LESSONS:
Definition of computer
Types of Personal Computer
Common parts of a Desktop Computer
By: Sherwin C. Maningas
COMPUTER
A computer is an electronic device
that has the capability to
manipulate information or data,
store, retrieve, and process it for
more useful information. It is
programmable so it can responds
to specific instructions or
commands.
Personal Computer
Personal Computer or PC for short
is small and designed for an
individual user.
Desktop Computer
Desktop is a common
term used to describe
a general type of
personal computer
that is not portable
and often placed on or
at someone home or
office desk.
Laptop Computer
Laptop Computer is a small,
portable computer enough to sit
it on your lap. Laptop computers
are more frequently called as
notebook computers, though
technically laptops are
somewhat larger in size than
notebooks in both thickness and
weight. Portable computers run
off AC power and also have the
ability to run of battery pack for
a few hours.
Netbook
Netbook is a small
portable computing
device, similar to a
notebook. However,
it has a smaller form
factor. Most Netbook
nowadays have the
same performance
with other Notebook.
PDA
Originally this size
was developed to
handle specific tasks,
a handheld device or
mobile device that
functions as personal
information manager.
COMMON PARTS OF A
DESKTOP COMPUTER
Desktop Computer is designed to fit securely on top
of a desk, or a working table usually with the
monitor sitting on top of the computer.
System Unit
System Unit is the main body
of a desktop computer which
is typically consisting of a
metal or plastic enclosure
containing all the essential
parts of the personal
computer.
FORM FACTOR OF SYSTEM UNIT
the form factor is the size, configuration, or physical arrangement of a computer
hardware object. The term is commonly used in describing the size and/or
arrangement of a computer case or chassis
Full Tower
Full-tower cases are
generally big with a
height that is about
or more than 30
inches (more than 76
cm). The number of
internal drive bays
inside these cases
can be between 6
and 10.
HAF Stacker 935
Mid Tower
Another case that might be a
step down, would be
classified as a mid tower
case. Mid-tower cases are the
most widely used computer
cases. Mid Tower cases are
about 18 to 24 (45 to 60 cm)
inches high and they usually
contain 2 to 4 internal drive
bays and a similar number of
external bays (for CD/DVD
readers and similar).
Centurion 6
Mini Tower
Mini-tower usually
have up to 2 or
sometimes 3 internal
drive bays. Mini-
cases normally stand
at a height of 12 to
18 inches (30 to 45
cm). Expandability is
a problem with these
cases.
Cooler Master Elite 241 - USB 2
FORM FACTOR OF SYSTEM UNIT
Slim Line Case
Slim Line Computer
Case
Slim line cases are
simply tower cases
turned on their sideways.
They can hold a monitor
on top of the case. Lenovo ThinkCentre M91
Small Form Factor (SFF) Case
Small form factor or SFF cases are custom cases that are
designed to minimize the spatial volume of a desktop
computer. SFFs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes,
including shoe boxes, cubes, and book-sized PCs.
Computer System Servicing NCII |Install and configure computer systems
Monitor
Monitor is a visual display unit, which
shows images generated from the video
adapter of a computer. Computer monitor
nowadays have two types. The CRT
(Cathode Ray Tube) monitor which is a
big, like a tube television, and consume a
lot of space in a table; however, it is the
least expensive monitor option. The LCD
(Liquid Crystal Display) and LED (Light
Emitting Diode) monitor is thin and saves
energy, but costs more.
[Link] | [Link]
What to Consider in buying a desktop monitor?
1. Manufacturer and Model name
Example:
The ASUS VS239H-P
Here, ASUS is the
Manufacturer
VS239H-P is the Model Name
Popular Manufacturer and newer Model will be more expensive.
2. Ports or Plug-ins used to connect in system unit.
Example: At the back of ASUS VS239H-P the 3-pin AC
port sit the HDMI, DVI-D, VGA and audio-out ports.
Monitor with complete Plug-ins will be more expensive.
Types of Data Cable used by computer monitor
VGAPort
VGA (Video Graphic Array) Cable
VGA (video
graphics array)
has been around
the longest. VGA
is an analog
signal, meaning
the quality may
not be as high as
with other cables,
especially at high
resolutions.
Types of Data Cable used by computer monitor
DVI (Digital Video Interface) Cable
DVI (digital video interface) has been
on graphics cards for many years now,
but is still very common. Almost all
LCD displays have a DVI port.
Because DVI is a digital connection,
the signal will be higher quality than
VGA.
There are several different types of DVI connectors. They're mostly intercompatible,
but not always. DVI-A carries only an analog signal (and is therefore rarely useful).
DVI-D carries only a digital signal. DVI-I carries both, and can be used with DVI-
VGA adapters. DVI-I connectors are the most versatile, as they can be used for
either digital or analog signals as necessary.
There are also two link modes. Almost all DVI cables are single-link, which
supports a practical resolution of up to 1920x1200. Dual-link cables can support
resolutions up to 2560x1600, and are typically only used for very high resolution
displays. Most (but not all) graphics cards with a DVI output do support dual-link
DVI.
DVI Port
Types of Data Cable used by computer monitor
HDMI (Video Graphic Array) Cable
HDMI (high definition media
interface) is a newer port, but is 100%
compatible with digital DVI signals.
You can get cheap DVI->HDMI and
HDMI->DVI cables and adapters (not
converters, because there's nothing to HDMI Port
convert). HDMI has the advantage of
being able to carry an audio signal,
but this only works if your card
supports outputting HDMI audio and
your monitor has built-in speakers can
can receive audio over HDMI.
Power Plug for Computer Monitor
3. Size and Resolution. The bigger the monitor, the
better, and of course the higher its price.
5×4 – this is a slightly taller squarish shape
that was used by some 17 & 19 inch LCD
monitors. The resolution was usually
1280×1024. The 19inch LCD running
1280×1024 was the PERFECT set-up for
someone with less than perfect eye sight. I
always recommended this to my older
clients. Unfortunately they (19inch 5×4 LCDs
not older clients!) are very hard to come by
any more.
16×9 – this is the aspect
ratio of HDTV. 1080p is
1920×1080 and it’s little
brother 720p is 1280×720.
Computer monitors come in
many different resolutions
with this ratio including:
1920×1080, 1600×900, &
1280×720
16×10 – this in my opinion is the
PERFECT choice. Unfortunately
it is becoming less and less
common as the LCD industry
has found it cheaper and easier
to cut panels in 16×9 sizes
rather than the slightly taller
16×10. So fewer and fewer of
the 16x10s are being produced
at this time. The resolutions in
this shape include:
1920×1200, 1680×1050 &
1280×800
So aside from manufacturer’s name, Size and Plug-In used, these are
the things we should consider in buying a monitor.
Acer S235HL
Monitor - Screen
Size 23",
Resolution 1920 x
1080, Contrast
Ratio 100000000:1,
Response Time
5ms, color : Black -
ET.VS5HP.001
4. Contrast ratio
In reference to computer monitors,
the measurement of the difference
in light intensity between the
brightest white and the darkest
black. cis often used in marketing
computer monitors, where a high
contrast ratio, such as 400:1,
represents a better color
representation (the better the
information will appear against a
darker background) on the monitor
than a lower contrast ratio, such as
150:1.
Computer System Servicing NCII |Install and configure computer systems
Mouse
Mouse is also known as
pointing device whose
function is to detect
two-dimensional motion
relative to its supporting
surface.
[Link] | [Link]
Types of Computer Mouse
Wireless Mouse PS2 Optical Mouse USB Optical Mouse
Computer System Servicing NCII |Install and configure computer systems
Keyboard
Keyboard is an input device, designed
just like a typewriter keyboard. It is one of
the primary ways we communicate with
the computer and enter data.
[Link] | [Link]
Types of keyboard
USB Keyboard
Wireless Keyboard
PS2
A type of port/connector developed by
IBM for connecting a mouse or
keyboard to a PC. The PS/2 port
supports a mini DIN plug containing
just 6 pins. Most PCs have a PS/2 port
so that the serial port can be used by
another device, such as a modem.
The PS/2 port is often called the
mouse port.
PS2 Ports Pinout PS2 Connectors PS2 Ports
USB
Short for Universal Serial Bus, an
external bus standard that
supports data transfer rates of 12
Mbps. A single USB port can be
used to connect up to 127
peripheral devices, such as mice,
modems, and keyboards. USB
also supports Plug-and-Play
installation and hot plugging.
USB 3.0 provides better speed and more
efficient power management than USB 2.0.
USB 3.0 is backward compatible with USB
2.0 devices; however, data transfer speeds
are limited to USB 2.0 levels when these
devices inter-operate. In 2014, a new
standard, USB 3.1, was released and is
expected to be in widespread use by 2015.
Types of USB
USB A is the common port used by USB
USB Connector mouse and keyboard.
Computer System Servicing NCII |Install and configure computer systems
Speakers
Speakers are external audio device
which is commonly equipped with a
low-power internal amplifier. The
standard audio connector of a
computer speaker is a 3.5mm (1/8
inch) stereo jack plug often color-
coded lime green for computer sound
cards.
[Link] | [Link]
Speaker cable jack
Audio Ports
AVR
AVR (Automatic Voltage
Regulator)The role of automatic
voltage regulator's is to reduce the
5 volt signal to the lower voltage
required by the microprocessor.
Other prefers to have UPS
(Uninterrupted Power
Supply)which cost much than AVR
but good enough because it has its
own chargeable battery, enabling
your computer not to shut down in
case of power failure.
References:
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