CP1610: Introduction to Computer Components

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CP1610Introduction to Computer Components

• Basic PC Components

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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

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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

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Hardware Components

• Outside computer case
• input/output devices
• Called peripheral devices
• Inside the case
• processing and storage
• CPU most important component
• Motherboard
• Etc

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Parts Inside a Computer
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What Hardware Needs in Order to Operate

• Method for CPU to communicate with it
• Software to instruct and control it
• Electricity to power it

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Four Functions of a Computer

• Input
• Process
• Storage
• Output

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How Components Interact
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Hardware Used for Input and Output

• Popular input devices
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Popular output devices
• Monitor
• Printer

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How Components Interact
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Ports How Peripherals Connect
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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.