UNIT 2: Understanding Basic Computer Concepts

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 UNIT 2: Understanding Basic Computer Concepts
At the end of this unit, you should be able to:

•Differentiate the different types of computers;

•Enumerate the three fundamental elements of a computer;
•Identify the different storage, processing, and Input/Output devices of a
computer,
•Describe each of the components of the system unit; and
•Differentiate the hand tools and equipment used in computer servicing.

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 UNIT 2: Understanding Basic Computer Concepts

LESSON 1: Understanding the Computer

LESSON 2: Basic Hardware Components of Computer Systems
LESSON 3: Hand Tools and Equipment

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LESSON 2: Basic Hardware Components of Computer Systems

Introduction
TOPIC 1: Computer Systems
 Processing Devices
 Storage Devices
 Input Devices
 Output Devices

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LESSON 2: Basic Hardware Components of Computer Systems

TOPIC 2: The System Unit

 Power Supply
 Motherboard
 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 Random Access Memory (RAM)
 Cooling Technology
 Expansion Cards
 Storage
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LESSON 2: Basic Hardware Components of Computer Systems

TOPIC 3: Ports, Sockets, Slots, & Connectors

 Ports
 Slots
 Sockets
 Connectors

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 Introduction

A computer system consists of hardware and software

components. As important as the software which are the programs
that run the computer, the hardware is the physical equipment such
as the case, storage drives, keyboards, monitors, cables, speakers,
and printers that builds up and let the software run.

It is important to learn about these components as these will be the

basis before you handle equipment especially in disassembling and
assembling a computer system.
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 TOPIC 1: Computer Systems

The complete computer made up of the CPU, memory and related

electronics (main cabinet), all the peripheral devices connected to it
and its operating system.
 Computer systems fall into two broad
divisions: clients and servers.
 Client machines fall into three categories from low to high
end: laptop, desktop and workstation.
 Servers range from small to large: low-end servers, midrange
servers and mainframes. Introduction to CSS
 TOPIC 1: Computer Systems

Processing Devices
Processing devices are the computer’s circuitry in the system unit.

Motherboard
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Memory
Chips

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 Motherboard
the circuit board housing the memory and the central processing unit (CPU)

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 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
manipulates input data into the information needed by the users

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 Memory
also known as Random Access Memory or RAM. It is a series of electronic
elements that act as temporary storage of data and program instructions while
the instructions are being processed by the CPU.

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 Chips
these make up the CPU and the memory; these are electronic devices that
contain many microscopic pathways designed to carry electrical currents.

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 TOPIC 1: Computer Systems

Storage Devices
Storage devices store data and programs. These hold data,
information, and programs permanently.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

Hard Disk Drive (HHD)
Flash Drive
CD
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 Solid State Drive (SSD)
mass storage device that stores data in a permanent state even without power.
Similar to an HDD’s function, only the internal components are different. SSDs
do not have moving parts but store data on magnetic platters making use of
flash memory.

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 Hard Disk Drive (HHD)
often called hard drive or hard disk. This is the most common storage device
that do not need power to maintain data; these store data through spinning
platters or magnetic disks, recording individual bits written into the disk.

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 Flash Drive
highly portable small data storage devices making use of flash memory and a
Universal Serial Bus (USB) port connection

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 CD
“compact disc”, this storage device can hold up to 700 MB; it is read by an
optical drive through a laser

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 TOPIC 1: Computer Systems

Input Devices
Input devices allow the user to communicate with the computer by
entering data or commands.

Keyboard
Mouse
Scanner
Webcam
Joystick
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 Keyboard
primary input device used to input alphanumeric data and commands to the
computer

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 Mouse
primary input device used to navigate and interact with the monitor output

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 Scanner
scans documents and converts them digitally, which can be edited on a
computer.

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 Webcam
small cameras attached to a monitor or desk that record or broadcast video

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 Joystick
device used to control video games, aside from the keyboard

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 TOPIC 1: Computer Systems

Output Devices
Output devices enable the computer to show the processed data
and information understandably to the user.

Printer
Monitor
Speakers

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 Printer
prints paper documents, photographs, and other outputs called hard copies
which are physical versions of the documents.

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 Monitor
acts as the primary display of the unit where the user interface and programs
are reflected.

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 Speakers
sound system device that produce audio output from the computer

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 TOPIC 2: The System Unit

The System Unit is the overall structure that houses the

processor, memory, and electronic components of the
computer that are used to process data. All input and output
devices are connected into the system unit. The system unit
is housed by what is known as system case or computer
case. It holds and protects most components of a computer.

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 TOPIC 2: The System Unit

The Computer Case contains the framework to support

and enclose internal components of the computer. It helps
to prevent damage from static electricity. It typically made
up of plastic, steel, and aluminum which are available in a
variety of styles. The size and layout of a case is called a
form factor. It is also designed to keep internal
components cool by using airflow vents and cooling fans.
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 TOPIC 2: The System Unit

Computer cases are referred to in a number of ways:

Computer chassis, Cabinet, Tower, Box and Housing.

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 TOPIC 2: The System Unit

Types:
 Tower (Full, Mid, Mini)
 Desktop (Standard, Slimline)

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 Power Supply
Power supplies serve as the source for electricity to the computer. Attached
are vital hardware cables and buses for transferring power to various
components in the computer.

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TOPIC 2: The System Unit

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The following are the basic connector you can see in a power supply:
• ATX 24 pin main power connector is the standard motherboard power
connector used in nearly every computer.
• SATA 15 pin power supply connector is one of several standard
peripheral power connectors. SATA power connectors only connect to SATA
drives like hard drives and optical drives. SATA power connectors do not work
with older PATA devices.
• Molex 4 pin power supply connector is a standard peripheral power
connector. Molex power connectors connect to many different kinds of internal
peripherals including PATA hard drives and optical drives, some video cards, and
even some other devices.
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• Floppy drive 4 pin power supply connector is the standard floppy drive
power connector. The floppy power connector, also called a Berg connector or
Mini-Molex connector, is included in even the newest power supplies even
though floppy drives are becoming obsolete.
• ATX 4 pin power supply connector is a standard motherboard power
connector used to provide +12 VDC to the processor voltage regulator. This
small connector usually attaches to the motherboard near the CPU.
• ATX 6 pin power supply connector is a motherboard power connector
used to provide +12 VDC to the processor voltage regulator but the 4-pin
variety is the more commonly used connector. This small connector usually
attaches to the motherboard near the CPU.

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TOPIC 2: The System Unit

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 Motherboard
The motherboard is also known as mainboard, system board, logic board, or MOBO. It holds
and allows communication between the crucial components of the computer such as the CPU
and memory. It also provides connection for other peripherals. This provides the path which
the processor (CPU) communicates with all the components of the computer.

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There are several components that are attached to the motherboard. These
include:
1. Chip – small piece of semiconducting material, where more integrated
circuits are embedded. They have standard-sized pin connectors that allow
them to be attached to the motherboard.
2. Bus - an electrical path that enables data flow between various system
components.
3. Integrated Circuit (IC) – contains microscopic pathways that carry electric
current. The IC contains millions of elements such as resistors, capacitors,
and transistors. Many different kinds of chips are located in the
motherboard
4. Microprocessor – this is the central processing unit on a chip.
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Different variety of chip packages:
1. Dual Inline Package (DIP) – this has two parallel rows of
pints that attach the chip package to the circuit board
2. Pin Grid Array (PGA) – holds a larger number of pins because
the pins are mounted on the surface of the package.
3. Flip Chip-PGA (CF-PGA) Package – higher performance PGA
packaging that places the chip on the opposite sides of the
pins.
4. Single Edge Contact (SEC) Cartridge – does not use pins but
connects to one of the edges in the motherboard.
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The form factor of motherboards pertains to the size and shape of
the board. It also describes the physical layout of the different
components and devices on the motherboard. Various form factors
exist for motherboards:
• AT – Advanced Technology
• ATX – Advanced Technology Extended
• Mini-ATX – Smaller footprint of ATX
• Micro-ATX – Smaller footprint of ATX
• LPX – Low-profile Extended
• NLX – New Low-profile Extended
• BTX – Balanced Technology Extended
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See the photo below to understand the function of these bridges:

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 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Commonly known as the CPU or processor, this is the brain of the computer.
It interprets and carries out the basic instructions to operate a computer.

It impacts overall computing power and manages most of the computer

operations. The motherboard contains a socket to hold the processor or
CPU. The central processing unit (CPU), also called the processor or
microprocessor, does most of the processing of data and instructions for the
entire system. Because the CPU generates heat, a fan and heat sink might be
installed on top to keep it cool.

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 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Nowadays, processors have multiple cores called multi-core processors. This
means that the processor is a single chips that has two or more separate
processors. In multi-core processors, each of the processors run at a slower
clock speed as compared to a single-core processor, but this efficient
process typically increases performance. There are two kinds of common
multi-core processors today:

1. Dual Core Processor – chip that contains two separate processors

2. Quad Core Processor – chip with four separate processors

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 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

AMD and Intel are the two most popular brands of processors in the market
nowadays.

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 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Bundled with the processors are the heat sinks. A heat sink consists of metal fins that draw
heat away from a component. The fan and heat sink together are called the processor cooler.
The photo below shows a CPU with a heat sink mounted on the motherboard.
.

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 Random Access Memory (RAM)
The Random Access Memory or RAM acts as temporary storage as long as the
computer is running. The contents of the RAM change as programs are
executed. These are chips that are placed directly on the motherboard. These
RAM consists of switches which are triggered by changes in electric current.

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 Random Access Memory (RAM)
Three basic types of RAM:
1. Dynamic RAM (DRAM) – This kind of RAM needs to be recharged by the
CPU. If not, it loses its contents. There are many variations of DRAM such as:
o Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) – faster than DRAM because it is
synchronized to the system clock
o Double Data Rate (DDR) SDRAM – faster than SDRAM because they
transfer data twice for each clock cycle
o DDR2 and DDR3 SDRAM – faster than DDR SDRAM
o ambus DRAM (RDRAM) – type of DRAM faster than SDRAM that
uses pipelining techniques

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 Random Access Memory (RAM)
Three basic types of RAM:
2. Static RAM (SRAM) – This kind is faster and more reliable than
any form of DRAM. Unlike the DRAM, this does not need to be re-
energized. However, it is much more expensive and it used for
special purposes.
3. Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM) – This kind stores data using
magnetic charges instead of electrical charges. It has greater storage
capacity, consume less power, and faster access times.

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 Random Access Memory (RAM)
The RAM chips are housed in a small circuit board called the memory module,
which is inserted into the motherboard.

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 Random Access Memory (RAM)
Three types of memory modules:
1. Single Inline Memory Module (SIMM) – this has pins on opposite sides of
the circuit board which connect together to form a single set of contacts. This
houses SDRAM chips along with DIMMs.
2. Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM) – the pins on the opposite sides of the
circuit board do not connect and form two sets of contacts. This houses SDRAM
chips along with SIMMs.
3. Rambus Inline Memory Module (RIMM) – this houses RDRAM chips

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 Random Access Memory (RAM)
The computer will need a certain amount of memory to be able to handle
programs, data, and information, depending on the types of applications used.

The more RAM a computer has, the faster the computer will be.
• To be able to use basic application software such as Office Suite, one
needs at least 1GB of RAM.
• Using programs and multimedia should have at least 4GB.
• Playing modern games or using editing software will require at least
8GB.

Today the RAM ranges up to 64GB depending on the programs that will be used
for the computer.
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 Cooling Technology
Cooling technologies are essential in avoiding the computer from overheating
and maintaining a good, well-ventilated system.

Chassis Fan

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 Cooling Technology
Several cooling technologies are present throughout the system unit:
• Fans are also present in several components such as the power supply,
ports, processor, hard disk etc.
• Heat sink, on another hand, is a small metal or ceramic component with
fins on the surface which absorbs and distributes heat produced by electrical
components.
• Heat pipe is used on smaller devices like notebook computers since this
is smaller in size.

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 Expansion Cards
A motherboard has expansion slots to be used by expansion cards.
An expansion card, also called an adapter card, is a circuit board
that provides more ports than those provided by the motherboard.

The photo below shows a Video Card, where it provides three video
ports. Notice the cooling fan and heat sink on the card, which help
to keep the card from overheating. The trend today is for most ports
in a system to be provided by the motherboard (called onboard
ports) and less use of expansion cards.

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Expansion Cards

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 Expansion Cards

There are also other variants of expansion cards such as network

cards, sound cards, video capture cards, interface cards, and other
expansion cards that cater to whatever the computer user for
his/her needs and improvements for the system.

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 Storage
A system might have one or more hard drives, an optical drive, a tape drive, or,
for really old systems, a floppy drive.

A hard drive, also called a hard disk drive (HDD), is permanent storage used to
hold data and programs.

Hard Disk Drive

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 Storage
For example, the Windows operating system and applications are installed on
the hard drive. All drives in a system are installed in a stack of drive bays at
either the front or on the lower portion of the case. Nowadays, users use Solid
State Drive or SSDs because of its use of flash memory, which does not use
physical disks to write memory/data.

Solid State Drive

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 Storage
Each drive has two connections for cables: the power cable connects to the
power supply and another cable, used for data and instructions, connects to
the motherboard.

SATA Cable // SATA Connector Slot in the Motherboard

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 TOPIC 3: Ports, Sockets, Slots, & Connectors

The motherboard has several ports, sockets, slots, and connectors

that link the computers' components, input, and output devices
among each other. First we'll look at the ports which are usually
found at the side of the motherboard or the back of the system
case.

The port basically serves as an interface between the computer and

other computers or peripheral devices.
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 TOPIC 3: Ports, Sockets, Slots, & Connectors

A port generally refers to the female part of connection. Computer

ports have many uses, to connect a monitor, webcam, speakers, or
other peripheral devices.

On the physical layer, a computer port is a specialized outlet on a

piece of equipment to which a plug or cable connects. Electronically,
the several conductors where the port and cable contacts connect,
provide a method to transfer signals between devices.
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Familiarize yourself with the following ports usually found with
computer systems below:

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Ports

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Ports

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Ports

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Ports

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Ports

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Ports

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Ports

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Ports

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Ports

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Slots

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Slots

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Slots

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Slots

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Slots

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 Sockets

The following are the most common sockets found in the

motherboard. The CPU socket where the CPU itself is inserted and
the CMOS slot where the CMOS battery (which lets the motherboard
remember the date and time of the computer) that is replaced after
it has worn out.

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Sockets

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Sockets

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Sockets

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Sockets

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Sockets

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Sockets

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Sockets

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Sockets

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Sockets

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