COMPUTER

SYSTEM
SERVICING 9
THE COMPUTER, ITS SYSTEM, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
The modern computer is composed of different internal and external parts which are called
hardware. Hardware Components are the physical components of a computer system. Hardware
counterpart, called Software, is the program that instructs the hardware components to perform their
specific tasks.
Hardware and Software are computer system elements that are interdependent – it is because
without software such as operating systems, the computer hardware is useless, and without a computer
hardware, the software cannot run and do its task.

COMPUTER SYSTEM SERVICING

CSS is a skill that requires familiarization and knowledge of the different elements of a computer
system, its hardware components, and its connectivity and functionality when connected to a network.
Elements of a Computer System
A. Hardware refers to the physical and tangible components of a computer. It consists of the parts
that can be seen, touched, and physically manipulated.

Computer hardware is composed of different components which can be grouped or classified

as:
1) Input Device is any component that reads or accepts data from the user. Input devices
manipulate data that is entered in a computer. The following are some of the input
devices used in a computer:

a) Mouse controls the computer cursor. It acts like a pointer that can be used to
navigate around the interface of a program and to manipulate games and other
applications. A computer mouse comes in different types:

 Mechanical Mouse uses a small rubber ball that is detected by sensors

when rolled on a flat surface.
 Optical Mouse is the most widely used type of mouse which replaced the
traditional mechanical mouse. It used LED (light emitting diode) and an
optical sensor to detect movement and command from the user.
 Laser Mouse uses laser light instead of LED to detect movement. A laser
mouse responds faster; that is why it is most widely used in gaming, but it
is more expensive than an optical mouse.
 Wireless Mouse connects to a computer using a wireless technology such
as Bluetooth or infrared. It comes with a USB device that is connected to
the computer to be able to receive and process signal. It is also called a
cordless mouse.

b) Keyboard is used to enter text and characters to the computer. The following are
the types of keyboard that are used today:
 Ergonomic Keyboard is often used by those whose work focuses heavily
on using keyboards because it is designed to minimize wrist strains while
typing using the keyboard.
 Multimedia Keyboard has additional keys specific for multimedia
purposes, such as multimedia launch, volume control, and mute button.
 Internet Keyboard includes keys to launch application email and Web
browser. In order for all its features to function, it should be used with a
specific operating system.
 Wireless Keyboard uses battery and radio frequency such as infrared or
Bluetooth technology to be able to connect to the computer.
 Gaming Keyboard is specifically used by gaming enthusiasts. This
keyboard features keys that require less depression compared to regular
keyboards. Less depression of keys results to faster action which is very
important to gamers. This keyboard may have an extra set of keys that are
helpful in playing games.
 c) Optical Scanner reads texts, images, or pictures and converts them into digital
files for storage, editing, or reference.

d) Graphics Tablet is composed of a flat sensitive pad and a stylus which can be
manipulated and connected to a computer. It is used in creating digital artwork.

e) Camera or Webcam is used to capture images and stores them in the computer.
A handheld digital camera can be considered an input and output device if has a
built-in display screen.

f) Microphone is used to input or record sound to a computer. The voice or sound is

transmitted through electrical signals which can later be heard or stored.

2) Processing Device is a component that retrieves, stores, and processes data. The
following are examples:
a) Central Processing Unit (CPU) is considered the brain of the computer. The
instructions given to the computer are processed by the CPU before the task is
performed by the computer.

b) Memory holds and processes temporary data which are erased when the computer
is turned off.

c) Motherboard is considered the heart of the computer. It holds all the components
which also process the data sent by the CPU before sending them to a specific
component.

3) Output Device receives and displays data or information that is sent through input
devices. The following are examples:
a) Monitor displays pictures and images processed by the computer. A computer
monitor can be categorized in the following:
 CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) is a technology used in old computer display
screens. This type of monitor is bulky and heavy.
 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is the most common and widely used type of
monitor. LCD produces clear images. It is flat, thin, and lighter in weight
compared to a CRT monitor. It is also the type of screen used in laptop
computers.
 LED (Light Emitting Diode) has a flat surface similar to the LCD monitor.
LED is new technology that illuminates and creates a brighter display. And
because of their brightness, LED monitors and screens can be used outdoors.

b) Printer is used to print texts, pictures, and other visual materials. Printers come in
different types:
 Dot-matrix Printer produces an output that is based from dots. Dot-
matrix printers are slow, but they are capable of printing continuously.
They are often used by banks and stores in printing financial statements
and receipts.
  Inkjet Printer works by directly spraying ink to the paper. It is the most
widely used printer at home, school, and offices. It is used to print
documents and pictures for personal or business use.
 Laser Printer uses laser beam, a non-impact technology, to produce an
image. Laser printers produce high quality print, but they are more
expensive compared to inkjet and dot-matrix printers.

c) Speaker converts electromagnetic waves into audible sound waves.

d) Digital Projectors displays a bigger and brighter output which is used for large
scale and outdoor viewing. It needs to be connected to a computer.

4) Storage Device stores large data or information entered into a computer. There are
different types of storage devices which include the following:
a) Hard Drive is the primary storage device of a computer system. This where
different types of files and documents are kept for future retrieval. A hard drive’s
storage capability depends on its capacity.
A hard drive can be internal. It is located inside the computer box or
console and attached to the motherboard. A hard drive can also be external which
is handheld.
b) Flash Drive is a small storage device which is often called USB (Universal Serial
Bus) stick. It is used to transport files from different computers. It may be as small
as the size of a kid’s thumb, but it is capable of storing large types of files.
c) CD (Compact Disc) is an optical storage device used to store different types of
files such as music or videos.
d) DVD (Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc) is a type of storage disc that
is capable of storing large amount of data which is also used in storing high
resolution and rich multimedia materials.

B. Software refers to the programs that are installed in a computer for it to be able to follow
instructions from the user. There are different types of software and they are categorized as:
1. System Software is designed to make the computer hardware and application programs run.
Examples of systems software include;
a. Operating System manages all the programs in a computer. The most widely used
operating system is Windows. Other operating systems used by other companies are Linux
and Mac OSX.
b. Utility Software performs a specific task. A utility software maintains the functionality of
a computer. An example of it is an antivirus software which performs a specific task of
monitoring and removing viruses and unwanted files in a computer.
- Antivirus software - Database software
- Backup and restore - Firewall software and etc.
- Registry cleaners
c. Device Driver makes the computer and its hardware components communicate with each
other. Without a device driver, a specific device may not work. As printer will not work
and be recognized by the computer, if there is no specific driver installed.

2. Application Software refers to software used by end-users. An application software allows

the user to perform a specific task. Examples of application software are:
 a. General Purpose Application
These are software used to type documents, perform calculations, store and manipulate
data and information, and edit and manage multimedia files and digital images. Example
of application software are Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop,
etc.
b. Special Purpose Application
These are software used for specific purposes and to perform complex operations, such as
scientific, medical, and military work.

C. Peopleware refers to the role people play or perform in the field of ICT. These are professionals
and skilled personnel who perform specific tasks relating to computers. Examples of peopleware
are:
1. Computer Programmers – create programs or software for hardware components and end-
users.
2. Database Administrations – manage database systems. They monitor and update data and
information in a database using a specific database program.
3. Web Developers – create and develop functional websites used for e-commerce, such as online
shopping, marketing, and banking.
4. System/Network Administrators – maintain the integrity and functionality of a computer
system, especially if it is connected to a network.
 Systems Administrator - They perform overall administration and configuration of
computerized systems in a computerized environment, including computer hardware,
system, and applications software.
 Network Administrator – They manage and configures network operating system and
hardware. They support and maintain the company’s local and wide area network setup
and Internet system, such as setting up servers, user accounts, printer access, and
password administration. They are responsible in the planning, coordination, and
implementation of network security.
5. Computer Hardware Technicians – assemble and troubleshoot computers problems. They
repair and maintain computer hardware and server.
6. Computer Service Technicians – diagnoses and maintains different types of computer
equipment. He or She does not only check the hardware components, but also checks and finds
appropriate solutions to make them function properly, works and checks the operating system,
maintains the performance of computers by installing antivirus and other utility programs, and
also specializes in the maintenance and troubleshooting of computer networks and servers.
7. Technical Support Representative (Online Help Desk) – usually works in call centers,
provides quick solutions to technical and network problems of end-users or customers who
own a particular computer equipment or device, gathers information from the client, and
provides a possible solution by determining the problem or issue and analyzing the symptoms
that cause the problem on the equipment.
8. Computer Repair Technician – diagnoses, repairs, and troubleshoots a computer system,
upgrades existing software and hardware components, and tests their performance check if they
are working properly and correctly. He or She also repairs other computer peripherals and
components, such as printers, hard disk, and mainboard and procures supplies and materials.
Technical Competencies
Anyone who practices or is engaged in a computer systems servicing career is required to possess
the following technical skills, competencies, and traits related to ICT to be able to perform and carry the
tasks effectively.
1. Well-versed in installing and configuring operating systems, applications and utilities software, and
other needed updates.
2. Able to manage multiple troubleshooting tasks without sacrificing the results.
3. Has thorough understanding of diagrams and technical manuals.
4. Highly skilled in updating, configuring, and installing software and hardware peripherals.
5. Able to explain and identify which network topology or design is appropriate and effective to
meet the company’s goal.
6. Applies the best practices in maintaining and implementing protocols in a networked
environment.
7. Designs, installs, and implements an effective computer network.
8. Implements an effective virus protection, backup and recovery, and security procedures for a
computer network.