1. Computer System Basics- The Pieces & Parts
Technology
Mrs. Huddleston

2. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Casing
Definition: cover or shell which houses the components (motherboard, CPU, video cards, etc.) of a system.
Huddleston - Computer System Basics

3. Types of Cases-Horizontal Box
Very thin, upgrading potential is minimal
Used for tablets, laptops, network stations
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4. Types of Cases-Desktop Box
Bigger than horizontal box; upgrading can be difficult
Used for home PCs
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5. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Types of Cases-Tower
Stands vertically, saves desk space, upgrading is easier
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6. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Power Supply
A little box that gives the computer its power.
Converts the electricity you use for other household items (the AC current from a wall outlet) into a lower voltage (DC current) for your computer.
Contains a fan that prevents the parts inside the computer from overheating.
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7. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Motherboard
The main circuit board in the computer
All critical components, (CPU, BIOS, hard drive, RAM) plug into the motherboard.
There are different sizes so make sure your motherboard and case work together.
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8. Anatomy of a Motherboard-Cont.
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9. Anatomy of a Motherboard
Huddleston - Computer System Basics

10. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The “brain” of the computer.
Manages and processes information inside the computer.
Much of a computer's capabilities depend upon the quality of its CPU.
The speed of the CPU is measured in megahertz (MHz).
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11. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Anatomy of a CPU
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12. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Hard Drive
Most of a computer's information is stored on its hard drive.
The operating system
Software applications
Personal documents and files
Hard drive size is measured in gigabytes (GB). The larger the number the better.
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13. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Anatomy of a Hard Drive
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14. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Random Access Memory
Most conventional type of computer memory.
Placed in banks on the motherboard.
Used to temporarily store information
RAM is extremely fast.
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15. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
RAM-Cont.
If space is available, active programs will keep all of their information in RAM.
If you run out of RAM and your computer is forced to put information on the hard drive, your computer will operate much more slowly.
Measured in megabytes (MB).
The more RAM, the better.
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16. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Anatomy of RAM
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17. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Video Card
Allows your computer to display images on the monitor.
AGP (accelerated graphics port) especially designed to support high-end graphics like 3-D.
PCI
Come with built-in RAM, known as VRAM.
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18. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Sound Card
A computer needs a soundcard to play and record sound.
Converts data in the CPU into audible sound
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19. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Network Card
Allows computers to connect to other computers and share information at high speeds.
Usually computers found in businesses and schools have network cards.
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20. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Modem
Port which connects telephone line to computer for Internet access.
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21. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Anatomy of a Modem
External Modem Internal Modem
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22. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Disk Drives
Floppy: allows you to save information to a floppy disk (3.5”, 5.25”)
CD-ROM/DVD/Burner: allows you to retrieve information from a CD/DVD and burn to a CD/DVD
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23. Ports: cable/cord connection point
Parallel: connects external devices such as printers and scanners.
Referred to as LPT1, LPT2, etc.
Serial: older all-purpose ports for mice, external modems, etc.
Referred to as COM ports (COM1, COM2, etc.)
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24. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Ports-Cont.
Universal Serial Bus (USB): Newer all-purpose ports that allows you to connect more than one device to a single port (digital/video cameras, scanners, mice, etc.) at a faster speed
PS2 port: Older port for mice and keyboards
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25. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Ports-Cont.
Monitor, Keyboard & Game ports: connects each piece of equipment to the computer on their respective cards.
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26. Anatomy of Computer Ports
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27. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Units of Measure
Hertz: measures computer’s speed
Bytes: Used to measure storage capacity in computers
Bits are binary (composed of 1s and 0s)
8 bits = 1 byte
1000 bytes = 1 kilobyte (KB)
1000 KB = 1 megabyte (MB) = 1 million bytes
1000 MB = 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1 billion bytes
1000 GB = 1 terabyte (TB) = 1 trillion bytes
1000 TB = 1 petabyte (PB) = 1 quadrillion bytes
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28. Huddleston - Computer System Basics
Miscellaneous Terms
Operating System: program that runs your entire computer
Types of OS:
Windows 98/NT/XP/Vista
Mac, Unix, Linux
Basic Input Output System: the hard-coded software written to boot the computer up and recognize hardware.
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Functions of the OS
Start up the computer
Administer security
Control a network
Access the Web
Monitor performance
Provide housekeeping services
Schedule jobs and configure devices
Manage memory & programs
Provide user interface
Huddleston - Computer System Basics