Module 1: Maintain Computer System

Learning Unit 2: Configure Peripheral Devices

Overview

A peripheral is a "device that is used to put information into the computer or get information out of the computer.
Peripheral device is generally defined as any auxiliary device such as a computer mouse or keyboard that
connects to and works with the computer in some way. Other examples of peripherals are image scanners, tape
drives, microphones, loudspeakers, webcams, and digital cameras. This learning unit covers about most
commonly used peripheral devices and commonly used communication ports in computer. After completion of
this learning you will be able to describe different types of peripheral devices and their use. And most commonly
used hardware ports.

1. Commonly Used Peripheral Devices

A computer peripheral device is an external device that provides input and output for the computer. There are
three types of peripheral devices one is Input that is use for providing input to the computer, second is output that
is used for providing output and the last which provides input and output both.

Some Common Input Devices Include: Peripheral

 Keyboard An external device

 Mouse that provides input
 Scanner to the computer or
 Microphone receives output from
the computer is
 Joystick 
called a peripheral.
1. Mouse

A mouse is an input device used to point and select items on the

computer screen. A mouse usually has two buttons: A primary
button (usually the left button) and a secondary button. Many
mouse also have a wheel between the two buttons, which allows
to scroll for ups and down options.
When the mouse moves with the hand, a pointer on screen
moves in the same direction. When an item wants to select,
point to the item and then click (press and release) the primary
button. Pointing and clicking with mouse is the main way to
interact with the computer.
2. Keyboard

A keyboard is used for typing text into the computer. There

are many types of keys on the keyboard. These are:
2.1 Alphanumeric Keys, used to enter alphabetic and numerical data. (E.g. A, B, C …1, 2, 3…)
2.2 Special Purpose keys, each key is used for any special purpose like Backspace,
Spacebar, Enter key , CTRL, Shift, ALT keys Caps lock and Tab keys.
2.3 The function keys, found on the top row, perform different functions depend on where
they are used. (e.g. F1, F2, F3…)
2.4 The numeric keypad, located on the right side of most keyboards, allows entering
numbers quickly.
2.5 The navigation keys, such as the arrow keys, allow to move the cursor position
within a document or webpage.

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Keyboard
3. Scanner

A scanner is a device that is used to capture images from photographic

prints, posters, magazine pages, and similar sources for computer
editing and display. There are many types of Scanners, hand-held, feed-
in, and flatbed used for scanning black-and-white only, or color. Very
high resolution scanners are used for scanning for high-resolution
printing, but lower resolution scanners are adequate for capturing
images for computer display.
4. Microphone
Microphone is an instrument for converting sound waves into electrical energy
variations which may then be amplified, transmitted, or recorded.
It is sometimes abbreviated as “mic”. A microphone is a peripheral that allows
computer users to input audio into their computers.

5. Joystick

Joystick is a lever that moves in all directions and controls the movement of a pointer or
some other display symbol. A joystick is similar to a mouse. With a mouse the cursor stops
as we stop moving the mouse. With a joystick, the pointer continues moving in the direction
the joystick is pointing. For stopping the pointer, it must return to its upright position. Most
joysticks include two buttons called triggers. Joysticks are used mostly for computer games,
but they are also used for other systems like in Aero plane.

Some Common Output Devices Include:

 Monitor
 Projector
 Printer
 Speakers

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1. Monitor

A monitor is an output device used to display information in visual

form. The portion of the monitor that displays the information is called
the screen. Like a television screen, a computer screen can show still or
moving pictures.

There are two basic types of monitors: CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors
and the LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors. Both types produce sharp
images, but LCD monitors have the advantage of being much thin and lighter.

2. Printer

A printer is an output device used to transfer data from a computer

to paper. The two main types of printers’ impact printers and non-
impact printers.

Impact printers used striking hammer on the inked Ribbon to print on

paper, while non-impact printer used laser technology for printing.

[Link]

A projector or image projector is an optical device that projects moving

images onto a surface, commonly a projection screen. Most projectors
create an image by shining a light through a small transparent lens, but
some newer types of projectors can project the image directly, by using
lasers.

[Link]

Speaker is one of the most common output device used with computer. The
purpose of speakers is to produce audio output that can be heard by the
listener.

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There are some devices that functions both as input and output devices, such as:

 Hard drives
 CD/DVD ROM Drive
 Modems
 Webcam

1. Hard Disk Drive

Hard disk drive stores information on a hard disk which is a rigid

platter or stack of platters with a magnetic surface. Because hard disks
can hold massive amounts of information, they usually serve as
computer's secondary means of storage, because it’s a permanent
storage holding almost all of the programs and files. The hard disk drive
is normally located inside the system unit.

2. CD (Compact Disc) and DVD (Digital Video Disc) Drives

CD or DVD drive, usually located on the front of the system unit. CD drives uses lasers
Remember to read data from a CD; many CD drives can also write (record) data onto CDs.
Periodically back up
A DVD drive can do everything that CD drive do, but read DVDs also. Many DVD drives
(copy) your
can record data onto blank DVDs. This DVD-RW also called Combo drive.
important files to
CDs or DVDs
because if your hard
disk ever fails, you
won't lose your data. 3. Modem

Modem is a short for modulator-demodulator. A modem is a device that

enables a computer to transmit data over telephone or cable lines. A modem
converts between these two forms from analog to digital and digital to analog. There
are two types of modem Wired and Wireless.

4. Web Cam

A webcam short for “web camera” is a digital camera that is connected to a computer.
It can send live pictures from wherever it’s sited to another location through the
internet. Many desktop computer screens and laptops come with a built-in camera
and microphone, but if it doesn’t, separate webcam can connect any time.

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2. Different Types of Communication Ports

In computer hardware, a port serves as an interface between the computer and other Remember
computers or peripheral devices. A port generally refers to the female part of
connection. Computer ports have many uses, to connect a monitor, webcam, speakers,
between devices Physical ports/ Communication ports are used for connecting a computer trough a and computers.
cable and a socket to a peripheral device. Physical computer ports list includes:

 Serial Ports (DB9 Socket), Connector).

 USB Ports (USB 2.0 Or 3.0 Socket /  VGA Port (Display Port)
Connector),  Fire Wire (IEEE 1394 Interface)
 Parallel Ports DB25 Socket / Connector),  E-SATA Port
 Ethernet /Internet Ports (RJ45 Socket /  PS/2 Port

Learning Unit 4: Install Software Applications

Application software is a type of software that can be used for a variety of tasks. It is not limited to one particular function. This
learning unit covers different types of application software and procedure of installing software. After completion of this software
also called learning unit you will be able to describe various types of application software and how end-user programs. to install
this software.
1. Different Software Applications
Application software is the software that is used at offices, home and school. Application software consists of programs like
word processing, spreadsheets. Database, Graphics software, designed to perform specific tasks for users. Application
program, or group of software are used as a productivity/business tool, to assist with graphics and programs, that is
multimedia projects, that supports home, personal, and educational activities. Specific designed for the end application
software products, called software packages, are available from software user. Although application software also is available
as shareware, freeware, and public-domain software, these usually have fewer capabilities than retail software packages. It
provides many features like formatting text, creating charts, organizing table’s data, saving records.
Examples and Use of Application Software:
1. Word Processing Software (Microsoft Word)
Used for writing letter, applications, reports, memos etc.
2. Spreadsheet Software (Microsoft Excel)
Used for keeping simple company accounts, Employees salary calculations, simple stock control system.
3. Database Software: (Microsoft Access)
To create/prepare costumers database, Employees database, etc.
4. Publishing Software (MS Publisher)
Used for designing posters, leaflets, business cards.
5. Presentation Software (MS PowerPoint)
Used for graphically representation of data.
6. Graphics Software Adobe Photoshop, Corel draw)
Used for retouching or manipulating images for business or personal use.
7. Web Design Software (PHP, Adobe Dream Viewer)
Develop/create personal or business websites.
8. Entertainment Software
Used for entertainment of the users like games and media
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