Information Sheet 1.

1-2

BASIC TERMS, CONCEPTS, FUNCTIONS AND

CHARACTERISTICS OF PC HARDWARE COMPONENTS

Learning objective:

Upon completion of this information sheets, trainees will be able to

1. Identify different parts of the computer.

2. Define computer terms

Computers are almost everywhere. Wherever you go, you can see
different kinds of computer. But do you know what computer is? Do you know
how it works? Do you have the skill to build it?

In this module, you will be able to answer the questions stated above
and define computer technical terminologies.

DEFINITION OF COMPUTER TERMS

Address – a number that represent a unique location in memory

ALU – Arithmetic Logic Unit, part of a microprocessor. It does all arithmetic

functions and calculation in the CPU.

ASCII – American Standard Code for Information Interchange, code

representing the character symbols possible for specific hexadecimal codes.

BIOS – Basic Input/Output System, the part of the operating system that
controls the input and output functions.

Bit – the single smallest unit of data in a computer.

Board – a shortened reference to a printed circuit board or the insulated

surface on which circuit components are mounted and soldered in place.

Boot – a term meaning to load DOS or an operating system.

Byte – comprised of 8 bits to form a word

Character – the equivalent meaning of byte formed.

Chip – a complete electronic circuit which may contain miniature resisters,

transistors, diodes, and related circuitry all integrated into a

miniature silicon base and mounted in a common housing.

Computer – an electronic device designed to make rapid, accurate

computations from data programmed into it.

Control Unit – decodes each instruction that enters the computer. It then
generates the necessary pulses to carry out the functions specified.

CP/M – Control Program for Microprocessors, the first operating system

developed for microcomputers.

CPU – Central Processing Unit, the heart of a system. It controls all data

transfer and devices in a microcomputer system.

DMA – Direct Memory Access, data transfer involving large blocks of

information directly between the memory and disk drives. DMA is controlled
by another processors which speeds up data transfer and unloads the central
processors of this function.

DOS – Disk Operating System, a software program used to set certain

parameters involving the operation of the computer system. To start it up
especially data transfer and the disk drives.

Hardcopy – a print out or a visual copy on paper.

I/O – short for Input/Output, any operation or device that sends or

receives data from or to the CPU.

IC – short for Integrated Circuit, building blocks of a computer system or other

electronics devices comprising many electronics parts such as transistors,
resistors, etc. in a single package.

Interrupt – an input signal to the processors that sets the order to initialize
all system devices for operation.

Kilo – prefix which means 1,000 units

LSI – Large Scale Integration, describes the intensity of integration commonly

used in microprocessors, comprising many ICs.

Mainframe computers – the largest and most expensive computers designed

specifically to serve business, industry, and government in applications that
require mass storage and fast retrieval.
Example: Banks, airlines, and the Internal Revenue Service use mainframe
Computers
Mega – prefix which means 1,000,000 units

Memory – the part of a computer that stores vital information for the
computer’s operation.

Microcomputers – the smallest and least expensive computers, designed for

desktop or portable use by an individual at home, yet versatile enough for
applications in business, industry, and government

Example: Microcomputers enjoyed early popularity in the home for both

educations and playing electronic games, but as microcomputers expand in
powers such as multi-tasking and multi-user applications, their use in
business and industry increases.

Microprocessor – the arithmetic logic unit, registers, and timing and decoding
circuitry usually contained in a single integrated circuit that controls computer
activities.

Minicomputers – medium-sized and medium-priced computers that rival the

storage capacity and operating speed of smaller main-frames, and are used in
business, industry, and government where they perform mostly dedicated or
single-task activities.

Example: Food processors, laboratories, and hospitals use minicomputers

Peripheral – any device or accessory such as a disk drive, printer, modem, or

video display added to a microcomputer to provide increased capacity for
handling, storing, or presenting data.

POR – Power On Reset, or power on routing, term to describe the sequence of

operations of a machine during power up.

Programs – contain the instructions that tell the computer what to do. It is a
sequential set of instructions to solve a particular problem.

Prototype – the first of its kind, the original from which later models are
patterned.

RAM – Random Access Memory, data can either be read from or written to
(read/write).

Read – to get data from a device.

Reset – a short pulse during power up of perform control function in computer,

used to initialize all system devices for operation.

ROM – Read Only Memory, data can only be read from this type of memory. It
cannot be altered and contains the basic operating instruction of the computer.

Unix – the operating system used by the IBM PC, having a more powerful
command structure and greater expandability than CP/M

Write – to put data into a device.

COMPUTER ACRONYMS
 ACE - Asynchronous Communication Element
 ACPI - Advance Configuration and Power Interface
 ADC - Analog-to-Digital Converter
 ADO - Active Data Object
 ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (variant of DSL)
 AGP - Accelerated Graphics Port
 ALU - Arithmetic Logic Unit
 AMR - Audio Modem Riser
 API - Application Programming Interface
 ASCII - American Standard Code for Information Interchange
 ATA - Advanced Technology Attachment
 BCD - Binary Coded Decimal
 BEDO RAM - Burst EDORAM

 BIOS - Basic Input Output System

 BIU - Bus Interface Unit
 CGI - Common Gateway Interface
 CAD - Computer – Aided Design
 CMOS - Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
 CPU - Central Processing Unit
 CRT - Cathode Ray Tube
 DMA - Direct Memory Access
 DTE - Data Terminal Equipment
 DDR - Double Data Rate
 DIMM - Dual Inline Memory Module
 DLL - Dynamic Link Library
 DNS - Domain Name System
 DOS - Disk Operating System
 DRAM - Dynamic Random Access Memory
 DSL - Digital Subscriber Line
 DVD - Digital Versatile Disc
 EDO - Enhanced Data Output
 EPROM - Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
 FAT - File Allocation Table
 FRAM - Ferro-Magnetic RAM
 FDD - Floppy Disk Drive
 FSB - Front Side Bus
 FTP - File Transfer Protocol
 GIF - Graphics Interchange Format
 GPRS - General Packet Radio Service
 GSM - Global System for Mobile Communication
 GUI - Graphical User Interface
 HDD - Hard Disk Drive
 HTML - Hypertext Markup Language
 HTTP - Hypertext Transport Protocol
 IC - Integrated Circuit
 IBM - International Business Machines
 ICT - Information and Communication Technology
 IDE - Integrated Drive Electronics
 I/O -Input/Output
 IP - Internet Protocol
 IRQ - Interrupt Request
 IT - Information Technology
 ISA - Industry Standard Architecture
 JFET - Junction Field Effect Transistor
 JPEG - Joint Photographic ExpertsGroup
 LAN - Local Area Networking
 LED - Light Emitting Diode
 LBA - Logical Block Addressing
 LSB - Least Significant Bit
 MAN - Metropolitan Area Network
 MB - Megabyte
 MHz - Megahertz
 MIDI - Musical Instrument Digital Interface
 MPEG - Motion Pictures Experts Group
 MODEM - Modulator Demodulator
 MPU - Microprocessor Unit
 NTFS - New Technology File System
 OCR - Optical Character Recognition
 OS - Operating System
 PATA - Parallel ATA
 PC - Personal ComputeR
 PCB - Printed Circuit Board
 PCI - Peripheral Component Interconnect
 PIC - Programmable Interval Controller
 PPI - Programmable Peripheral Interface
 PDF - Portable Document Format
 PNG - Portable Network Graphics
 PnP - Plug-and-Play
 PS/2 - Personal System/2
 RAID - Redundant Array of Independent Disks
 RAM - Random Access Memory
 RMW - Read/Modify/Write
 R/W - Read/Write
 ROM - Read Only Memory
 RGB - Red Greed Blue
 SATA - Serial ATA
 SCSI - Small Computer System Interface
 SDRAM - Synchronous Dynamic RAM
 SRAM - Static RAM
 SVGA - Super Video Graphics Array
 SMART - Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology
 SSRAM - Synchronous Static RAM
 TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol
 URL - Uniform Resource Locator
 USB - Universal Serial Bus
 VGA - Video Graphics Array/Adapter
 VIRUS - Vital Information Resource Under Seize
 WAN - Wide Area Network
 WAP - Wireless Application Protocol
 Wi-Fi - Wireless Fidelity
 WLAN - Wireless Local Area Network
 www - World Wide Web
WHAT IS COMPUTER?

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or "data." It

has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data. It is a general purpose
device that can be programmed to carry out a set of arithmetic or logical
operations.

HISTORY OF COMPUTER

ABACUS

It could rightly be called the first mechanical computing device. It was used as
far back as 2,600 B.C and is still used today.

PASCALINE

The first mechanical calculating machine that was developed by Blaise Pascal
in the early 1600s. This device could add and subtract. Later Gottfried von
Leibnitz developed a calculator that could also multiply and divide.

AUTOMATED LOOM

This was invented by weaver Joseph Jacquered in LOOM the early 1800s that
uses punched cards to record data.

DIFFERENCE ENGINE

This is where modern computer history began. This machine was proposed by
Charles Babbage in ENGINE the 1800s which bears the resemble of today’s
computers which is capable of computing and at the same time print results.
ELECTROMECANICAL ENGINE

The American chapter of computer history began when Herman Hollerith

successfully completed his tabulating machine for the Census Bureau in 1890.

ELECTRONIC COMPUTER

John Anatasoff is generally credited with building the first electronic computer
as lowa State University.

MARK I

Was developed by Howard Aiken with the help of IBM, is the first large-scale,
general-purpose, electromechanical computer. It was completed in 1994.

ENIAC

This was the world’s first large-scale electronic digital computer which was
developed by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly in 1946. This computer is
designed to calculate missile trajectories.

EDSAC and EDVAC

Was later developed by mathematician John von Neuman in the 1940s which
runs in the concept of stored programs.

UNIVAC

This is the first commercial computer which was completed and delivered to
the U.S. Census Bureau in 1951.
THE HARDWARE COMPONENT OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
1. Hardware
The hardware components are the tangible components of the
computer. Knowledge of the tangible components will enable you to
understand how the parts relate to one another. It will also help you
troubleshoot when you meet problems in operating computers.

a. Input Devices – devices that accept input (data or instruction)

from the user or from another computer system.
o Keyboard – designed similarly to a typewriter but has special
buttons or keys that signify a command
Computer Keyboards are often classified as follows:
*Alphanumeric keys – consist of letters and numbers
*Punctuation keys – comma, period, semicolon, etc.
*Special keys – function keys, arrow key, caps lock key,
etc.
*Numeric Keypad

o Mouse – a pointing device that controls the movement of the

cursor or pointer on a display screen.
o Light Pen – is an input device that utilizes a light sensitive
detector to select objects on a display screen.
o Touch Screen – a type of display screen that allows users to
interact with the system by touching specific areas on the
screen.
o Touch Pad – a small touch-sensitive pad used as a pointing
device on some portable computers
o Digital Camera – capture images in electronic form for
immediate viewing on a computer screen or TV. These images
can be stored and manipulated using computers.
o Bar Code Reader – is a photo-electronic scanner that read the
bar codes or vertical zebra stripped marks, printed on product
containers.
o Scanner – a device that can read text or illustrations printed
on paper and translate the information into a form the
computer can use.
o Etc
b. Output Devices – these are devices that translate and represent
the processed information from the computer’s CPU into human
readable forms.
 o Monitor – also called display screen
- The primary device for displaying information from
the computer.
o Printer – an output device that print text or illustration on
paper and in many cases on transparencies and other media.
o Speaker – produce sound output from the computer.
c. System Unit – the electronic circuitry that is housed within the
computer.
Main Parts
1. Central Processing Unit – “heart” or “brain” of the
computer. It carries out and performs most of the
instructions from either user or software.
2. Memory (also called main storage or primary storage) –
where instructions and data are stored while processing is
done.
Two types
1. Random Access Memory (RAM) – used to temporary
store information with which the computer is currently
working.
2. Read Only Memory (ROM) – a permanent type of
memory storage used by the computer for important
data that doesn’t change.
d. Secondary Storage – where data are stored permanently.
o Hard Disk – a disk inside the computer that holds a large
quantity of data and programs.
o Optical Disks
o Flash Drive

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS (by size)

1. Supercomputers - the largest computers. They are the most powerful, the
most expensive, and the fastest. They are capable of processing trillions of
instructions per second.

Examples of users of these computers are governmental agencies,

such as the Internal Revenue Service, the National Weather Service,
and the National Defense Agency. Also, they are used in the making
of movies, space exploration, and the design of many other
machines.

2. Mainframes - large computers

 - process data at very high rates of speed, measured in the
millions of instructions per second. They are very expensive,
costing millions of dollars in some cases.
- designed for multiple users and process vast amounts of data
quickly. Banks, insurance companies, manufacturers, mail-
order companies, and airlines are typical users.
3. Microcomputers - can be divided into two groups -- personal computers
and workstations.
Workstations are specialized computers that approach the speed of
mainframes. Often microcomputers are connected to networks of other
computers.
Personal Computers – are desktop or portable machines. Easier to use
and more affordable than workstations.

4. Notebook - can fit into a briefcase and weigh fewer than two pounds, yet
it can compete with the microcomputer. A larger, heavier version is called
a laptop computer. Notebooks generally cost more than microcomputers
but can run most of the microcomputer software and are more versatile.
Like other computers, notebook computers are getting faster, lighter, and
more functional.
5. Personal digital assistant (PDA) - smallest computer used to track
appointments and shipments as well as names and addresses. PDAs are
called pen-based computers because they utilize a pen-like stylus that
accepts hand-written input directly on a touch-sensitive screen.

CHARACTERISTICS, CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF COMPUTER

Computer Characteristics
1. It is a machine
– it needs outside intervention for it to run.
- it can only do things for which it is designed.
2. It is electronic
- It is made up of electronic circuits
- It runs in electrical energy
3. It is automatic
- once started, it continues to run without outside intervention
4. It can manipulate data
- following specific rules, it can perform arithmetic functions such as
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
5. It has memory
- it has the capacity to remember what it has done.
- it can store instruction in its memory and follow these though
unaided.
 6. It has logic functions
- it has a set of instructions which tell when it must do and how it must
be done
- it can produce results upon completion of these instructions.

Computer Capabilities
1. Speed - A computer can do billions of actions per second.
2. Repetitiveness – computer can tirelessly perform operations over and
over again without errors and complaints, unlike humans.
3. Reliability and Accuracy – along with the high speed of computer
performance is their high accuracy and reliability.
4. Logical Operations – the computer can make decision based on
alternative course of action. The decisions of the computer are however
dependent on the choices prepared for it by the programmer.
5. Store and recall information – the computer is like human brain
because it can store facts, instructions and information. The data
storage capability of the computer is unique. It stores vast amount of
information permanently and retrieval is easy, convenient and fast.
6. Self Checking – they verify the accuracy of their own work by using a
control routine called parity check. Computers always countercheck
the validity and reliability of information given.
7. Self Operating – once all data are fed into the computer memory,
processing and output are given without human intervention.

Computer Limitations:
Although a computer can do variety of tasks at binding speed and with
100% accuracy, it has one fundamental limitation. It is still dependent on the
instructions and data fed by human being.
1. The computer cannot generate information on its own
2. A computer cannot correct wrong instructions
3. A computer cannot come up with an original “decision”
4. Vulnerable to virus attack.