> Computer – group of related components that interact
and other
to perform a task
> Classification of Computers
• Super Computers – very expensive and very fast
− Most powerful
− For scientific research centers
• Mainframe Computers – powerful multi-user
computers
− Capable of supporting 4-200 users
simultaneously (corporations)
• Workstation – single-user but powerful
− More powerful microprocessor (CAD,
Desktop Publishing)
− Require moderate amount of computing
power
• Personal Computers – microcomputers because of
microprocessor
− Single-user that has hardware components
> Electronic Data Processing
Input >> Process >> Output
^^^
Store
• Human language to binary code
> Computer System Components
• Hardware – physical/ tangible
– Classifications:
o Input – enter data and instruction
o Output – conveys info to one or more people
who use the comp.
o Input/ Output Devices – accept data and info
and send them at the same time
o System Unit – case that contains electronic
components and processes data
o Storage and Media Devices – keeps data
– records and/or retrieves – source of input
o Communication Devices – send and receive
data, instruction, and info to and from one or
more computers
– Communication occur over cables,
telephone lines, cellular radio networks
and satellites
• Software – applications that help computer
perform a task
– Send instructions
– Often has GUI (Graphical User Interface), a
person may interact with the software using text,
graphics and visual images such as icons
– 2 Types
o System Software – operating system and
utility programs
– controls/ manages computer hardware so
that application software can perform
– serves as interface
▪ Operating System – set of programs
that coordinates all the activities among
computer hardware devices
– to communicate w comp.
software
– contributions: booting, managing
storage media, providing user interface,
managing computer resources,
managing files, managing task
▪ Utility Program – allows user to
perform maintenance-type task usually
related to managing computer
– tasks: back up, data recovery, file
defragmentation, disk repair, virus
protection, data compression, memory
management
o Application Software – carry out specialized
task for users
– web browser (internet to access web
pages): related to communication
– popular app. software:
▪ Word Processing Software
– manipulate, create, edit text (MS
Word, Adobe Acrobat, Word Perfect)
▪ Database Software
▪ Presentation Graphic Software
▪ Desktop Publishing Software – create
publication documents
– combine graphics and word
processing tools
– MS Publisher, Print Master
▪ Spreadsheet Software – simulates a
paper worksheet
– displays multiple cells
– MS Excel, Visicalc, Apple Numbers
• Liveware – anything that has to do with the people
– Electronic Data Processing Dept.:
o Programmer – prepare program
o Computer Operation – ensuring proper
operation and setting up of processor
o Data Entry Operator – converts data from
source document into magnetic media
o Database Administrator – creates data
dictionary that records organization-wide
data definition and standards
o System Analyst – system analysis designing
effective custom-made data processing
solution
o Information System Manager – focuses on
internal activities
• Dataware – data warehouse
– central repository of data which is created by
integrating data from multiple disparate sources
> External Components
• Keyboard – primary input device
− Input letters, numbers and other symbols
− W key combinations, it can execute
commands
 − Keys on computer keyboards: • RAM (Random Access Memory) – main memory
o Typing keypad − Type of volatile memory which means it
o Numeric keypad required electricity to store data
o Function keypad − When computer is powered down, all the
o Navigation keys memory is wiped
o Special keys − Many types of RAM: SRAM (static), DRAM
o Escape keys (dynamic), and SO-DIMM RAM (Small
• Monitor – displays info from computer Outline Dual In-Line Memory)
o CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) • ROM (Read Only Memory) – computer memory
o LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) on which data has been prerecorded
o Plasma − Data cannot be removed but only read
o Touchscreen − Nonvolatile
• Mouse – senses your motion and clicks and sends • Power Supply – supplies all the computer
them to the computer components with power (electricity)
• Gaming Devices − Changes AC (Alternating Current) from the
o Joystick main supple into DC (Direct Current)
o Gamepad • Fans – cool computers down
o Game controller
− Main fan is positioned on the CPU because it is
• Image and Video Devices prone to overheating
o Image scanner • Adapter Cards – expansion slots
o Webcam o Sound Card – to have extended sound
o Graphics tablet capabilities, and for sound components to be
o Barcode reader
used
o Printer o Video or Graphics Card – show graphics
• Audio Devices o NIC Card (Network Interface Card) – connect
o Microphone to a network (pde siya wireless)
o Speakers • FDD (Floppy Disk Drive) – can read and write on
• Storage Devices a removable magnetically coated floppy disk
o Hard disk − Quite flexible kAYA NGA FLOPPY
o Solid-state drive
− Storage medium and back up device
o Raid Array Controller
• HDD (Hard Disk Drive) – can read and write on a
o Removable Media
magnetically coated platter, that spins at a high
• Communication Devices
speed
o Modem
• Optical Drives
o Router
o DVD Drive – DVD player built in to the base
o Switch
unit
o Hub
o CD-ROM Drive – allows the computer to run
on CD-ROMs
> Internal Components
1. Connectors – cable that connects a peripheral
* System Unit – houses the primary devices that perform
device to a hardware component
operation and produce results
− Mainly used today are USB, firewire and PS/2
− Includes the motherboard, CPU, RAM, etc
− Other connectors: ethernet, SCSI, Parallel and
− Also known as chassis
Serial
− This term is used to differentiate bet. the
2. Ports
computer and its peripheral devices
o Video Graphics Array (VGA)
• CPU (Central Processing Unit) – main chip o High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
− Located on motherboard
− Processes the computer’s data and exchanges > Operating System – integrated set of programs
it with the other components and peripherals − Enables all the programs we use
− Brain of the computer − Interface between the application programs and
• Motherboard – “logic board” in Mac the machine hardware
− Main circuit board − Makes the computer actually work
− Contains many components like RAM, CPU,
expansion slots and the heat sink
− Connects all peripheral together
>Reformatting OS • Return coverings after installation
> PC Assembly Precaution
1. Turn your computer on then press Delete/F2 to • Fully shutdown and unplug the computer
enter the system BIOS • Take off any metal objects on your arms/ fingers
2. Go to Boot Menu and choose boot device • Make sure your hands are completely dry
priority >e.g. CDROM, removable device • Work in a cool area
3. Press F10 to save the configuration setting and • Prepare to keep any screws you may remove
exit BIOS then reset your computer • Handle all parts with care
4. Insert (DVD, CD, Removable Device) the • Do not forcefully remove the components
Windows OS (windows will be loading the files)
• Be careful when holding the motherboard
5. Select your language, time, currency format/
• Be careful not to drop any small parts
keyboard input, then click next.
6. Click “install now” • Take note the 3 of the most damaging things to a
computer: moisture, shock, dust
7. Check “I accept the licensed terms” then click
next > Key Points in handling components safely
8. Click upgrade/custom • Be sure to draw off any state electrical that you
9. Choose partition/ Pick your partition. Select the may build up in your hands
drive where you want to save the OS. • Touch the parts where they’re the least sensitive
10. Installing of windows • Always plan where you’ll set a component
> PC Assembly
- Copying Window Files 1. Open the case
- Expanding Window Files 2. Install power supply
3. Attach all components to the motherboard
4. Install motherboard
- Installing Features
5. Install internal drives
6. Install external bays
- Installing Updates 7. Install adapter cards
8. Install internal cable
11. Copying of Windows, expanding window files 9. Reattach side panels
12. Installing features, installing updates 10. Connect all external cables to computer
13. Restart again
14. After restarting, completing installation- > PC Disassembly
continuation of set-up 1. Power off computer
15. Restart and completing the set-up 2. Unplug power cables
16. Type your desired username 3. Disconnect external cables to computer
17. Type your desired password (optional/can be 4. Detach side panels
skipped) 5. Uninstall internal cables
18. Enter the product/serial key of the operating 6. Uninstall adapter cards
system 7. Uninstall external bays
19. Windows Updates (Use recommended settings) 8. Uninstall internal drives
20. Set the clock. Select the date and time. 9. Uninstall motherboards
21. Connect it to the network (setting of the network 10. Uninstall motherboard components
connection) 11. Uninstall power supply
> PC Assembly guidelines > Basic Compuer Troubleshooting Guide
• Prepare the ff.: 1. Don’t panic. Relax. Take a breath.
1. Screwdrivers 2. Make sure there really is a problem. Can’t start
2. Brush your computer? Check the basics:
3. Pliers and wire cutter • Examine the cables, connectors, and power
4. Soldering iron cords to make sure they’re plugged in
> Security and Safety in PC Assembly securely. Often times a loose cable or
• Keep your work place clean and proper lighting connector (power, network, keyboard, mouse,
• Wear non-conductible apparel speaker, monitor cable, etc.) is the cause of
• Unplug computer before opening the case the problem.
• Do not force components into ports
• Discharge electricity from your body
 • Try plugging something else directly into the
electrical outlet to make sure there isn’t a
power problem
• Check to see if your monitor is on.
3. Can’t get on to the network or the internet?
• Check to see if anyone is having a similar
problem. If so, there may be a service outage
affecting wider area.
• Check to make sure the network cable is
connected to both the computer and the wall
or modem
• Check where the network cable connection is
made to the back of the computer
4. Error messages – write them down
• What tipped you off to the problem?
Sometimes it’s an error code or message
displayed on screen. Be sure to write it down
• Other times you get no warning – everything
just freezes. Message or no message, be sure
not what was going on when the problem
occurred. Whether you were starting your
computer, on windows desktop, in a particular
application or surfing the web.
5. Think about what changed recently on your
computer. Try to pinpoint when the trouble first
started. Did the problem coincide with any
recent changes?
• Did you change any settings?
• Any peripherals been added or removed
recently?
• Has anyone else been using your computer
recently?
• Have downloaded anything off the Web?
(possibility of virus)
6. The computer is on but:
• Everything on the screen is frozen and the
keyboard and mouse are not responding
o Try tapping on the Num Lock key. While
tapping, notice whether or not Num Lock
light goes on and off. If it doesn’t, the
computer is completely locked up. You’ll
have to reboot the computer. If the light
does go on and off, wait a minute. It may
come back to life on its own.
• Pressing Alt + F4
o If a software program stops working or
freezes up, try pressing the Alt + F4 keys
to close the window that you’re currently
working it. This can shut down a frozen
window and bring the computer back to
life. If the keyboard is frozen as well,
you’ll have to reboot.
• The “Blue Screen” has appeared
o The dreaded Blue Screen of Death.
There’s not a lot to be done except to
reboot the machine. If it keeps occurring,
this is an indication of a major problem
with the computer.
• The computer is on, but there is no sound
o Check the volume. Uncheck any mute
boxes that are selected.
• The computer is on, but the keyboard doesn’t
work.
o Swap the keyboard or try plugging the
keyboard into another computer
• CTRL-ALT-DEL
o When you press the ctrl-alt-delete buttons
together, you will bring up a control
panel where you can select “Task
Manager” and see if any of the programs
are shown as “not responding.” You may
be able to shut down the offending
program from there. If you can’t get to
this screen, you’ll have to reboot
7. Rebooting can do wonders
• Don’t just pull the plug
• May clear up the problem. Go to start menu
and select shutdown. Didn’t work? It’s time to
try a forced reboot – with, unfortunately, no
way to save your work – by pressing the ctrl-
alt-del simultaneously twice in a row
• If that didn’t work, you have to turn the
computer off manually with the power switch.
Hold the power button down.
> Beep codes – beep pattern is telling you what part of
the hardware is failing
> Beep description:
• 1 short beep – normal post, computer is okay
• Continuous beep – RAM problem
• One long and three short beeps – video error has
occurred and the BIOS cannot initialize the
video screen to display any additional
information
> Troubleshooting for new monitors:
1. The picture does not appear
• Check to make sure the signal cable is firmly
connected in the socket
• Check to see if the computer system’s power
is on
• Check that the brightness control is at the
appropriate position
2. The screen is not synchronized
• Check to make sure the signal cable is firmly
connected in the socket
• Check that the output level matches the input
level of your computer
• Make sure the signal timing of the computer
system is within the specification of the
monitor
3. The position is not in the center
 • Adjust the H-size, H-phase, or V-size, V-
center controls. Check if the signal timing of
the computer system is within the
specification of the monitor
4. The screen is too bright or too dark
• Check if the brightness or contrast control is at
the appropriate position.
• Check if the specified voltage is applied
• Check if the signal timing of the computer
system is within the specification of the
monitor
• Check the horizontal frequency
5. The screen is shaking
• Move all object that emit a magnetic field,
such as a motor or transformer, away from the
monitor
• Check if the specified voltage is applied
• Check if the signal timing of the computer
system is within the specification of the
monitor

Hi gudlak kaya natin to!!!! – cheska hilary