1. CP1610: Introduction to Computer Components Basic PC Components

2. What is a Computer? A machine A tool A device that ‘computes’ (or calculates) A device that takes our input, makes calculations based on the data, and returns the desired output

3. Hardware and Software Hardware  Physical components of a computer  Visible part of a system Software  Set of instructions that directs hardware to accomplish a task  The intelligence

4. Hardware Components Outside computer case:  input/output devices  Called ‘peripheral’ devices Inside the case:  processing and storage  CPU – most important component  Motherboard  Etc…

5. Parts Inside a Computer

6. What Hardware Needs in Order to Operate 1. Method for CPU to communicate with it 2. Software to instruct and control it 3. Electricity to power it

7. Four Functions of a Computer Input Process Storage Output

8. How Components Interact

9. Hardware Used for Input and Output Popular input devices:  Keyboard  Mouse Popular output devices:  Monitor  Printer

10. How Components Interact

11. Ports: How ‘Peripherals’ Connect

12. The Boot Process The process by which a computer safely starts up.  Power-up and ‘Voltage Good’ test.  CPU triggers POST (Power On Self-Test).  BIOS looks for ‘bootable drive.’  ‘Boot Sector’ provides directions to OS and drivers.