COMPETENCY BASED LEARNING MATERIALS COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER

In this lesson, we take a look at the different components of a computer

system.

After this lesson, you will be able to

 Define the primary components that make up a computer

Estimated lesson time: 10 minutes

As you might expect, the components of a computer reflect the function of

the machine—specifically, the three stages of computing, as outlined in
Lesson 1. Let's examine the components.

Input Devices
The following table lists some examples of devices that are used to
put information into a computer:

Device Description
Keyboard The primary input device for a computer,
allowing users to type information just as they
once did on a typewriter.
Mouse Used with graphical interface environments to
point to and select objects on the system's
monitor. Can be purchased in a variety of
sizes, shapes, and configurations.

Scanner Converts printed or photographic information

Sector: TOURISM SECTOR to digital information that can be used by the
computer. Works similar to the scanning
Qualification: process of a photocopy machine.
COOKERY NCII
Unit of Competency:
PERFORM COMPUTER OPERATION Microphone Works like the microphone on a tape
recorder. Allows input of voice or music to be
Module Title: converted to digital information and saved to a
PERFORM COMPUTER OPERATION
file.
ZOOM TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL TRAINING
AND ASSESSMENT CENTER INC.
3rd Floor Mercado Building, Rizal Avenue, Sta. Lucia, CD-ROM/DVD drive Compact disc–read only memory: stores large
Pagadian City amounts of data on a CD that can be read by
a computer.
Processing address. When a processor or DMA-
The central processing unit (CPU) is the heart and brain of the enabled device needs to read or write to
computer. This one component, or "chip," is responsible for all primary a memory location, it specifies that
number crunching and data management. It is truly the centrepiece of any memory location on the address bus (the
computer. It is so important that whole generations of computer technology value to be read or written is sent on the
are based and measured on each "new and improved" version of the CPU. data bus).
When we refer to the CPU, we are usually speaking of the Expansion Slots Specialized sockets that allow additional
processor. However, the CPU requires several other components that devices called expansion cards or, less
support it with the management of data to operate. These components, when commonly, circuit boards, to be attached
working in harmony, make up the primary elements of the PC we know to the motherboard. Used to expand or
today. The following table lists these fundamental support components. customize a computer, they are
extensions of the computer's bus system.
Component Description
Motherboard The main circuit board of the computer.
Clock Establishes the maximum speed at which
The large circuit board found inside the
the processor can execute commands.
computer. Without it, a computer is just a
Not to be confused with the clock that
metal box. The motherboard contains all
keeps the date and time.
the remaining items in this table; for all
practical purposes, it is the computer.

Chip Set A group of computer chips or integrated

circuits (ICs) that, when working together,
manage and control the computer Battery Protects unique information about the
system. This set includes the CPU and setup of the computer against loss when
other chips that control the flow of data electrical power fails or is turned off. Also
throughout the system. maintains the external date and time (not
to be confused with the CPU's clock).
Data Bus A group of parallel conductors (circuit
traces) found on the motherboard and Memory Stores temporary information (in the form
used by the CPU to send and receive of data bits) that the CPU and software
data from all the devices in the computer. need to keep running.

Address Bus A group of parallel conductors (circuit

traces) found on the motherboard and
used by the CPU to "address" memory
locations. Determines which information
is sent to, or received from, the data bus.
An address bus is a computer bus (a
series of lines connecting two or more Output Devices
devices) that is used to specify a physical
 The following table lists some common devices, known as long and short distances.
peripherals, used exclusively for output.

Device Description
Printer Generates a "hard copy" of information.
Includes dot matrix, ink jet, and laser
varieties. Network Card An expansion card that allows several
computers to connect to each other and
share information and programs. Also
Monitor The primary output device. Visually called network interface card (NIC).
displays text and graphics.
CD Recorder Also called CD-R. You can copy data to a
CD with this device, but you can only
Plotter Similar to a printer, but uses pens to draw write to a section of the disc once.
an image. Most often used with graphics Variations on this type of device include
or drawing programs for very large compact disc–rewritable (CD-RW) drives.
drawings. These drives allow you to read, write, and
overwrite a special CD-ROM-type disc.
Speakers Reproduce sound. Optional high-quality Tape Drive Large-capacity, magnetic, data storage
speakers can be added to provide devices. Ideal for backup and retrieval of
improved output from games and large amounts of data. Works like a tape
multimedia software. recorder and saves information in a linear
format.

Other external storage devices include Iomega Zip drives, which allow users
Input and Output to store 100 MB or 250 MB of data on a single Zip disk.
Some devices handle both input and output functions. These devices
are called input/output (I/O) devices, a term you will encounter quite often. Other Computer Parts and Accessories
The following table lists some examples of cable that are used to
Device Description communicate to a system.
Floppy Disk Drive Mechanism for reading and writing to low-
capacity, removable, magnetic disks. Cable/Cord Description
Used to store and easily transport IDE (ATA/PATA Cable) IDE is also known as ATA or PATA
information. (Parallel ATA) and is a way of handling a
parallel data bus from a disk drive (well,
Hard Disk Drive High-capacity internal (and sometimes usually a disk drive) to a computer mother
external) magnetic disks for storing data board where the disk controller is mostly
and program files. Also called fixed disks. embedded in the disk drive.
SATA/ATA SATA (Serial ATA) is an advance on this
where the signals are sent over a serial
bus not a parallel bus. The cable is much
Modem Converts computer data to information smaller and it will run at higher speed and
that can be transmitted over telephone will support more than 2 drives on a bus.
wires and cable lines. Allows
communication between computers over Note: They are both ways to connect a
 disk drive to a computer. You use the one AVR (Automatic Voltage A voltage regulator is an electrical
that matches your computer mother board Regulator) regulator designed to automatically
(old ones support IDE only, newer ones maintain a constant voltage level.
will support SATA and may support both It may use an electromechanical
SATA and IDE) and your disk drive (disk mechanism, or passive or active
drives are either IDE or SATA, never seen electronic components. Depending on the
one with both available). design, it may be used to regulate one or
USB Cable USB cable is a cable that is used to more AC or DC voltages.
connect a device to a computer or laptop UPS (Uninterruptible Power An uninterruptible power supply, also
or Printer, Video cameras, Mp3, mp4 Supply) uninterruptible power source, UPS or
even cell phone. battery/flywheel backup, is an electrical
apparatus that provides emergency power
A/V Cable A/V cable is to use for connect a device to to a load when the input power source,
tv and it has the video and audio cable. typically the utility mains, fails. A UPS
differs from an auxiliary or emergency
power system or standby generator in that
it will provide instantaneous or near-
instantaneous protection from input power
interruptions by means of one or more
Heat Sink An environment capable of absorbing attached batteries and associated
heat from an object with which it is in electronic circuitry for low power users,
thermal contact without a phase change and or by means of diesel generators and
or an appreciable change in temperature. flywheels for high power users. The on-
A protective device that absorbs and battery runtime of most uninterruptible
dissipates the excess heat generated by a power sources is relatively short—5–15
system. minutes being typical for smaller units—
USB HUB A device that increases the number of but sufficient to allow time to bring an
USB ports on a PC. However, since the auxiliary power source on line, or to
hub plugs into one of the USB ports on properly shut down the protected
the computer, the total number of equipment
additional ports is minus one. For Computer Fan A computer fan is any fan inside a
example, a four-port hub adds three new computer case used for cooling purposes,
ports. USB hubs are typically used to and may refer to fans that draw cooler air
extend USB sockets to the top of the desk into the case from the outside, expel
for conveniently connecting external warm air from inside, or move air across a
peripherals. heatsink to cool a particular component.
Power Cord A power cord, line cord, or mains cable The use of fans to cool a computer is an
is a cord or cable that temporarily example of active cooling.
connects an electrical appliance to the Laptop/Notebook cooler A laptop/notebook cooler, cooler pad or
distribution circuits of an electrical power chill mat is an accessory for laptop
source via a wall socket or extension computers that helps reduce their
cord. operating temperature. Normally used
when the laptop's fan device is unable to
sufficiently cool the laptop, a cooling pad
may house active or passive cooling
methods and rests beneath the laptop.
 Active coolers move air or liquid to direct power spikes) and a power leveler to
heat away from the laptop quickly, while provide the computer with a constant
passive methods may rely on thermally source of power. Can even provide power
conductive materials or increasing during a power failure or interruption
passive airflow. (although the duration depends on the
TV Tuner or TV Video A TV tuner card is a computer component UPS and the computer's power
Capture that allows television signals to be consumption) so that the user can safely
received by a computer. Most TV tuners save data before shutting down.
also function as video capture cards, Case The box that houses most of the system
allowing them to record television must provide an environment that
programs onto a hard disk. minimizes electrical interference to other
electronic devices in the area. It should
provide a proper heat level for safe
SUPPORT HARDWARE operation and bays and connections for
Lesson 2 covered the basic hardware that makes up a computer. There are, drives, circuit boards, and I/O devices.
however, additional components needed to support safe computer operation.
In this lesson, we look at several devices that protect and enhance the value
Don't let the term support hardware lead you to underestimate the
of a computer.
importance of these components. How important are roads to commerce, or
water to a city? Without a reliable power source, modern PCs would not
After this lesson, you will be able to exist. The internal power supply keeps a clean current running to the system.
 Identify additional support hardware for a computer
 Understand the functions of some of the add-on hardware LO.1 Plan and prepare for task to be taken/undertaken
Estimated lesson time: 5 minutes
PRACTICE: Instruction
In addition to the devices that support a computer's data-processing Create a group at least 3 members. Study Common competency,
functions, there are others that enhance its operation and performance. The Module 1 Perform Computer Operations pages 1 to 40. After 2 hours prepare
following table lists some of these devices. for group presentation. Each group discusses what they have study or
learned. Be sure to include or emphasize the following during presentation
Device Description “The name, types, classes, purpose or characteristics of each
Power supply computer parts.”
Converts a local power source (typically
Note: Group presentation but individual evaluation. Remember that
110 volts AC in the United States) to 3.3,
the remarks shall be competent and not yet competent. Those remark
5, or 12 volts DC. Most power supplies
competent shall be move on next project or module, and those remarks not
also perform some basic line conditioning
yet competent shall be again review the lesson for evaluation again.
and surge-protection functions.
DURATION: 4 HRS.
Surge suppressor
JOB SHEET # 1

Used to prevent large power spikes (for DEMONSTRATION: Configure the parts of computer hardware below, give
instance, lightning) from damaging a the exact location in its components (you can draw or label its components/
computer. peripherals, and equipment)

UPS Uninterruptible power supply. Acts as

both a surge suppresser (to prevent high-
 NOTE:
Safety first!
Observed 5s in all time.

SELF CHECK # 1
Unit of competency: Perform Computer Operations
1 2 3 4
Competency standards COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING NC II
Satisfacto
ry
Answer the following computer hardware’s you know response
YES
NO

 
6 7 8
_____________ _____________ ____________ ______________

 

___________________ ____________ _____________ _____________

5 9 12 11

 
____________ _________ ____________ ____________
___________

10
 
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Trainer would assign a workstation for this lab.
____________ __________ ___________ ___________ __________
2. Prepare the following materials and equipment: Computer
Table/no chair, Monitor, System Unit, Keyboard, Mouse,
The trainee’s underpinning knowledge was: Satisfactory  Not
Printer, Web camera, Speaker/Headset, 2 pcs. Power
Satisfactory 
Cord, AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator), and extension
wire.
3. Connect all the computer parts/peripherals in their proper
places or location.
4. Let the trainer check your work for evaluation.
 Feedback to candidate:  Large size and weight, especially for bigger screens (a 20-inch unit
weighs about 50 lb (23 kg))
The trainee’s overall performance was: Satisfactory  Not  High power consumption
Satisfactory 
Trainees signature: Date:

Trainee’s signature: Date:

Comparison LCD

Pros:
COMPUTER HARDWARE CLASSIFICATION AND CHARACTERISTICS:  Very compact and light
 Low power consumption
1. MONITOR  No geometric distortion
A monitor is a visual display  Little or no flicker depending on backlight technology
of information, using text  Not affected by screen burn-in
and graphics. It converts  No high voltage or other hazards present during repair/service
analog signal to digital  More reliable than CRTs
signal to transmit
 Can be made in almost any size or shape
information so that monitor
can understand. No theoretical resolution limit Limited viewing angle, causing color,
saturation, contrast and brightness to
The portion of the monitor  Vary, even within the intended viewing angle, by variations in
that displays the
posture.
information is called the
 Bleeding and uneven backlighting in some monitors, causing
screen. Like a television
brightness distortion, especially toward the edges.
screen, a computer screen can show still or moving pictures.
 Slow response times, which cause smearing and ghosting artifacts.
Modern LCDs have response times of 8 ms or less.
There are two basic types of monitors: CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors  Only one native resolution. Displaying resolutions either requires a
and LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors. Both types produce sharp images,
video scaler, lowering perceptual quality, or display at 1:1 pixel
but LCD monitors have the advantage of being much thinner and lighter.
mapping, in which images will be physically too large or won't fill the
CRT monitors, however, are generally more affordable.
whole screen.
 Dead pixels may occur either during manufacturing or through use.
Comparison CRT
 In a constant on situation, thermalization may occur, which is when
Pros:
only part of the screen has overheated and therefore looks
discolored compared to the rest of the screen.
 High dynamic range (up to around 15,000:1),[2] excellent color, wide
 Not all LCD displays are designed to allow easy replacement of the
gamut and low black level.
backlight
 Can display natively in almost any resolution and refresh rate
 Cannot be used with light guns/pens
 No input lag
 Sub-millisecond response times
 Near zero color, saturation, contrast or brightness distortion. Excellent
viewing angle.
 Usually much cheaper than LCD or Plasma screens.
 Allows the use of light guns/pens
 Listed below are the cases with the advantages and disadvantages of each,
most cases cost more the larger they get however very small cases are
normally more expensive than the bigger ones!

 Mini - Ideal for people who need a PC in a very small space, for the
Micro ATX motherboards. Advantages - Look cool, saves loads of
space, added features. Disadvantages - Cost, little/no room for
expansion, problems of overheating with fast processors.
CRT Monitor LCD Monitor Projector  Slimline - Ideal for people who want a desktop computer, but dont
want a huge box on their desk. Advantages - Look cool, saves loads
Major manufacturers of space, added features. Disadvantages - Cost, little/no room for
 IBM expansion.
 AOC  Desktop - Cheap case solution for a PC. Advantages - Cheap to
 Apple Inc. buy, loads of room for expansion. Disadvantages - They are big, take
 Asus up desk space. Can have overheating problems if the internal case
design is poor.
 BenQ
 Mini-Tower - Great for more desk space as it can be floor standing.
 Dell
Advantages - Cheap to buy, loads of room for expansion.
 Eizo Disadvantages - Having it on the floor can make problems getting to
 Gateway the drives and cables that are too short.
 Hewlett-Packard
 HannStar Display Corporation  Midi-Tower - Great for more desk space as it can be floor standing.
 Iiyama Corporation Advantages - Cheap to buy, loads of room for expansion.
 Kogan Technologies Disadvantages - Having it on the floor can make problems getting to
 LG the drives and cables that are too short.
 NEC  Maxi-Tower - Great for more desk space as it can be floor standing.
 Samsung Advantages - Cheap to buy, loads of room for expansion.
Disadvantages - Having it on the floor can make problems getting to
 Sony
the drives and cables that are too short.
 Toshiba
 Tyco Electronics There are two basic common types for Computer Casing or chassis:
 ViewSonic
 Tower Case – it is designed to stand vertically that will lessen the
2. CASE + PSU space being occupied. It comes in three basic sizes: full, midi and
A computer case is what contains the entire computer's components, mini.
there will be space for drives, add-in cards and the motherboard. In addition
 Desktop Case – it is designed horizontally which are usually used
to this, space for the Power Supply Unit (PSU). Depending on the size of
for office or home PCs. It comes in two basic sizes: standard and
motherboard that you have and the need for space in your computer there
slimline.
are a variety of computer case sizes to accomodate the computer's
components.
STANDARD COMPUTER BOX LAYOUT
Things to consider are desk space, cooling, room for expansion and cost.
With these things in mind you should have no problem selecting the correct
case for your needs.
 Despite the development of alternative input devices, such as
the mouse,touchscreen, pen devices, character recognition and voice
recognition, the keyboard remains the most commonly used and most
versatile device used for direct (human) input into computers.

Connectivity and communication protocols

1. COMPUTER MOUSE
Wireless Mouse / USB Interface Type Optical PS2 Interface Type
In computing, a mouse is a pointing device that functions by detecting
two-dimensional motion relative to its supporting surface. Physically, a
mouse consists of an object held under one of the user's hands, with one or
more buttons. (Although traditionally a button is typically round or square,
modern mice have spring-loaded regions of their top surface that operate OPTICAL DISK DRIVE
switches when pressed down lightly.) It sometimes features other elements,
such as "wheels", which allow the user to perform various system-dependent CD-ROM Drive
operations, or extra buttons or features that can add more control or Short for Compact  Disc-Read-Only  Memory, a type of optical disk capable
dimensional input. The mouse's motion typically translates into the motion of of storing large amounts of data -- up to 1GB, although the most common
a cursor on a display, which allows for fine control of a graphical user size is 650MB (megabytes). A single CD-ROM has the storage capacity of
interface. 700 floppy disks, enough memory to store about 300,000text pages.

CD-ROMs are stamped by the vendor, and once stamped, they cannot be

Connectivity and communication protocols erased and filled with new data. To read a CD, you need a CD-ROM player.
CD-ROMs are particularly well-suited to information that requires large
storage capacity. This includes large software applications that support
color,graphics, sound, and especially video.

DVD ROM DRIVE

A new type of read-only compact disc that can hold a minimum of 4.7GB
(gigabytes), enough for a full-length movie.
Wireless Mouse / Serial interface type Optical USB Interface Type Optical The DVD-ROM specification supports disks with capacities of from
PS2 Interface Type Battery Operated TrackBall Mouse 4.7GB to 17GB and access rates of 600 KBps to 1.3 MBps. One of the best
features of DVD-ROM drives is that they are backward-compatible with CD-
2. COMPUTER KEYBOARD ROMs. This means that DVD-ROM players can play old CD-ROMs, CD-I
In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an disks, and video CDs, as well as new DVD-ROMs. Newer DVD players can
arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic also read CD-R disks.
switches. Following the decline of punch cards and paper tape, interaction
via teletype-style keyboards became the main input device for computers. Sequential: DVD-R, +R, -RW, +RW or ROM
This group of DVD’s are intended for the hi-tech graphics, video for movies PCI Express is the most current, and fastest, of the video cards. If possible,
and audio for music. They provide better quality for graphics and you will likely want to install a PCI express video card. Figure 5.1 shows a
sound along with higher capacity of4.7GB. PCI Express video card.
Writable: One Time
 DVD-R Figure 5.1: A PCI Express Video Card
o Can only be written with -R type drives.
o Can be read with -R or +R type drives.
 DVD+R
o 2 hours of video in SP mode or 4 hours in EP mode
o Can only be written with +R type drives.
o Can be read with -R or +R type drives.
Writable: Re-writable up to 1000 Times
 DVD-RW
o Contains protection technology that prevents
copying of CSS-protected discs. Before PCI express the most common type of video card was the AGP card.
o Can only be written with -R type drives. AGP cards still give great performance. If you have only one video card in
o Can be read with -R or +R type drives. your system you will want to make sure it is either AGP or PCI Express.
 DVD+RW Figure 5.2 shows an AGP video card.
o Can hold 2 hours of MPEG2.
o Can only be written with +R type drives. Figure 5.2: An AGP Video Card
o Can be read with -R or +R type drives.
Read Only
 DVD-ROM
o Can only be used for reading.
o Movies you buy or rent are usually DVD-ROM.

Connectivity and communication protocols

The oldest style for video cards that I will discuss is PCI. You can see a PCI
video card in Figure 5.3.

Figure 5.3: A PCI Video Card

DVD ROM Drive / IDE Type DVD ROM Drive / SATA Type

3. VIDEO CARD
There are three main types of video card commonly in use.
 PCI Express
 AGP
 PCI
You should not use a PCI card as your primary video display card. PCI cards
are to slow to play any of the more advanced video games, or to show video.
Besides, the price difference between PCI and AGI/PCI-Express is minimal.

What is a good option for PCI cards is using them in conjunction with an AGP
or PCI-Express video card. This allows you to have a second display. This
will be covered in the next section. Now I am going to show you how to install
the video card. 3. POWER SUPPLY UNIT
A power supply unit (PSU) supplies DC power to the other components in a
computer. It converts general-purpose alternating current (AC) electric power
1. PRINTERS from the mains (110V to 120V at 60Hz [115V nominal] in North America,
A printer is an output device that produces text and graphics on parts of South America, Japan, and Taiwan; 220V to 240V at 50Hz [230V
paper.  nominal] in most of the rest of the world) to low-voltage (for a desktop
computer: 12V, 5V, 5VSB, 3V3, -5V, and -12V) direct current (DC) power for
Major types of printer the internal components of the computer. Some power supplies have a
Printers can be divided into two main groups, impact printer and non- switch to select either 230 V or 115 V. Other models are able to accept any
impact printer.  Impact printer produces text and images when tiny wire pins voltage and frequency between those limits and some models only operate
on print head strike the ink ribbon by physically contacting the paper.  Non- from one of the two mains supply standards.
impact printer produces text and graphics on paper without actually striking
the paper.

Printers can also be categorized based on the print method or print

technology.  The most popular ones are inkjet printer, laser printer, dot-
matrix printer and thermal printer.  Among these, only dot-matrix printer is
impact printer and the others are non-impact printers. 4. SPEAKER
Speakers are used to play sound. They may be
Some printers are named because they are designed for specific functions, built into the system unit or connected with
such as photo printers, portable printers and all-in-one / multifunction cables. Speakers allow you to listen to music and
printers.  Photo printers and portable printers usually use inkjet print method hear sound effects from your computer.
whereas multifunction printers may use inkjet or laser print method.
Major computer speaker companies
Inkjet Printer Dot-Matrix Laser Printer The base of a Harman Kardon speaker.

 Altec Lansing
 Bose Corporation
 Creative Labs
 Cyber Acoustics
 Dell
 Edifier
2. SCANNER  General Electric
 A device for examining, reading, or monitoring something, in  Harman Kardon
particular.  Hewlett-Packard
 A machine that examines the body through the use of radiation,  JBL
ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging, as a diagnostic aid  Klipsch
 Logitech

5. HARD DISK DRIVE

A hard disk drive (HDD) is a non-volatile, random access digital data

storage device. Main storages devices on computer that store data, files,
software on computer. It features rotating rigid platters on a motor-
driven spindle within a protective enclosure. Data ismagnetically read from 2. SCSI
and written to the platter by read/write heads that float on a film of air above
the platters.

A hard disk drive normally has one head per platter with all heads mounted
on common rack. The hard disk spins the disk as 3600, 5400, and up to 7200
or even more RPM (rotation per minute).
Basic Hard drive components:
3. SATA or Serial ATA.
 Disk platters
 Read/ write
head
 Spindle motor
 Head actuator
mechanism
 Logic board
STORAGE DEVICES
 Cable and
connectors
 Configuration
items

The platters, spindle motor,

heads and head actuator
mechanism are contained in a
sealed chambers called the Head Disk Assembly (HDA), usually treated as a
single components and is rarely opened. Other parts external to HDA such
as the logic board, cover, and other configuration items can be disassembled
from the drive.

Hard drive comes with TWO Basic sizes:

 Hard disk drive 3.5” in size
USB Drive Floppy Disk Hard Disk Drive Other Storage Devices
 Laptop Hard drive 2.5” in size

Types of Hard disk Drive / Communication Interfaces

Three of the most common and widely used hard drive types are:
1. IDE
 ASUSTek
One of the oldest and most respected motherboard manufacturers on the
market.
Chaintech
Chaintech is one of the newer entries in the US performance
motherboard market.
DFI
Maker of a wide variety of ATX and microATX design PC motherboards.
ECS Elitegroup
Maker of a wide range of PC motherboards that has recently started selling
to the performance market.
EPoX Computer
A relatively new motherboard manufacturer that has many high performance
motherboard options.
FIC Inc.
MOTHERBOARD Manufacturer of a number of different motherboards. Note: This site does not
In personal computers, view well outside of Internet Explorer.
a motherboard is the GigaByte Technology
central printed circuit Manufacturer of a wide variety of motherboards.
board (PCB) in many Intel
modern computers and The Company most known for its CPUs also develops a line of motherboards
holds many of the crucial based upon its own chipsets and CPUs.
IWILL 
components of the
Manufacturer that started out developing SCSI controller cards that has
system, providing expanded into the PC motherboard market.
connectors for other MSI Inc.
peripherals. The Developer of a wide range of well prices motherboards which still contain
motherboard is excellent features.
sometimes alternatively Shuttle Computer Group
known as Manufacturer of a wide variety of motherboards including the small form
the mainboard,system factor X PC line.
board, or, Soltek USA
on Apple computers, One of the newest motherboard manufacturers on the market that recently
began produce small form factor products.
the logic board.[1] It is
Tyan Computer
also sometimes casually Manufacturer well known for their multiple processor motherboards.
shortened to mobo.[2]
- CENTRAL PROCESSING
UNIT
MOTHERBOARD MANUFACTURERS The central processing
ABIT Ltd. unit (CPU) is the portion of
Motherboard manufacturer specializing in motherboards for the overclocking acomputer system that carries
and performance market. out the instructions of
AOpen acomputer program, and is the
A division of Acer Corporation that sells primarily to the OEM market. They primary element carrying out
even make a computer motherboard which has a vaccuum tube on it. the functions of the computer or other processing device. The central
 processing unit carries out each instruction of the program in sequence, savvy. But still, here are the variants names I know it exist.
to perform the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of
the system. This term has been in use in the computer industry at least 1. PPGA stands for Plastic Grid Array
since the early 1960s.[1] The form, design and implementation of CPUs 2. FCPGA stands for Flip-Chip Pin Grid Array
have changed dramatically since the earliest examples, but their 3. CPGA stands for Ceramic Pin Grid Array
fundamental operation remains much the same. 4. OPGA stands for Organic Pin Grid Array

 Socket 478 - for older Pentium and Celeron processors

 Socket 754 - for AMD Sempron and some AMD Athlon processors
 Socket 939 - for newer and faster AMD Athlon processors
 Socket AM2 - for the newest AMD Athlon processors
 Socket A - for older AMD Athlon processors

CPU Images:

5. LGA
LGA stands for Land Grid Array. If you look at
the image, you can see there are no pins.
Instead it is an array of pads that is built on
the CPU's surface.
At the installation the CPU is sat on the
socket's pins where they are fixed to the
motherboard and contact with the circuits.
The LGA form offer a clock frequency higher
than the PGA caused by its larger contact
CPU socket Types: point. Maybe it is the reason why Intel
 PGA decided to go back to this form that was used long ago.

 PGA stands for Pin Grid Array. As on the

image, the CPU's circuits are integrated inside
a ceramic layer with an array of pins on the
surface.

 At the installation the pins are inserted in the

socket's holes making contact with the
motherboard's circuits.

 There are other form variants and they have PGA CPU Form
their own technology. I will not discuss them
here, because I think it is not important until you are a complete
  

__________ __________ _________ __________ _________

 

__________ _________ ____________ ___________

____________
The trainee’s underpinning knowledge was:
Satisfactory  Not
SELF CHECK # 2 Satisfactory 
Unit of competency: Perform Computer Operations
Competency standards COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING NC II
Satisfactory
response COMPUTER MEMORY THEORY
Answer the following computer hardware’s you know YES
NO Lesson 3 covered the basic hardware that makes up a computer. There are,
however, additional components needed to support safe computer operation.
In this lesson, we look at several devices that protect and enhance the value
of a computer.
 
After this lesson, you will be able to
_____________ ______________ _____________ _________  Identify the types of computer RAM (Memory)
 Understand the functions of memory

Estimated lesson time: 30 minutes

 
In addition to the devices that support a computer's data-processing
___________ ____________ ______________ ______________ functions, there are others that enhance its operation and performance.

RAM
 
RAM or Random Access Memory is the memory used by the computer while
it is in operation, this memory is described as volitile as it is wiped clean
__________ ____________ ____________ ___________ _________
when the computer is shutdown. Again the more RAM that you have installed
in your computer the faster the computer will operate.

There are various types of RAM, they vary becuase of the increasing in
processor speeds and the need for the RAM to keep up. You can get RAM
modules in various sizes i.e. their logical sizes, the amount of data they can - DDR2 SDRAM is yet another upgrade to the original SDRAM
hold. This range from 1MB, 2MB, 4MB, 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB, concept. A big advantage of this type of memory is that it draws less
256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB. Nowadays you will normally only find RAM in power than its predecessors, thus creating less drain on your laptop.
sizes of 128MB or above.
Most Common DRAM used in PC’s are: Synchronous Dynamic RAM
SIMM or DIMM? (SDRAM)
1. Single Data Rate (SDR) SDRAM is a synchronous form of DRAM.
The two main types of RAM are: 2. Double data rate (DDR) SDRAM was a
1. SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module) later development of SDRAM, used in
2. DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module) PC memory from 2000 onwards. DDR2
all modern computers use the DIMM type of RAM. SDRAM is a minor enhancement on
DDR-SDRAM that mainly affords higher
There are 4 main types of RAM listed below and then within these there are clock speeds and somewhat deeper
even more types under each of these main types. The traditional RAM type is pipelining.
DRAM (dynamic RAM). The other type is SRAM (static RAM). SRAM
continues to remember its content, while DRAM must be refreshed every few
milli seconds. DRAM consists of micro capacitors, while SRAM consists of
off/on switches. Therefore, SRAM can respond much faster than DRAM.
SRAM can be made with a rise time as short as 4 ns. It is used in different
versions in L2 cache RAM (for example pipe line BURST Cache SRAM).
DRAM
Different RAM Types and its uses
Currently, there are at least four types: The type of RAM doesn't matter nearly as
 FPM (Fast Page Mode) much as how much of it you've got, but using
 ECC (Error Correcting Code) plain old SDRAM memory today will slow you
 EDO (Extended Data Output) down. There are three main types of RAM:
 SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM) SDRAM, DDR and Rambus DRAM.
 SO-DIMM memory (Laptop Memory
SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM)
SO-DIMM three types (Laptop Memory): Almost all systems used to ship with 3.3 volt,
168-pin SDRAM DIMMs. SDRAM is not an
There are three types of SO-DIMM memory, which build on each other's extension of older EDO DRAM but a new type
capacities. of DRAM altogether. SDRAM started out
running at 66 MHz, while older fast page
- SDRAM stands for synchronous dynamic mode DRAM and EDO max out at 50 MHz.
random access memory. This type of SDRAM is able to scale to 133 MHz (PC133)
memory syncs itself up with your computer's officially, and unofficially up to 180MHz or
processor, allowing smooth access. With the higher. As processors get faster, new
advances of technology, most newer laptops generations of memory such as DDR and
no longer use SDRAM. RDRAM are required to get proper performance.
- DDR SDRAM is SDRAM with a double data
rate. This means it's twice as fast as DDR (Double Data Rate SDRAM) DDR basically doubles the rate of data
standard SDRAM, and it's one of the two transfer of standard SDRAM by transferring data on the up and down tick of
most common types of memory found in a clock cycle. DDR memory operating at 333MHz actually operates at
modern laptops as of August 2009. 166MHz * 2 (aka PC333 / PC2700) or 133MHz*2 (PC266 / PC2100). DDR is
a 2.5 volt technology that uses 184 pins in its DIMMs. It is incompatible with
SDRAM physically, but uses a similar parallel bus, making it easier to  DDR2 667 / PC2-5300 or PC2-5400
implement than RDRAM, which is a different technology.  DDR2 533 / PC2-4200
 DDR2 400 / PC2-3200
Rambus DRAM (RDRAM) Despite it's higher price, Intel has given RDRAM
it's blessing for the consumer market, and it will be the sole choice of
memory for Intel's Pentium 4. RDRAM is a serial memory technology that BEST RAM Manufacturer
arrived in three flavors, PC600, PC700, and PC800. PC800 RDRAM has Mushkin = Excellent Performance and Durable 
double the maximum throughput of old PC100 SDRAM, but a higher latency.
RDRAM designs with multiple channels, such as those in Pentium 4
motherboards, are currently at the top of the heap in memory throughput,
especially when paired with PC1066 RDRAM memory.

DIMMs vs. RIMMs DRAM comes in two major form factors: DIMMs and
RIMMS. DIMMs are 64-bit components, but if used in a motherboard with a Crucial = Compatibility and Warranty 
dual-channel configuration (like with an Nvidia nForce chipset) you must pair
them to get maximum performance. So far there aren't many DDR chipset
that use dual-channels. Typically, if you want to add 512 MB of DIMM
memory to your machine, you just pop in a 512 MB DIMM if you've got an
available slot. DIMMs for SDRAM and DDR are different, and not physically
compatible. SDRAM DIMMs have 168-pins and run at 3.3 volts, while DDR
DIMMs have 184-pins and run at 2.5 volts.
RIMMs use only a 16-bit interface but run at higher speeds than DDR. To get
maximum performance, Intel RDRAM chipsets require the use of RIMMs in
pairs over a dual-channel 32-bit interface. You have to plan more when
upgrading and purchasing RDRAM.

Types of Memory
Pretty much every new laptop on the market should use DDR3 memory now.
It is still possible to find some older netbooks or laptops on the market that
Kingston= Stable and warranty/RMA is fast 
use DDR2 but it is best to avoide them now. In addition to the type of
memory installed in the laptop, the speed of the memory can also make a
difference in the performance. When comparing laptops, be sure to check
both of these pieces of information to determine how they may impact
performance.
There are two ways that the memory speeds can be designated. The first is
by the memory type and its clock rating, like DDR3 1066. The other method
is by listing the type along with the bandwidth. In the case the same DDR3
memory would be listed as PC3-8500 memory. OCZ= Very good stick and 2nd. line after the above manufatures.
Below is a listing in order of fastest to slowest memory types in both
formats:
 DDR3 1600 / PC3-12800
 DDR3 1333 / PC3-10600
 DDR3 1066 / PC3-8500
 DDR2 800 / PC2-6400
 DDR3 800 / PC3-6400
  

________________ ________________ ________________

 

____________________________
How do you choose ram for your desktop computer?
 

How do you choose ram for your laptop computer?

 

The trainee’s underpinning knowledge was:

SELF CHECK # 3 Satisfactory  Not Satisfactory
Unit of competency: Perform Computer Operations 
Competency standards COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING NC II
Satisfactory
response
Answer the following computer hardware’s you know YES
NO

TYPES OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Lesson 4 covered the basic hardware that makes up a computer. There are,
however, additional components needed to support safe computer operation.
In this lesson, we look at several devices that protect and enhance the value
of a computer.
  After this lesson, you will be able to
 Enumerate the types of Computer Software
 General security, privacy legislation and copyright

Estimated lesson time: 15 minutes

________________ ________________ In addition to the devices that support a computer's data-processing
_________________ functions, there are others that enhance its operation and performance.
 organization, thus leading to an improved customer service.
Major Types of Software
Software is the means by which computer systems speak with computer Utility Software: Also known as service routine, utility software helps in the
users. Software forms the heart of computer systems. What are the major management of computer hardware and application software. It performs a
types of software? Read on to find out. small range of tasks. Disk defragmenters, systems utilities and virus
scanners are some of the typical examples of utility software.
Software, by definition, is the collection of computer programs, procedures
and documentation that performs different tasks on a computer system. The Data Backup and Recovery Software: An ideal data backup and recovery
term 'software' was first used by John Tukey in 1958. At the very basic level, software provides functionalities beyond simple copying of data files. This
computer software consists of a machine language that consists of groups of software often supports user needs of specifying what is to be backed up and
binary values, which specify processor instructions. The processor when. Backup and recovery software preserve the original organization of
instructions change the state of computer hardware in a predefined files and allow an easy retrieval of the backed up data.
sequence. Briefly, computer software is the language in which a computer
speaks. This was an overview of the major types of software. Computer software are
widely popular today and hence we cannot imagine a world of computers
There are different types of computer software. What are their major without them. We would not have been able to use computers if not for the
types? software. What is fascinating about the world of computers is that it has its
Programming Software: This is one of the most commonly known and own languages, its ways of communication with our human world and human
popularly used forms of computer software. These software come in forms of interaction with the computers is possible, thanks to computer software. I
tools that assist a programmer in writing computer programs. Computer wonder, if the word 'soft' in ‘software’ implies ‘soft-spokenness’, which is an
programs are sets of logical instructions that make a computer system important quality of a pleasant communication.
perform certain tasks. The tools that help the programmers in instructing a
computer system include text editors, compilers and interpreters.
Software copyright
System Software: It helps in running the computer hardware and the Software copyright is the relatively recent extension of copyright law
computer system. System software is a collection of operating systems; to machine-readable software. While many of the legal principles and policy
devise drivers, servers, windowing systems and utilities. System software debates concerning software copyright have close parallels in other domains
helps an application programmer in abstracting away from hardware, of copyright law, there are a number of distinctive issues that arise with
memory and other internal complexities of a computer.  software. This article will primarily focus on topics peculiar to software.

Application Software: It enables the end users to accomplish certain Software copyright is commonly used by proprietary software companies to
specific tasks. Business software, databases and educational software are prevent the unauthorized copying of their software. Open source
some forms of application software. Different word processors, which are licenses also rely on copyright law to enforce their terms. For
dedicated for specialized tasks to be performed by the user, are other instance, copyleft licenses impose a duty on licensees to share their
examples of application software. modifications to the copylefted work under some circumstances. No such
duty would apply had the software in question been in the public domain.
Apart from these three basic types of software, there are some other well-
known forms of computer software like inventory management software, The copyright infringement of software (often referred to as software piracy)
ERP, utility software, accounting software and others. Take a look at some of refers to several practices which involve the unauthorized copying of
them. computer software. Copyright infringement of this kind is extremely common.
Most countries have copyright laws which apply to software, but the degree
Inventory Management Software: This type of software helps an of enforcement varies.
organization in tracking its goods and materials on the basis of quality as well
as quantity. Warehouse inventory management functions encompass the SELF CHECK # 4
internal warehouse movements and storage. Inventory software helps a
company in organizing inventory and optimizing the flow of goods in the
 Trainee’s name:
Unit of competency: Perform Computer Operations
Competency standards COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING NC II
Satisfactory
Answer the following question given below response
YES NO
What is software?
 

What is Operating System software / System Software?

 

What is Application Software?

 

What is Utility Software?

 

What is Programming Software?

 

The trainee’s underpinning knowledge was:

Satisfactory  Not
Satisfactory 

Activity 1

Familiarized the following computer components bellow. State the name of

each part includes the types and brand or manufacturer.