TOPIC 2 : COMPUTER HARDWARE

TOPIC DISCUSSION
Components of a Computer System
Input and Output Devices
Peripherals and Their Functions
Understanding Computer Specification
There are four (4) main components of
computer:

Input
Central Processing Unit / Processing Unit
Output Unit
Storage / Memory Unit
 Input Unit

Helps user to enter raw data and direct commands into a computer systems.

 Some examples of primary input devices:

A keyboard is one of the

primary peripheral devices that is
used to enter data into a
computer system such as
numbers, letters, characters, and
functions.
A mouse is a hand-held input
device and one of the pointing
devices used to move cursor
or pointer across the screen.

Scanner is a device that

optically scans images,
printed text, handwriting or an
object and converts it to a
digital image.

Digital Camera is a camera

that captures photographs in
digital memory.
Microphones are an instrument
whereby sound waves are
caused to generate or modulate
an electric current usually for the
purpose of transmitting or
recording sound (such as speech
or music)

Apart from the devices listed,

trackball, joystick, touchscreen,
light pen, graphics tablet or
digitizing table, and handheld
scanner are some of the input
 Central Processing Unit (“CPU”) / Processing
Unit
It carries out all the important
functions of a computer from
receiving instructions from
both the hardware and active
software up to producing
outputs. It stores all important
programs like operating
systems and application
software. CPU also helps input
and output devices to
communicate with each other.
CPU is considered as the brain
  Table 2.2: Basic CPU Components

o Main Storage
The main storage (also called the memory or the primary
storage) is where instructions and data are stored while
processing is done. The data stored are usually given unique
addresses or memory locations to facilitate storage and
retrieval. The CPU usually accesses the data through its
address. The two types of memory inside the main storage are
the RAM and the ROM.
o Random Access Memory (RAM)

Random Access Memory (RAM) is the part of the memory

the computer uses to store given instructions which can later
be changed or erased. When data are loaded or put in the
RAM, it means writing data. When data are accessed from the
RAM, it means reading data. RAM requires electric current to
retain information on it. Hence, all information stored in it are
lost or erased when the computer power is turned off or
interrupted. This kind of memory is volatile.
 Read-Only Memory (ROM) contains stored
Read-only Memory (ROM)instructions that the computer requires to
be able to do its basic routine operations.
This part is nonvolatile; the instructions still
hold even when there is power interruption
or shut off. From the name, we can only
read the information or instructions stored.

Registers

The registers are the part of the CPU that

function as fast-accessed temporary
memory locations. The bits of information
taken from the main memory and those
that will be placed in the main memory are
temporarily held in the register while
computation are being performed.
• Buses Buses are bundles of tiny wires that serve as the communication
path between components of the CPU. The three most important
buses are the address, data, and control buses.

The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs all the arithmetic and
• ALU logical calculations of the CPU. The arithmetic operations consist of
addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication. Logical
calculations involve comparisons of two or more numbers.

The control unit is responsible for directing the flow of

• Control
instructions and data within the CPU. It fetches the instructions
Unit from the main memory for execution in the CPU. Aside from
controlling the input and output devices, it also passes data to the
ALU for computation. It is considered as the backbone of the
computer.
Storage / Memory Unit

Memory devices are any

devices that can store
information temporarily or
permanently

There are two types of

memory

• Primary memory
• Secondary memory
 Primary memory which is used to store instructions and
data temporarily before and after they are processed.

 There are two types of primary memory:

o RAM (Volatile Memory) It means it does not store data or instructions

permanently. When you switch on the computer
the data and instructions from the hard disk are
stored in RAM.

CPU utilizes this data to perform the required

tasks. As soon as you shut down the computer
the RAM loses all the data.
 ROM (Non-volatile It means it does not lose its data or
Memory) programs that are written on it at the
time of manufacture. So it is a
permanent memory that contains all
important data and instructions
needed to perform important tasks
like the boot process.

Secondary memory refers to any external storage media.

Secondary memory is non-volatile,
which means that information can be
stored long-term. The most common
example of an external secondary
memory device is the USB flash
drive.
 Floppy Disk It is also known as a floppy diskette. It is
generally used on a personal computer to
store data externally. A Floppy disk is made
up of a plastic cartridge and secures with a
protective case. Nowadays floppy disk is
replaced by new and effective storage
 Hard Disk
devices like USB, etc.

It is a storage device (HDD) that stores and

retrieves data using magnetic storage. It is a
non-volatile storage device that can be
modified or deleted n number of times
without any problem

 Flash Memory It is a cheaper and portable storage device. It

Devices is the most commonly used device to store
data because is more reliable and efficient as
compare to other storage devices
 Output Unit
The output device displays the result of the processing of raw data
that is entered in the computer through an input device into a
readable form. There are a number of output devices that display
output in different ways such as text, images, hard copies, and audio
or video.

 Some of the popular output devices are:

A monitor displays images using grids of

 Monitor dots called pixels. It is the most
common output device that shows
information on the screen when you
type. Monitors come in many types and
sizes – from the simple monochrome
(one color) screen to full color screens.
 A printer is a common equipment
used to output information from the
 Printer computer. The digital equivalent of
the information shown on the screen
are transferred or printed on paper.
There are many different types of
printers with various levels of quality.
The three basic types of printers are
dot matrix, inkjet and laser printers.
 Plotter
A plotter is an output device used to
produce high quality drawings.
Plotters have built-in microprocessors
that convert the characters and
instructions from the computer into
series of coordinates which the
plotter then draws. Plotters usually
 Speakers produce sound output
 Speakers from the computer. One form of
speaker is headphone, which
maybe used individually.
Speakers allow the user to
listen to high-quality music
through their computer.

 Picture A picture phone is the newer

Phone version of a telephone with a
TV-like screen and a built-in
camera that allows you to see
the person you are exchanging
messages with directly on
screen.
System Unit The system unit is the core
of a computer is responsible
for processing and storing
data and controls all
computer functions. It is the
system unit that raw data is
processed into information.
The system unit works with
the computer’s peripheral
devices.
Basic Parts of the System
Unit
Peripherals - are external devices
connected to a computer that
expand its capabilities and
functionality. They fall into three
main categories: input, output, and
storage devices. Here's an overview
of each type with examples:
1. Input Peripherals

Function: These devices allow users to

input data or commands into the
computer.
Examples:
Keyboard: Allows text and command
input by pressing keys.
Mouse: Controls the on-screen cursor
and selects items.
Scanner: Converts physical
documents or images into digital
2. Output Peripherals

Function: These devices display or produce

the output from the computer.
Examples:
Monitor: Displays visual output (text,
images, videos).
Printer: Produces physical copies of digital
documents and images.
Speakers: Output sound from the computer.
Projector: Projects computer screen images
onto a larger surface.
3. Storage Peripherals

Function: Used to store data externally and

transfer it to/from the computer.
Examples:
External Hard Drive: Provides additional
storage space for data backups.
USB Flash Drive: A portable storage device for
transferring files.
Optical Drive (e.g., DVD/Blu-ray): Reads and
writes data on optical discs.
Memory Card: Used in cameras and
smartphones, can also be connected to a
These peripherals enhance the functionality of a
computer by allowing data input, output, and
storage beyond the computer's built-in
capabilities.
Understanding computer specifications - is
essential when choosing a computer that
meets your needs. Here’s a breakdown of
the key specifications and what they mean:
1. Processor (CPU)

 Description: The "brain" of the computer that performs

calculations and executes instructions.
 Key Terms:
Clock Speed (GHz): Indicates how fast the
CPU can process data; higher speeds mean
faster performance.
Cores: More cores mean the CPU can handle
multiple tasks simultaneously. Common
options are dual-core, quad-core, hexa-core,
etc.
 Example: Intel Core i7 3.2 GHz (quad-core) – a powerful
processor suitable for multitasking and demanding
applications.
2. RAM (Random Access Memory)

 Description: Temporary storage that the computer

uses to store data for active applications and
processes.
 Capacity: Measured in GB (e.g., 8GB, 16GB, 32GB).
More RAM allows for smoother multitasking and
running memory-intensive programs.
 Recommendation: 8GB is suitable for everyday
tasks, while 16GB or more is ideal for gaming, video
editing, or heavy multitasking.
3. Storage
 Description: The device where data,
software, and the operating system are
stored.
 Types:
HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Offers larger
storage capacities at a lower cost but
is slower.
SSD (Solid-State Drive): Faster and
more reliable than HDDs but typically
more expensive per GB.
Capacity: Measured in GB or TB (e.g.,
500GB, 1TB). SSDs with at least
256GB are common for improved
speed.
4. Graphics Card (GPU)
 Description: Handles rendering
images, videos, and graphics,
essential for gaming, video editing,
and graphic design.
 Types:
Integrated: Built into the CPU
and sufficient for basic tasks.
Dedicated: A separate card
(e.g., NVIDIA GeForce, AMD
Radeon) provides superior
performance for gaming or
graphic-intensive work.
5. Operating System (OS)
 Description: Software that
manages computer hardware
and software resources.
 Examples: Windows 10,
macOS, Linux, Chrome OS.
Choose based on compatibility
with your software and
personal preference.
6. Ports and Connectivity
 Description: Different ports and
connections allow you to connect
peripherals and devices.
 Common Ports:
USB (2.0, 3.0, or Type-C): For
connecting devices like
keyboards, mice, and external
drives.
HDMI/DisplayPort: For
connecting monitors or
projectors.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: For
7. Screen Size and Resolution
(for Laptops and Monitors)
 Description: Determines the
display’s size and clarity.
 Size: Measured diagonally in
inches (e.g., 13", 15.6", 27").
 Resolution: Pixel count, such as
Full HD (1920x1080), 4K
(3840x2160). Higher resolution
means sharper images.
8. Battery Life (for
Laptops)
 Description: Indicates how
long the laptop can run on a
single charge.
 Measured in hours:
Longer battery life is better
for portability.
MAY PAMANGKOT?