Introduction to Computer Components: A beginner's guide to the basic parts of a computer
(including CPU, RAM, hard drive, and input/output devices)
At the end of this lesson, the learners are expected to:
identify the basic parts of a computer; and
understand the functions of each component
INTRODUCTION
Computers became one of the most essential parts of our everyday lives. It plays a vital role in
terms of our communication, information, productivity, finance, entertainment, and many more.
*Before proceeding to this part, you can ask either of the following:
1. If you own a laptop or computer, what do you use it for?
2. Why is computer important?
(Delete the slide if not needed)
As aspiring ICT-related professionals, it is very important for you to know all the basic
knowledge and information about computers, and most importantly the basic components.
Today, we will be talking about the following:
1. CPU
2. RAM and ROM
3. Hard Drive
4. Input Devices (mouse, keyboard)
5. Output Devices (speaker, monitor, printer)
BODY
I. CPU (CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT)
Also called a central processor or main processor—is the main “brain” or “heart” of a computer.
CPU is responsible in performing important instructions and decisions that make a computer
work. For easier understanding, think of CPU like our brain; our brain helps us think, remember,
and make decisions, right? CPU is just like that.
II. COMPUTER MEMORY
The computer has two types of memory, and each one has its own functions.
a. RAM (RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY)
Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of computer memory that is used to temporarily store
data that the computer is currently using or processing. RAM is volatile memory, which means
that the data stored in it is lost when the power is turned off.
b. ROM (READ-ONLY MEMORY)
Read Only Memory (ROM) is a type of computer memory that is used to permanently store data
that does not need to be modified. ROM is non-volatile memory, which means that the data
stored in it is retained even when the power is turned off.
III. HARD DRIVE
The hard drive is that component where the computer contains all of your files, applications,
operating systems, music, videos, and documents. Without a hard drive, a computer would not
be able to remember anything or store any of your work.
IV. INPUT DEVICES (Keyboard, Mouse, Joy Stick, Scanner, Graphic Tablet,
Microphone, Magnetic Ink Card Reader (MICR), Optical Character Reader(OCR),
Bar Code Reader)
Input devices are hardware peripherals that allow users to input data and commands into a
computer for processing. Some common examples include keyboards, mice, scanners, and
microphones.
a. Keyboard
Keyboard is the most common and very popular input device which helps to input data to the
computer.
b. Mouse
Mouse is the most popular pointing device. It is a very famous cursor-control device having a
small palm size box with a round ball at its base, which senses the movement of the mouse and
sends corresponding signals to the CPU when the mouse buttons are pressed.
c. Scanner
Scanner is an input device, which works more like a photocopy machine. It is used when some
information is available on paper and it is to be transferred to the hard disk of the computer for
further manipulation.
d. Joystick
Joystick is also a pointing device, which is used to move the cursor position on a monitor
screen. It is a stick having a spherical ball at its both lower and upper ends. The lower spherical
ball moves in a socket. The joystick can be moved in all four directions.
e. Microphone
Microphone is an input device to input sound that is then stored in a digital form.
V. OUTPUT DEVICES (Monitor, Printer, Speaker)
An output device is any hardware device used to send data from a computer to another device
or user. Usually, most output peripherals are meant for human use, so they receive the
processed data from the computer and transform it in the form of audio, video, or physical
reproductions.
MONITOR
Monitors, commonly called as Visual Display Unit (VDU), are the main output device of a
computer. It forms images from tiny dots, called pixels that are arranged in a rectangular form.
The sharpness of the image depends upon the number of pixels.
There are two kinds of viewing screen used for monitors.
a. Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT)
b. Flat-Panel Display
a. Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor
A CRT (cathode-ray tube) monitor is an analog display device that creates a visible image
on the screen by directing three electron beams over millions of phosphor dots to make them
light up.
b. Flat-Panel Display Monitor
The flat-panel display refers to a class of video devices that have reduced volume, weight
and power requirement in comparison to the CRT. You can hang them on walls or wear them on
your wrists. Current uses of flat-panel displays include calculators, video games, monitors,
laptop computer, and graphics display.
PRINTER
Printer is an output device, which is used to print information on paper.
Examples:
a. Inkjet Printer
Recreate a digital image by spraying ink onto paper. These are the most common type of
personal printer.
b. Dot Matrix Printer
Dox Matrix Printers are the oldest established type of printers still available on the market.
c. 3D Printer
3D Printers are a relatively new printer technology. 3D printing creates a physical object from a
digital file. It works by adding layer upon layer of material until the print job is complete and the
object is whole.
SPEAKER
Computer speaker is an output hardware device that connects to a computer to generate sound.
The signal used to produce the sound that comes from a computer speaker is created by the
computer's sound card.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, understanding and recognizing computer components are essential in our
technology-driven world. The CPU functions as the computer's brain; temporarily storing
information during operation are RAM and permanently storing information is ROM. The hard
drive keeps our files and applications, while input devices enable us to interact with the
computer. Information is displayed or reproduced by output devices. We can gain a better
understanding of computer functionality by having an understanding of computer components.
References:
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/3538/output-device
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/random-access-memory-ram-and-read-only-memory-rom/
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_input_devices.htm
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/s/speaker.htm
https://www.printerland.co.uk/blog/printer-buying-guide/types-of-printers/
https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/printer
https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-is-a-crt-monitor.htm
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_output_devices.htm#
