BASIC COMPUTER CONCEPTS

COMPUTER COMPONENTS ACCORDING TO FUNCTION

INPUT DEVICE • Any device that allows the user to enter data/instructions to the
computer.

SYSTEM UNIT • Contains all the electronic components of the computer that are
(PROCESS) used to process data

• Any device that lets you retrieve the information out of the computer.
OUTPUT DEVICE • Devices used to produce data in different forms including audio,
visual and hard copy. 1

STORAGE DEVICE • Holds/save data, instructions and information for future use.

SOURCE:
1https://www.techwalla.com/articles/examples-of-output-devices-of-a-computer

Vermaat, Misty et al. Discovering Computers 2016.

COMPONENTS OF SYSTEM UNIT
Motherboard
Motherboard
•Also known as system board.
•It holds the CPU, RAM, expansion slots, BIOS
chip, chipset, and the embedded wires that
connects the motherboard components.
•The internal and external connectors, sockets
and different ports are also placed on the
motherboard.
(Affinson & Quamme, 2014)
Chipset
Chipset (Southbridge and Northbridge)
•Considered to be one of the important part on the
motherboard. It is composed of different integrated
circuits that control how system hardware connects
with the CPU and motherboard.
•Most chipsets are divided into two – northbridge and
southbridge.

(Affinson & Quamme, 2014)

•The Northbridge manages the access to the
memory modules (RAM), video card and the
speeds at which the CPU can connect with
them while the southbridge manages all of
a computer’s input and output functions like
audio, USB, IDE channels, and system BIOS
(Affinson & Quamme, 2014)
Processor
Processor
• Also called as Central Processing Unit (CPU). It performs the basic instructions
of computer.
• The processor has a significant effect on the overall computing power and
manages most of a computer’s operations.
• It contain a CONTROL UNIT and an ARITHMETIC LOGIC UNIT (ALU) which work
together to perform processing operations. The CONTROL UNIT translates and
executes instructions in memory while the ALU executes calculations on the
information in memory.

(Vermaat, 2016)
 When you buy a new computer, choose a
processor that will meet your needs. There are
different types of processors which are
designed for different types of PC user. Some
are designed for home users, mobile users
while other processors are designed for power
NOTE: users who uses advance features of programs
and computer hardware. To choose the most
appropriate processor, you should be able to
identify the programs and applications you plan
to use and research on the processor models.
(Vermaat, 2016)
Heat sink
Heat sink

•A heat sink is a component that is usually

attached at the top of the processor to prevent
the chip from overheating.
•It is designed to absorb and disperse the heat
produce by electronic devices.

(Vermaat, 2016)
 Types of Memory

• Also known as the primary memory.

VOLATILE • The volatile memory needs a constant power supply to hold the
saved information. It loses its content when the computer’s power is
MEMORY turned off.
• The most typical example of a volatile memory is the RAM.

• Also known as the secondary memory.

NON • The non-volatile memory can hold the stored information even when
VOLATILE the computer’s power is off.
• Examples of non-volatile memory are ROM, optical discs, hard disks,
MEMORY flash memory, etc.

(Vermaat, 2016)
 RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY
RAM
RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY

•Also called as the main memory.

•A RAM is an example of a volatile memory. It
loses its content when the computer’s power is
turned off.
•The processor uses the RAM to store data that
needs to be used while the computer is running.

(What Is Random-Access Memory (RAM)? - Definition & History,2015)

(Vermaat, 2016)
 READ ONLY MEMORY
ROM
READ ONLY MEMORY

•ROM is an example of a non volatile

memory. It can hold the stored information
even when the computer’s power is off.
•It stores permanent data and instructions.
•It holds the startup/booting up instructions
of the computer.
(Read-Only Memory (ROM): Definition & Types.)
(Vermaat, 2016)
HDD SSD
HARD DISK DRIVE
HARD DISK DRIVE
• HDD is an example of a non volatile memory. It permanently stores
and retrieve data on a computer.
• HDD is a device used to store all the programs installed on a
computer such as operating systems and other applications together
with the user’s personal files.
• The HDD reads and write data on a spinning disks or platters.

Source: https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/h/harddriv.htm
SOLID STATE DRIVE
SOLID STATE DRIVE
• SSD is an example of a non volatile memory. It
permanently stores and retrieve data on a computer.
• Works/functions as HDD but the data/information is
stored on integrated flash memory chips which holds
the data even when the power is off. The flash
memory chips are typically faster and reliable.

(Domingo & PC Magazine Labs, 2018)

ADAPTER CARDS
ADAPTER CARDS

•Also known as the expansion card.

•It increases the function of a specific
component and provides connections to
peripheral devices.

(Vermaat, 2016)
 SOUND CARD
•An expansion card that is responsible for producing
sound on a computer that can be heard using
headphones or speakers.
ADAPTER CARDS

VIDEO CARD
•Also known as the graphics card.
•An expansion card that produces output images to
display.

NIC (NETWORK INTERFACE CARD)

•An expansion card that allows a computer to
connect to a network

Retrieved from https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/s/souncard.htm

BACK PANEL PORTS
BACK PANEL PORTS

Retrieved from: http://yourej.co/computer-ports-diagram-back-of-computer-case-and-each.html

BACK PANEL PORTS

• The back panel is a part of the

motherboard that connects the external
devices such as monitor, keyboard, mouse,
printer to the computer.

Retrieved from: https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/c/connect.htm

POWER SUPPLY
POWER SUPPLY

The power supply converts the wall

outlet AC power into low voltage – DC
power. It provides the necessary power
to different computer components for it
to operate.

(Vermaat, 2016)
Sources:
• Adapter. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://techterms.com/definition/adapter
• Motherboard. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-motherboard-definition-function-diagram.html
• Affinson, D., & Quamme, K. (2014). IT essentials: PC hardware and software companion guide(Third ed.). Indianapolis: Cisco Press.
• All About Multi-Core Processors: What They Are, How They Work, And Where They Came From. (2017, February 12). Retrieved from
https://www.pcmech.com/article/all-about-multi-core-processors-what-they-are-how-they-work-and-where-they-came-from/
• Computer Technology Background Vector Free. (2012, May 16). Retrieved from https://365psd.com/vector/computer-technology-background-vector-
free-31730
• Difference between Volatile and Non-Volatile memory. (2017, May 18). Retrieved from http://computersciencementor.com/difference-between-
volatile-and-non-volatile-memory/
• Domingo, J. S., & PC Magazine Labs. (2018, March 26). SSD vs. HDD: What's the Difference? Retrieved from
http://sea.pcmag.com/storage/1526/feature/ssd-vs-hdd-whats-the-difference
• Rainbow Components ヒートシンク FHP08, 61.8 x 50 x 32mm. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://jp.rs-online.com/web/p/heatsinks/3893451/
• Study.com / What Is Random-Access Memory (RAM)? - Definition & History. (2015, Jun 16 of publication). Retrieved from
https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-random-access-memory-ram-definition-history-quiz.html
• Study.com / Read-Only Memory (ROM): Definition & Types. (2015, Aug 28 of publication). Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/read-
only-memory-rom-definition-types-quiz.html
• Vermaat, M. E. (2016). Discovering computers 2016: Tools, apps, devices, and the impact of technology. Singapore: Cengage Learning Asia Pte.
• W. (2014, November 27). The lowdown on DDR4 RAM: When will it get here, and what will it do once it arrives? Retrieved from
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/ddr4-ram-specs-release-date-future-computer-memory/
• What is a Hard Drive? (2018, April 01). Retrieved from https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/h/harddriv.htm
• What is a Sound Card? (2017, December 29). Retrieved from https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/s/souncard.htm