Fundamentals of a Personal Computer (PC) Chapter 1
Fundamentals of a Personal Computer
(PC)
Chapter 1
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BASIC COMPUTER-HARDWARE
VISHAL H GOHEL
LECTURER OF COMPUTER DEPT
GOVERNMENT POLYTECHNIC BHUJ
9638893297
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Objectives
Identify the functions of the PC
Explain the different types of computers
List the components of the PC
Explain the front and back side of the PC
Discuss the Power-On Self Test (POST)
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Functions of a PC
Accepts data input from user
Stores data
Processes the input using instructions
Displays processed data on output devices
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Types of Computers
Types of Computers
Microcomputer Minicomputer Mainframe Supercomputer
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Microcomputer – I
Digital computer that works on a microprocessor
Used in homes and offices
Performs tasks such as word processing, desktop
publishing, and accounting
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Microcomputer – II
Advantages
• Small size
• Low cost
• Portability
Disadvantages
• Low processing speed
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Minicomputer – I
Known as the mid-range server
Medium sized multiprocessing and multi-user
computer
Used by small sized companies
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Minicomputer – II
Advantage
• Cater to multiple users
• Lower costs than mainframes
Disadvantage
• Large
• Bulky
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Mainframe – I
Known as enterprise servers
Occupies entire rooms or floors
Used for centralized computing
Serve distributed users and small servers in a
computing network
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Mainframe – II
Advantage
• Supports many users and instructions
• Large memory
Disadvantage
• Huge size
• Expensive
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Supercomputer
Fastest and expensive
Used by applications for molecular chemistry, nuclear
research, weather reports, and advanced physics
Consists of several computers that work in parallel as a
single system
Advantage
• Speed
Disadvantage
• Generate a large amount of heat during operation
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Components of a PC
Input Devices
Output Devices
Storage Devices
Processing Devices
Communication Devices
Infrastructure
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Input Devices
Used to enter data in computer
Different types are:
• Keyboard
• Pointing Devices
• Scanner
• Digital Camera
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Output Devices
Used to display or produce processed data
Monitors and printers used to display output
Different types of output devices are:
• Display System
• Display Card
• Sound Card
• Printers
• Fax
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Storage Devices
Used to store data in the computers
Different types of storage devices are:
• Magnetic Devices – Floppy, Zip drive
• Optical devices – CD, DVD
• Solid-State Storage devices – Flash memory, memory
cards
• Digital Audio Tape
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Processing Devices
Computer main function is to process data
Various types of processing devices are:
• Microprocessor
• Chipset
• BIOS
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Communication Devices
Establish communication between computer using
different cables, interfaces and wireless devices
Various types of communication devices are:
• Interfaces – ATA, SCSI
• I/O Ports and Cables – Serial, Parallel, USB
• LAN Card
• Modem
• Network Cables – STP, UTP, Fiber Optic Cable
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Infrastructure
Refers to main components and foundation on which computer functions
All the peripheral devices of the computer are attached
Various types of components are:
• System Case
• Power Supply
• Motherboard
• Expansion Boards
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Discuss case study from CBT
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Introducing the Front and Back Side of
the PC (show it practically)
Front Side of PC contains:
• Power switch to turn on the PC
• Insert CDs and DVDs in CD/DVD drive
• Use floppy disks with the help of floppy drive
• LED display indicates status of system
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Starting a PC for the First Time – I (show it
from CBT and discuss self check from CBT
Basic Input Output System (BIOS) checks all
peripheral devices, memory and hardware of the
PC
Power on Self test (POST) is performed before the
PC boots operating system
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Starting a PC for the First Time – II
Functions performed by POST:
• Checking power supply and motherboard
• Comparing system configuration with PC
Configuration Program
• Checking memory devices and drives
• Checking system memory
• Starts display and audio devices
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Summary – I
Personal Computer is an electronic machine that accepts data, processes it on the basis of some instructions and produces output
Personal Computer performs a wide range of functions like data processing, programming, playing audio, video and games
Different types of computer are, microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframes and supercomputers
System case provides protective cover for all important components of PC and keeps system cool
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Summary – II
LED displays on system case indicate operations going on inside PC
Different ports are located on back of system case
Power supply of PC converts alternating current to direct current
The motherboard is main part of a PC
Different types of I/O ports, serial, parallel, and USB
Storage devices store data in the PCs
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Summary – III
Different types of storage devices, magnetic,
optical, and solid-state Storage
Digital Audio Tapes (DAT) record and store
music digitally
Different types of network cables, UTP, STP,
coaxial, and fiber optic
BIOS runs a test called Power On Self Test when
a PC turns on