Information Sheet 1.

1-3

FAMILIARIZATION WITH THE VARIOUS COMPUTER SYSTEMS’

COMPONENTS AND PERIPHERALS

Parts of a Desktop Computer

Computer Case Computer casing, housing or chassis, holds firmly all
the computer parts and components in place. It also
protects the computer parts and component from foreign
object that may cause unintentional physical damage
such as short circuits and others. It comes with different
style, shape and sizes.

Monitor The monitor works with a video card, located inside the
computer case, to display images and text on the screen.
Newer monitors usually have LCD (liquid crystal display)
or LED (light-emitting diode) displays. These can be
made very thin, and they ar e often called flat-panel
displays. Older monitors use CRT (cathode ray tube)
displays. CRT monitors are much larger and heavier,
and they take up more desk space.

Keyboard The keyboard is one of the primary ways we

communicate with the computer and enter data. There
are many different types of computer keyboards, such as
wired, wireless, ergonomic, and multimedia. Although
there may be differences in the location of some keys or
features, keyboards are very similar and allow you to
accomplish basically the same tasks.

The mouse is a peripheral that is known as a pointing

Mouse device. It lets you point to objects on the screen, click
on them, and move them.

There are two main types of mice: optical and

mechanical. The optical mouse uses an electronic eye to
detect movement and is easier to clean. The mechanical
mouse uses a rolling ball to detect movement. Generally,
a mechanical mouse is less expensive, although it may
require regular cleaning to keep it working properly.

Traditionally, a mouse connects to the computer using a

USB or PS/2 connection. However, you can also buy a
wireless mouse, which can reduce clutter on your
desktop.
Power Supply Unit A power supply unit (PSU) converts mains AC to low-
voltage regulated DC power for the internal components
of a computer. Modern personal computers universally
use a switched-mode power supply. Some power
supplies have a manual selector for input voltage, while
others automatically adapt to the supply voltage.
 The PSU have two kinds (1) the AT and (2) is the ATX.

a. AT (Advance Technology) is the first and oldest kind

of PSU. It is already obsolete and very hard to find in the
market.

b. The ATX (Advance Technology eXtended) is the

only available PSU in the market. There are also two
types of ATX PSU, (1) the 20 pin ATX and (2) the 24 pin
ATX PSU. Usually, motherboards with Pentium IV
processors and lower uses the 20 pin ATX PSU while
motherboards with Dual Core or Higher uses the 24 pin
PSU. The faster the Units performance the more voltage
intake is required.
CPU is an abbreviation of Central Processing Unit or
typically known as the processor. In the old days,
Processors are composed of multiple Circuit boards
interconnected by cables. Now a days, Desktop
Computers and small workstation uses a
microprocessor. It is small compact version. The CPU is
being defined as the brain of the computer, because all
the computations and calculations take place. We
usually use CPU as a colloquial term for the Computer
Unit here in the Philippines. There are two available type
of CPU in the market nowadays, the Pinned and the
Pinless Microprocessor.

CPU Fan and Heat Sink Heat sink is made from aluminum, a type of metal which
heats and cools fasts. It is used as heat exchangers or
transfers the heat from the CPU. The CPU fan is a
cooling fan which helps in maintaining the heat sink
cool by blowing air. It is a great combination of
ventilation system which maintains the performance of
the system.

Your CPU Fan must match to your Heat sink and

Motherboard. It has 5 different parts namely Power
Connector, Heat sink Clip, Push Pin Locks, Fan Blade
and Motor.

Your Heat sink must match to your CPU fan and

microprocessor. It is located at the top of the CPU and at
the bottom of the CPU fan. It has several parts, the CPU
fan notch and the base.
RAM Modules RAM Modules – or the Random-Access Memory is a
temporary electricity dependent storage memory used for
processing one or more program at the same time. When
the computer is shut down, all programs stored in the
RAM are removed since there was no electricity. The
RAM Module or the memory module allows data to be
stored randomly so that the files can be access any time
needed making the processes quicker and better.
Video Card Video card are usually Built-in on motherboards but
users sometimes add extra Video cards for Greater
visual graphic output and performance.

Motherboard also known as the Mobo, Main Board, System Board and
Logic Board is the Central Circuit Board which connects
all other components such as CPU, RAM, HDD and
others peripherals.

Basic Parts

· CPU Slot
· RAM Slot
· CMOS Battery Slot
· IDE Connector
· SATA Connector
· Power Supply Connector
· Back Panel
o PS/2 port
o LPT
o Sound Port
o Video port
o LAN port
o USB port
· Front Panel
o Power Switch
o Power LED
o Reset Switch
o HDD LED
o USB extension port

Hard Disk Drive Hard Disk Drive (HDD) – There are two types of Hard
Disk Drive, the IDE Supported HDD and the SATA
 Supported HDD.

a. IDE Supported HDD is the old model of HDD. Its

uses an IDE data cable. IDE stands for Integrated Drive
Electronics. It uses 40 cables banded together forming a
belt like cable. The power connector used is the same as
IDE Supported IDE HDD the power connector of the casings exhaust fans.
b. SATA Support HDD is the latest model for HDD. It
uses a SATA Data cable which allows the hard disk to
acquire a faster RPM (Rate per Minute) and faster data
transfer. SATA stands for Serial Advanced Technology
Attachment. It uses 7 instead of 40 conductors reducing
SATA Supported IDE HDD the size and cost but with much better performance.

Optical Drive There are also two types of CD / DVD ROM or Writer.
The same with Hard Disk Drive, it is categorized either
by IDE or by SATA Support.
AVR Automatic Voltage Regulator - The AC Wall sockets
provide an unstable 220 volts more or less. The AVR
regulates the flow of electricity providing a stable 220
volts power supply. It uses a fuse so in case of power
fluctuations, the fuse breaks down without damaging
any computer component.

Power Cable also known as Power Cords – It has an AC power plug

on one end and a female power connector on the other.

Monitor Power Cable Monitor Power Cord – It has a 3 pin male power
connector on one end and a female power connector on
the other. It can also be used as a power cable
extension.

Surge Protector Power Surge Protector Extension Cord – Only uses

fuse but it did not regulate the flow of electricity. It is
much cheaper compared with the AVR.

UPS

Uninterruptable Power Supply functions as an AVR but

it also contains a battery pack inside. In case of power
failure, you can save your work and shut down your
computer properly. It is the best option but it is also the
most expensive among the AVR and Surge Protector.
Computer Screw It is one of the most common, basic and inexpensive in
all of computer parts. It secures the computer parts to
its proper place. It also allows us to easily replace
damaged parts. There are two kinds of screw, the
external and internal screw.

· External Screw – used in the outer part of the unit.

They are typically found on the cover of the casings.
· Internal Screw – are used in the inner parts of the unit
(External Screw: Railed such as hard disk drive, CD / DVD ROMS,
Hex screw) Motherboards and others.
Different types of internal screw:

 Mother Board Screw

o Hex-nut Screw (stud)

(Internal Screw: Hard Disk
Drive Screw)
o Plastic Spacer
o Insulating washer
 Hard Disk Drive Screw
 Optical Drive Screw
 Exhaust Fan Screw
 Peripheral Component Screw
 Front Cover Screw
Tools, Equipment and Testing

The following are tools, equipment and testing devices needed to carry out the
installation work.

Goggles and Safety Glasses  Forms of protective eyewear that

usually enclose or protect the eye area
in order to prevent particulates or
chemicals from striking the eyes.
Digital Multi-meter or  is an instrument use to measure voltage,
Multitester current and resistance.

Wire Stripper  a small hand-held device used to strip

the insulation from electric wires.

Long nose Pliers  is used for holding, bending and

stretching the lead of electronics
component or connecting wire.

Flat Screw Driver  is used to drive or fasten negative

slotted screws

Philips Screw Driver  is used to drive or fasten positive slotted

screws

Soldering Iron  is used to join two or more metal

conductors with the support
of soldering lead melted around it.

Desoldering Tool  is used to unsolder unwanted parts or

component in the circuit with the
support of soldering pencil

Allen wrench (0.05-0.25 inch)  a tool used to drive Allen screws and
bolts, which have a hexagonal socket in
the head.
Flashlight  a hand-held portable electric spotlight
used for lighting spot in areas that
needs illumination.

IC Insertion/Extraction Tool  WK-7 kit includes DIP IC extractors and

inserters to accommodate all IC’s from
8-40 pins.
 all tools that engage conductive
surfaces are CMOS safe and include
grounding lugs where appropriate. The
kit consists of extractors EX-1 for 14-16
pin devices, and EX-2 for 24-40 pins
chips, plus inserters MOS-1416, MOS-
2428, and MOS-40 for 16-14, 24-48
and 36-40 pin IC’s respectively.
RS 232 pin  use to install and remove pin and
insertion/extraction tool socket contacts in AMP ® RM and RME
ARINC connectors. Each tool has two
color-coded halves. The color of the
insertion tip half indicates the
applicable contact size. Use the 91066-
1’s light green handle for insertion and
white handle for extraction of size 22
contacts.
Tweezers  Tools used for picking up small objects
that are not easily managed or handled
with the human hands.

Antistatic wrist strap  An antistatic wrist strap, ESD wrist

strap, or ground bracelet is an
antistatic device used to safely ground a
person working on very sensitive
electronic equipment, to prevent the
buildup of static electricity on their
body, which can result in electrostatic
discharge (ESD).
LAN Tester  A cable tester is a device that is used to
test the strength and connectivity of a
particular type of cable or other wired
assemblies. There are a number of
 different types of cable testers, each
able to test a specific type of cable or
wire (some may be able to test different
types of cables or wires). The cable
tester can test whether a cable or wire
is set up properly, connected to the
appropriate source points, and if the
communication strength between the
source and destination is strong enough
to serve its intended purpose.
LAN Card  is a network interface card.
This is a computer circuit board or card
that is installed in a computer so that it
can be connected to a network.

Port hub /Port  A common connection point for devices in

a network. Hubs are commonly used to
connect segments of a LAN. A hub contains
multiple ports.

Modem -(Modulator-  The modem is a device that allows a

Demodulator) given computer to share data or otherwise
a device which let computers exchange
information

RJ 45  is the connector plugged into the NIC

ports on computers and often connecting
the main networking hardware together

Crimping tool  A crimping tool is a tool designed to crimp or

connect a connector to the end of a cable. For
example, network cables and phone cables
are created using a crimping tool to connect
the RJ-45 and RJ-11 connectors to the end of
the cable. In the example picture below, this
 crimper is capable of crimping a RJ-11 (6-Pin)
and RJ-45 (8-Pin) connectors and also
includes a wire cutter near the handles that
can be used to cut phone or CAT5 cable.

UTP Cable  a cable used in computer networking that

consists of two shielded wires twisted around
each other.

Cable Ties  Useful for neatly bounding wires and cables

away from fans and other components inside
the computer.