against fire

Fire in laboratories is either caused by inflammable chemicals used for cleaning and servicing
computer equipment or electrical faults due to open wires or cables and sometimes cigarette
smokers. Install fire prevention and control equipment such as smoke detectors, a gaseous fire
extinguisher filled with carbon dioxide and should be non-liquid or non-power based. The reason
is that liquids may cause rusting and corrosion of computer components while powder particles
may increase friction and wear off moving parts and/or cause disks to crash

 The room should be well laid out

There should be enough space for movement and the computers should be placed on
stable wide desks to avoid accidentally knocking them down. The cables should be laid
out in trunks away form the from user paths to avoid stumbling on them.

 Cables and power sockets should be well insulated to avoid short circuits that can cause
damage to computer components.

 Dust and dump control

Dust can be controlled by fitting good window curtains and an air conditioning system that filters
dust particles from the air entering the room. Also computers should be covered with dust covers
when not in use. Humidity should be regulated by using dehumidifiers in the room to remain an
optimum of 50%. Humidity lower than this allows static electricity to built up and cause damage
to computer components. High humidity of over 70% may cause rusting of metallic parts.

 Stable power supply

Computers require a stable source of power. Momentary power interruptions or fluctuations
often cause computers to crash, damage data storage devices or loss of information that had not
been saved prior to the power disruptions. Power from main supply is not always stable.

There are two types of power protection devices:

A surge protector and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

a) A surge protector
 - A surge protector is a power protection device that protects the computer against electrical
surges. Surges are large amounts of electricity which exceed the maximum level device is
capable of holding. Surges can damage or destroy computer component
b) Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
- Protects a computer from loss of power. It charges when mains power is on and has power
surge and brownout

-
-

protection capabilities. When the main’s power goes off, it beeps to alert the user.
- The UPS has a power plug to connect from Main power supply and Power sockets for the
computer and other hardware to tap power from.

Function of UPS
- It regulates power from unstable power source to the required clean stable voltage
- It temporarily provides power to the computer incase of a sudden power failure.
- It beeps to alert the user when the main Power goes off.

In summary stable power supply must be applied and adhered to by installing surge protectors,
power extension cables, for each computer and a power backup generator.
A computer connected to a UPS

Types of UPS
Standby Ups – which is a power conditioner with the ability to generate its own power when
there is a power failure

Online UPS (single conversion)

Operates like standby UPS but idles at very low power during standby operation.

True on-line UPS (Double conversion)

Is always on even during normal operation thus eliminating the need for any switching incase of
power failure. It is used for critical applications e.g in Banks where loss of power for few
seconds may result in file corruption.

- Installing lighting arrestors on the computer lab.

- The room should be well laid out with enough space for movement.

- Providing antiglare screens (light filters and adjustable screens to avoid eye strain and fatigue
caused by over bright CRT monitors.

Measures that protect the user

 The walls of the computer room should not be painted with over bright reflective oil
paints and the screens should face away from the window to avoid glare caused by bright
backgrounds.

 Cables insulation
All power cables must be properly insulated and laid away from busy pathways in the computer
laboratory. They can be laid along the wall in trunks or use special computer tables designed to
hide all the cables by running under.

 Standard furniture
The table on which a computer is placed must be strong and wide enough to hold the weight and
accommodate all peripheral devices. The user’s seat must be comfortable and have a straight
back rest that allows someone to sit upright to avoid muscle pains and back aches. The sit must
be high enough relative to the table to enable comfortable use of hands on the keyboard as shown
in the diagram below:
The eye must be at the same level as the top of the screen (monitor) when user is seated upright
as show in the figure below:

 Providing antiglare screens like Light filters and adjustable screens to avoid eye strain and
fatigue caused by over bright CTR monitors. Alternatively you use LCD monitors.

Ventilation
There must be good air circulation to avoid suffocation or dizziness caused by lack of oxygen
and to allow computers to cool hence avoid damage to electronic parts. A computer laboratory
should be fitted with a HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. This system
controls the temperature, air flow and humidity within a room, ensuring that the computer
equipment does not get over-heated, and the occupants of the laboratory are comfortable.
 Overcrowding in the computer laboratory should be avoided others users will suffocate.
 Lighting: Computer room should be well lit to avoid eyestrain that leads to headaches, stress
and fatigue. The monitor should be positioned such that glare or bright reflections on the
display are minimized. Radiation filter screens may be fitted as shown below:.