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Explore the Parts of a
Computer
Introduction
Hardware
Software
Operating System
CPU
RAM
ROM
Computer Memory
Motherboard
BIOS
Storage Devices
Peripherals
Power Supply
Ports
What is a computer?
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A computer is an electronic device
that executes the instructions in a
program.
The computer has four components:
 Input
 Storage
 Processing
 Output
Hardware
The physical parts of the computer that
you can actually touch.
Monitor
Camera
Scanner
Computer
Microphone
Keyboard
Mouse
Software
Adobe Reader
PowerPoint
Photoshop
Software is a
computer
program that is
made up of
certain
instructions or
codes that tell
your hardware,
or computer,
what to do.
Software can be
used to play
games, write
school papers, or
even sort e-mail.
Excel
Word
Mavis Beacon
Operating System (OS)
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The OS is a large program made up of
many smaller programs that control how
the CPU communicates with other
hardware components. It also makes
computers easier to operate by people
because it puts a face to the computer.
In other words, operating systems make
computers user friendly.
Different computer manufacturers use
different operating systems.
 Apple
computers use Macintosh OS
 Most PC’s commonly use the OS called
Windows (XP, Vista, 7)
MAC OS User Interface
Menu Bar: a horizontal
menu that appears on
top of a window which
has a list of options.
Icon: A
graphical
symbol for an
application,
folder or file.
Desktop: the shaded or
colored backdrop of your
screen.
Doc Station: Provides
shortcuts to commonly used
programs
CPU (Microprocessor)
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Stands for Central Processing Unit, which is the
brain of your computer. It does all the thinking
for the computer and process all the
information to be turned into files on your
computer.
The clock speed of the microprocessor in now
measured in gigahertz (GHz).
 The higher the number; the quicker the
information processed.
 The chip shown below can process up to 2.80
GHz.
RAM
(Random-Access Memory)
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RAM temporarily stores data that
the computer is currently working
on.
It requires for power to be
turned on.
It is the determining factor in
how fast your applications or
software run.
The information in RAM goes
away once the computer is turned
off, so it is important to save any
work you want to keep.
It is measured in megabytes
(MBs).

The larger the size , the faster it
functions
Read Only Memory
(ROM)
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This is read only memory
which is the permanent
type of memory the
computer stores for
information that does not
change
It stores the information
even when the computer is
shut down.
ROM is generally installed
by the manufactured of
the computer as part of its
system.
How is computer memory
measured?

Computer memory is measured in Bytes,
which is a unit of storage capable of
holding a single character.
Kilobyte = about 1000 bytes.
Megabyte = about one million bytes.
Gigabyte = about one billion bytes.
Motherboard
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This is the main circuit
board that connects all
other internal
components, such as the
CPU and memory.
It’s like the blood
vessels inside the
human body, which
connect to all the vital
organs.
 Instead of blood
vessels, the
motherboard uses
tiny electrical paths
to connect each part
of the computer.
One important part on the motherboard is the
BIOS, which is where the computer's settings are
stored and changed.
BIOS
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Basic Input/Output System.
When the computer is first turned on
(booted), the BIOS is responsible for
establishing basic communication with all
the computer parts.
It is the program which wakes the
computer up when you turn it on and
reminds itself what parts it has and what
each part is supposed to do.
After booting and
performing a few
system checks,
It turns the computer
over to your operating
system.
Storage Devices
•Compact Disc Re-Writable
(CD-RW) is a type of disk
which enables you to write
onto it several times. The
storage capacity can vary, but
it typically holds 700 MB of
data.
•Compact Disc Read-Only
Memory (CD-ROM) is a disk
that enables you to write onto
it once. These are typically
used to save save music or
data that does not change.
•Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is
a type of disk that holds
digital representations that
combine sound and graphic.
Storage Devices
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A Hard drive is a large
capacity, permanent storage
used to hold programs and
documents. This is stored
inside your computer and
holds the largest amount of
data
A Floppy Disk is a portable
magnetic disk that can hold
up to 1.44 MB of data. This
holds the least amount of
data.
A USB or flash disk is a
small, portable flash memory
card that plugs into a
computer’s USB drive and
functions as a portable hard
drive.
Online Activity: Different kinds of storage devices
Peripherals
These are devices that
connect to your
computer, but are
separate from it.
These devices can be
categorized as either
input or output.
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Input Devices:
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These are devices that input data into your
computer such as:
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Mouse
Keyboard
Microphone
Output Devices:
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These are devices that output data into
forms which people can use such as:
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Monitor
Scanner
Printer
Speakers
Activity: Which Does What?
Power Supply
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It supplies the fuel (power), for the
computer.
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supply power to the motherboard and the drives
It contains a fan that helps assist in the
task of cooling the computer.
It comes in a variety of wattages.

200 watt and 250 watt, are the most commonly
used
Ports
Ports are located on the outside of a computer and
ports are where you plug in other hardware. On the
inside of the case they are connected to the
expansion cards. Today, most new computers use
USB ports.
Printer
Keyboard
& Mouse
Scanner (USB)
Monitor or LCD