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Understanding Computer Hardware Basics

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
10 views35 pages

Understanding Computer Hardware Basics

Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Basic Hardware

Computer Architecture:
Computer system = Hardware + Software + firmware+
Bridgeware + Humanware
 Hardware = Internal Devices + Peripheral Devices.
All physical parts of the computer (or everything that can
touch) are known as Hardware.
 Software = Programs
Software gives “Intelligence” to the computer.
 Humanware = User.
HARDWARE:
The physical parts of the computer, which can be seen and
touched is known as Hardware. It is just the mechanical parts
of the computer. All the devices attached to the computer
system like: Mouse, Monitors, Keyboard, CPU, Motherboard,
Hard Disk are hardware. It includes all the components used
to make the computer. It also includes the cables, connectors
and computer peripherals.
SOFTWARE:
Software, simply are the computer programs. The
instructions given to the computer in the form of a program is
called software. Software is the set of programs, which are
used for different purposes. All the programs used in
computer to perform specific task is called software.
Types of software:
Computer software is basically categorized into three types:
1. System Software.
2. Application Software.
3. Programming Language & Scripting.
System software:
- Operating system software:
a. MS-DOS(Microsoft disk operating system software)
b. Microsoft Windows 95, Windows 98 me, XP/ 7 / 8 /10
etc.
- Utility Software: PC Tools, Scandisk, disk defragmenter
and any antivirus software.
Language Processors:
a) Compilers
b) Interpreters
There are two types of language
- High level language / Assembler
- Low level language/
Application software:
a. Package Software.
b. Tailored or custom software.
Booting:
The process of loading the system files of the operating
system the disk into the computer memory to complete the
circuitry requirement of the computer system is called
booting.
There are two types of booting:
1. COLD BOOTING: If the computer is in off state and
we boot the computer by pressing the power switch “ON”
from the “CPU” box then it is called as cold booting.
2. WARM BOOTING: If the computer is already “ON”
and we restart it by pressing the “RESET” button from the
“CPU” box or “CTRL + ALT + DEL key simultaneously
from the keyboard then it is called warm booting.
Application file name of some programs:
[Link] Typeshala typing program.
[Link]/[Link] WordPad program.
[Link] notepad
[Link] calculator
[Link]/[Link] Microsoft paint brush
[Link] MS-DOS
[Link] Microsoft word
[Link] Microsoft excel
[Link] Microsoft PowerPoint.
[Link] Microsoft Access
[Link] PageMaker 7.0
[Link] adobe Photoshop
[Link] character map
[Link]/[Link] windows media player
[Link] internet explorer
Most Reliable method to search application
programs/files into your computer:
Procedure:
1. Click on start button.
2. Choose search.
3. Choose for files or folders and click on it.
4. Again click on “All files or folders option case of
windows XP.
5. Type any above required application file name at the
search for file or folders (All or part of the files name)
box.
6. Select my computer or local hard drives from the look in
dropdown menu.
7. Click on search now (search) button.
Wild card:
You can use the following characters at the time of searching
any types of unknown items inside the computer.
1. Question mark (?): It represents single unknown
character.
2. Asterisk or star mark (*): It represents group of
unknown characters.
Computer peripherals:
1. Monitors
- CRT Monitors: (Cathod Ray Tube)
- LCD Monitors : (Liquid Crystal Display)
- LED Monitors : (Light Emitting Diode)
2. CPU Casing (Central Processing Unit)
3. Microprocessor.
4. RAM (Random Access Memory)
- Primary Memory (RAM)
- Secondary Memory (ROM/HDD/FDD/CD etc)
5. ROM (Read Only Memory)
6. Keyboard
- Normal Keyboard
- Multimedia Keyboard
- Wireless Keyboard
- Serial Keyboard
- USB Keybaord (Universal Serial Bus)
-PS/2 Keyboard (Personal System 2)
7. Mouse
- Normal Mouse
- Optical Mouse
- Wireless Mouse
- Serial Mouse
- USB Mouse (Universal Serial Bus)
-PS/2 Mouse (Personal System 2)
8. CDROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory)
9. HDD (Hard Disc Drive)
10. FDD (Floppy Disc Drive)
11. Power Supply (SMPS) (Switch Mode Power Supply) etc.
ASSEMBLING PC
Computer is collection of different individual devices, which should be
assembled or connected in a single form to perform as a computer.
Assembling must be done carefully so as to avoid unnecessary damage
to the system. So assembling is the process of connecting different
components in a single form which is later known as computer.
Materials Required:
Before starting:
# Components:
 The computer case.
 The power supply unit (SMPS)
 The motherboard.
 The processor (CPU) with cooling fan/Heat sinks.
# Storage Devices:
 Hard Disk.
 Other storage devices: CD Drive, Floppy Drive etc.
# Cables and Connectors
 IDE and Floppy drive connectors
 SATA and SCSI cables.
 Power and panel cables and connectors
# Memory (RAM)
# Expansion Cards:
 Video/Display Cards (not needed if on build motherboard display in
available.)
 Sound card (not needed if on – board is available on board.)
 Network cards and modems
 Other cards (if any).
 Other input/output, peripheral devices, keyboard/mouse/TV card,
printer, scanner, UPS and other components (if any).
Assembling procedure:
Procedure:
1. First fit the SMPS in casing (cabinet)
2. Screw the SMPS in casing.
3. Connect wire the panel ON/OFF switch.
4. Fit RAM chips in RAM slot inside the motherboard.
5. Open the lock of CPU socket and fit Microprocessor and lock the
CPU socket.
6. Fit the CPU socket.
7. Fit the CPU heat sink(cooling fan)
8. Match the fitting holes of motherboard.
9. Fit the motherboard inside the cabinet.
10. Fit the power supply connectors. (AT/ATX) in motherboard.
11. Fit the Hard disk in casing.
12. Tight the screw in hard disk.
13. Fit the IDE cable in motherboard.
14. Fit the IDE cable hard disk.
15. Plug the power supply socket in hard disk.
16. Fit the VGA port, com1, com2 port, PS/2 port parallel port inside
the casing slots (backside) and tight the screw.
17. Fit the modem, network card and other extra cards, if you needed
on PCI slot and tight the screw.
18. Fit the hard drive LED power button, Reset button, Speaker on
motherboard.
19. Connect Mouse, keyboard, VGA, sound, USB and printer ports
with respective motherboard interface.
20. Fit the covers of casing.
21. Finally provide main power supply to computer.
How to install windows XP/SP2:
Caution: Before installation windows OS into your PC, you most
prepare your devices and OS like: computer system, Check your
CDROM and Bootable Disc etc.
Steps:
1. At first change Boot Priority from your System BIOS.
- First Re-start your system and press (Del/F2 key) to inter the BIOS
settings.
- Select Boot menu.
- Select Boot Priority option and set First Boot: CDROM, Second
Boot: HDD etc.
- Then, Press (F10) to save settings.
- Press (ESC) key to Exit from BOIS Settings.
2. After then, Enter the Bootable disk(OS) into the CDROM and Re-
start your computer system.

Note: Then, you can see a message:


“Boot from CD/DVD press any key to continue”
3. You press any key to make continue.
Note: Then, wait for just a minute.
4. Then, press (F8) key to make I agree.
5. Then, press enter key to make continue.
6. Then, press (ESC) key to display partition discs.
Note: If you want to delete already partitioned disc:
- Select partitions and press (D, Enter and L) to
confirm it.
- Above this step you can use continue another disc
as your wish.
Note: After than you can create new disc partition: by
pressing (C , Enter key)
- Then, give disc space size as your desire and press
enter key to create.
- Above this steps you can use continue for another
disc as your wish.
7. Then, select partition disc, in which you want to
load your operating system software.
8. Then, press enter key to continue.
Note: wait for just a minute: computer will
automatically, format all disc and re-load new
windows operating system.
9. Then, computer will ask Serial key, you most
enter serial key into the box:
Note: windows XP/SP2 key: P2882-HQ9CC-DHFYG-
YCDB3-BCJPJ.
10. Click on next button.
11. Then, set current system date and time, time
zone etc.
12. Click on next button.
Note: then, wait for just a minute; computer will
automatically load new operating system windows
XP/SP2 into your system.
13. Then, you can set computer name, display
settings, screen settings as your desire.
14. Finally, you will enter windows xp environment.
How to Install (Load) Windows
7/8/8.1/10
Windows 7 minimum system requirements+

1GHz processor or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64)


1GB for 32-bit or 2GB of RAM for 64-bit
16GB of hard drive space for 32-bit or 20GB for 64-bit
Direct 9 graphics device with WDDM(Windows Display Driver Model)1.0 or
higher.
Step 1:
If you are installing or upgrading to "Windows 7/8/8.1/10", insert the "Windows
7/8/8.1/10 " installation DVD. The installation process will usually start up
automatically. If it does not, double-click on the "[Link]" file on the DVD from
inside "Windows Explorer". If you are starting up a computer where "Windows
7/8/8.1/10 " is already installed, just power up the computer:

Step 2: Adjust the language, time and currency, and keyboard and input method
fields, as required. Then click on the "Next" button
Step 3: Click on the "Install now" button:

Step 4: The installation process will run by itself for a while:

Step 5: Use the vertical scroll bar to scroll downward to read the license terms.
Step 6: Place a checkmark for "I accept the license terms"

Step 7: Click on the "Next" button:


Step 8: Read the descriptions of the "Upgrade" installation and the "Custom"
installation and click on the desired type of installation. If you are installing the
"Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation", you should click on "Upgrade" installation
only if you have existing data files and application programs that you want
moved to "Windows 8.."

Step 9: This next step lets you select the desired hard drive (if you computer has
more than one powered up). It also optionally lets format the target hard drive
and/or select the target partition, if the target hard drive has more than one
usable NTFS partition. Click on the "Next" button

Step 10: Click on the "Next" button:


Step 11: The installation process will run by itself for a while:

Step 12: After a reboot or two, your input is needed again:


Step 13: Type in a name for your computer:

Step 14: Click on the "Next" button:


Step 15: Click on the "Customize" button:

Step 16: Click on "Yes, turn on sharing and connect to devices".


Step 17: Click on the "Next" button:

Step 18: Click on the "Next" button:


Step 19: Locate the slider for "Let apps use my name and account picture". Drag
the slider to the left so that it is "Off".

Step 20: Locate the slider for "Turn on Windows Location Platform so apps can
ask users for their location". Drag the slider to the left so that it is "Off".
Step 21: Click on the "Next" button:

Step 22: Click on "Sign in without a Microsoft account":

Step 24: Click on "Local account":


Step 25: Type in a User name:
Step 26: Type in a password:
(Be sure to write down the password somewhere.)

Step 27: Type in the same password in the "Reenter password" field:

Step 28: Type in a "Password hint":


Step 29: Click on the "Finish" button:

Step 30: The monitor screen will display some informative animations for a
while:

Step 31: The "Start" screen of "Windows 8" will be displayed for you to use:

Common questions

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Windows 7 requires a faster processor (1GHz or more) and more RAM (1GB for 32-bit and 2GB for 64-bit) compared to Windows XP. Windows 7 demands more hard drive space (16GB for 32-bit and 20GB for 64-bit). The installation of Windows 7 involves more personalized settings like language and regional options, and offers more user interaction choices like turning off location services and setting up local accounts. Windows XP's process is more straightforward, with a focus on partitioning and entering system-specific information, demonstrating a shift towards a more user-centric setup in later versions .

Careful assembly of computer components is essential to prevent physical damage to parts, ensure system stability, and guarantee optimal performance. Improper assembly could lead to electrical failures, overheating due to misaligned cooling systems, and connectivity issues from loose or poorly connected cables. Proper assembly ensures that all components work harmoniously and that the system can run efficiently without hardware-induced interruptions .

Both Windows 7 and Windows 10 require a 1GHz processor with Windows 10 demanding additional graphics support from DirectX 9 with a WDDM driver. Windows 7 installation involves selecting the installation type and adjusting language and formatting options whereas Windows 10 provides more streamlined options with broader support for hardware variations. The main difference lies in Windows 10's more dynamic setup process, offering flexible account setups without requiring a Microsoft account initially, and greater integration with online services through features like Cortana and other Windows 10-specific functionalities .

Wildcards are special characters used in searches to represent unknown character groups or single unknown characters. The question mark (?) denotes a single unknown character, while the asterisk (*) represents multiple unknown characters. These are useful in file and application searches, allowing users to locate files without knowing exact names, thus increasing search flexibility and efficiency. In practice, this helps in finding files with variable parts of the filename or extension .

The installation of expansion cards involves fitting cards like a network card, sound card, or video card into PCI slots in the motherboard. This expands the computer's capabilities — network cards enhance connectivity, sound cards improve audio quality, and video cards boost graphics performance. Proper installation requires securely fitting the card into the slot and fastening it with screws to ensure a stable connection. This process customizes and upgrades the system's specs beyond the built-in capabilities, optimizing performance based on specific needs .

A computer system is composed of hardware, software, firmware, bridgeware, and humanware. Hardware is the physical aspect consisting of internal and peripheral devices like the CPU, monitor, and keyboard. Software refers to computer programs that operate the hardware, categorized into system software, application software, and programming languages. Firmware provides low-level control for devices. Bridgeware is typically used to ensure compatibility and communication between hardware and software. Humanware is the user interacting with the system . These components work together to process data: hardware executes tasks based on software instructions, firmware ensures basic operations, bridgeware connects components, and humanware enables user interaction.

RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory used for temporarily storing data that is actively being worked on by the CPU, allowing fast access and processing speed. ROM (Read-Only Memory), on the other hand, is non-volatile and contains critical instructions for booting the computer and performing essential hardware-level operations. While RAM is crucial for multitasking and fast data processing, ROM provides necessary instructions for the basic input/output system and other firmware-level functionalities .

Booting is the process of loading the operating system's system files from disk into the computer's memory to prepare it for operation. Cold booting occurs when the system is off and turned on, while warm booting happens when the system restarts without turning off completely. Booting is critical because it initializes hardware, loads system files, and prepares the system for use, ensuring the machine is ready to run applications and process data .

Changing the boot priority in the BIOS determines the sequence in which the system checks connected devices for a bootable operating system. Setting the CDROM as the first option allows the system to boot from an installation CD before checking the hard drive. This is crucial for OS installation, as it ensures the computer loads the setup files from the CDROM first, facilitating the installation process of a new operating system like Windows XP .

System software is designed to manage and control computer hardware so that application software can perform. This includes operating systems like Windows XP and utility software such as antivirus tools. In contrast, application software helps users perform specific tasks like word processing or internet browsing, with examples being Microsoft Word or Internet Explorer. System software provides a platform for application software to run, highlighting a cooperative relationship where system software serves as the enabler for applications .

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