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: to digital information that can be used by the
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY computer. Works similar to the scanning
Qualification: process of a photocopy machine.
BREAD AND PASTRY PRODUCTION NCII
Unit of Competency:
COMMON COMPETENCY 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 / HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE EXPLAINATION file.
TESDA - Technical Education and Skills Development Authority
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72 Quezon Ave. Lucban Quezon CD-ROM/DVD drive Compact disc–read only memory: stores large
amounts of data on a CD that can be read by
a computer.
Processing processor or DMA-enabled device needs to
The central processing unit (CPU) is the heart and brain of the read or write to a memory location, it
computer. This one component, or "chip," is responsible for all primary specifies that memory location on the
number crunching and data management. It is truly the centrepiece of any address bus (the value to be read or written
computer. It is so important that whole generations of computer technology is sent on the data bus).
are based and measured on each "new and improved" version of the CPU. Expansion Slots Specialized sockets that allow additional
When we refer to the CPU, we are usually speaking of the devices called expansion cards or, less
processor. However, the CPU requires several other components that commonly, circuit boards, to be attached to
support it with the management of data to operate. These components, when the motherboard. Used to expand or
working in harmony, make up the primary elements of the PC we know customize a computer, they are extensions
today. The following table lists these fundamental support components. of the computer's bus system.

Component Description
Clock Establishes the maximum speed at which
Motherboard The main circuit board of the computer. The
the processor can execute commands. Not
large circuit board found inside the
to be confused with the clock that keeps the
computer. Without it, a computer is just a
date and time.
metal box. The motherboard contains all 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, Battery Protects unique information about the setup
manage and control the computer system. of the computer against loss when electrical
This set includes the CPU and other chips power fails or is turned off. Also maintains
that control the flow of data throughout the the external date and time (not to be
system. confused with the CPU's clock).

Data Bus A group of parallel conductors (circuit Memory Stores temporary information (in the form of
traces) found on the motherboard and used data bits) that the CPU and software need
by the CPU to send and receive data from to keep running.
all the devices in the computer.

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 Output Devices
connecting two or more devices) that is The following table lists some common devices, known as
used to specify a physical address. When a peripherals, used exclusively for output.
 Network Card An expansion card that allows several
Device Description computers to connect to each other and
Printer Generates a "hard copy" of information. share information and programs. Also
Includes dot matrix, ink jet, and laser called network interface card (NIC).
varieties.

CD Recorder Also called CD-R. You can copy data to a

Monitor The primary output device. Visually CD with this device, but you can only
displays text and graphics. write to a section of the disc once.
Variations on this type of device include
compact disc–rewritable (CD-RW) drives.
These drives allow you to read, write, and
Plotter Similar to a printer, but uses pens to draw overwrite a special CD-ROM-type disc.
an image. Most often used with graphics Tape Drive Large-capacity, magnetic, data storage
or drawing programs for very large devices. Ideal for backup and retrieval of
drawings. large amounts of data. Works like a tape
recorder and saves information in a linear
Speakers Reproduce sound. Optional high-quality format.
speakers can be added to provide
improved output from games and Other external storage devices include Iomega Zip drives, which allow users
multimedia software. to store 100 MB or 250 MB of data on a single Zip disk.

Other Computer Parts and Accessories

The following table lists some examples of cable that are used to
Input and Output communicate to a system.
Some devices handle both input and output functions. These devices
are called input/output (I/O) devices, a term you will encounter quite often. Cable/Cord Description
IDE (ATA/PATA Cable) IDE is also known as ATA or PATA
Device Description (Parallel ATA) and is a way of handling a
Floppy Disk Drive Mechanism for reading and writing to low- parallel data bus from a disk drive (well,
capacity, removable, magnetic disks. usually a disk drive) to a computer mother
Used to store and easily transport board where the disk controller is mostly
information. embedded in the disk drive.
SATA/ATA SATA (Serial ATA) is an advance on this
Hard Disk Drive High-capacity internal (and sometimes where the signals are sent over a serial
external) magnetic disks for storing data bus not a parallel bus. The cable is much
and program files. Also called fixed disks. smaller and it will run at higher speed and
will support more than 2 drives on a bus.

Note: They are both ways to connect a

Modem Converts computer data to information
disk drive to a computer. You use the one
that can be transmitted over telephone
that matches your computer mother board
wires and cable lines. Allows
(old ones support IDE only, newer ones
communication between computers over
will support SATA and may support both
long and short distances.
SATA and IDE) and your disk drive (disk
drives are either IDE or SATA, never seen
 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
or Printer, Video cameras, Mp3, mp4
even cell phone.

A/V Cable A/V cable is to use for connect a device to UPS (Uninterruptible Power An uninterruptible power supply, also
tv and it has the video and audio cable. Supply) uninterruptible power source, UPS or
battery/flywheel backup, is an electrical
apparatus that provides emergency power
to a load when the input power source,
typically the utility mains, fails. A UPS
differs from an auxiliary or emergency
Heat Sink An environment capable of absorbing power system or standby generator in that
heat from an object with which it is in it will provide instantaneous or near-
thermal contact without a phase change instantaneous protection from input power
or an appreciable change in temperature. interruptions by means of one or more
A protective device that absorbs and attached batteries and associated
dissipates the excess heat generated by a electronic circuitry for low power users,
system. and or by means of diesel generators and
USB HUB A device that increases the number of flywheels for high power users. The on-
USB ports on a PC. However, since the battery runtime of most uninterruptible
hub plugs into one of the USB ports on power sources is relatively short—5–15
the computer, the total number of minutes being typical for smaller units—
additional ports is minus one. For but sufficient to allow time to bring an
example, a four-port hub adds three new auxiliary power source on line, or to
ports. USB hubs are typically used to properly shut down the protected
extend USB sockets to the top of the desk equipment
for conveniently connecting external Computer Fan A computer fan is any fan inside a
peripherals. computer case used for cooling purposes,
Power Cord A power cord, line cord, or mains cable and may refer to fans that draw cooler air
is a cord or cable that temporarily into the case from the outside, expel
connects an electrical appliance to the warm air from inside, or move air across a
distribution circuits of an electrical power heatsink to cool a particular component.
source via a wall socket or extension The use of fans to cool a computer is an
cord. example of active cooling.
Laptop/Notebook cooler A laptop/notebook cooler, cooler pad or
chill mat is an accessory for laptop
computers that helps reduce their
operating temperature. Normally used
AVR (Automatic Voltage A voltage regulator is an electrical when the laptop's fan device is unable to
Regulator) regulator designed to automatically sufficiently cool the laptop, a cooling pad
maintain a constant voltage level. may house active or passive cooling
It may use an electromechanical methods and rests beneath the laptop.
mechanism, or passive or active Active coolers move air or liquid to direct
electronic components. Depending on the heat away from the laptop quickly, while
 passive methods may rely on thermally
conductive materials or increasing source of power. Can even provide power
passive airflow. during a power failure or interruption
TV Tuner or TV Video A TV tuner card is a computer component (although the duration depends on the
Capture that allows television signals to be UPS and the computer's power
received by a computer. Most TV tuners consumption) so that the user can safely
also function as video capture cards, save data before shutting down.
allowing them to record television
programs onto a hard disk. Case The box that houses most of the system
must provide an environment that
minimizes electrical interference to other
SUPPORT HARDWARE electronic devices in the area. It should
Lesson 2 covered the basic hardware that makes up a computer. There are, provide a proper heat level for safe
however, additional components needed to support safe computer operation. operation and bays and connections for
In this lesson, we look at several devices that protect and enhance the value drives, circuit boards, and I/O devices.
of a computer.
Don't let the term support hardware lead you to underestimate the
After this lesson, you will be able to importance of these components. How important are roads to commerce, or
 Identify additional support hardware for a computer water to a city? Without a reliable power source, modern PCs would not
 Understand the functions of some of the add-on hardware exist. The internal power supply keeps a clean current running to the system.
Estimated lesson time: 5 minutes
LO.1 Plan and prepare for task to be taken/undertaken
In addition to the devices that support a computer's data-processing
functions, there are others that enhance its operation and performance. The PRACTICE: Instruction
following table lists some of these devices. Create a group at least 3 members. Study Common competency,
Module 1 Perform Computer Operations pages 1 to 40. After 2 hours prepare
Device Description for group presentation. Each group discusses what they have study or
Power supply learned. Be sure to include or emphasize the following during presentation
Converts a local power source (typically “The name, types, classes, purpose or characteristics of each
110 volts AC in the United States) to 3.3, computer parts.”
5, or 12 volts DC. Most power supplies Note: Group presentation but individual evaluation. Remember that
also perform some basic line conditioning the remarks shall be competent and not yet competent. Those remark
and surge-protection functions. competent shall be move on next project or module, and those remarks not
yet competent shall be again review the lesson for evaluation again.
Surge suppressor
DURATION: 4 HRS.

Used to prevent large power spikes (for JOB SHEET # 1

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

UPS Uninterruptible power supply. Acts as

both a surge suppresser (to prevent high-
power spikes) and a power leveler to
provide the computer with a constant
 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. Feedback to candidate:
3. Connect all the computer parts/peripherals in their proper
places or location. The trainee’s overall performance was: Satisfactory  Not
4. Let the trainer check your work for evaluation. 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.
There are two basic types of monitors: CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors Modern LCDs have response times of 8 ms or less.
and LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors. Both types produce sharp images,  Only one native resolution. Displaying resolutions either requires a
but LCD monitors have the advantage of being much thinner and lighter. video scaler, lowering perceptual quality, or display at 1:1 pixel
CRT monitors, however, are generally more affordable. mapping, in which images will be physically too large or won't fill the
whole screen.
Comparison CRT  Dead pixels may occur either during manufacturing or through use.
Pros:  In a constant on situation, thermalization may occur, which is when
only part of the screen has overheated and therefore looks
 High dynamic range (up to around 15,000:1),[2] excellent color, wide discolored compared to the rest of the screen.
gamut and low black level.  Not all LCD displays are designed to allow easy replacement of the
 Can display natively in almost any resolution and refresh rate backlight
 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
 Large size and weight, especially for bigger screens (a 20-inch unit
weighs about 50 lb (23 kg))
 High power consumption
CRT Monitor LCD Monitor Projector
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
 BenQ design is poor.
 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.

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.
 Slimline - Ideal for people who want a desktop computer, but dont
want a huge box on their desk. Advantages - Look cool, saves loads
1. COMPUTER MOUSE
 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, OPTICAL DISK DRIVE
modern mice have spring-loaded regions of their top surface that operate
switches when pressed down lightly.) It sometimes features other elements, CD-ROM Drive
such as "wheels", which allow the user to perform various system-dependent Short for Compact Disc-Read-Only Memory, a type of optical disk capable
operations, or extra buttons or features that can add more control or of storing large amounts of data -- up to 1GB, although the most common
dimensional input. The mouse's motion typically translates into the motion of size is 650MB (megabytes). A single CD-ROM has the storage capacity of
a cursor on a display, which allows for fine control of a graphical user 700 floppy disks, enough memory to store about 300,000text pages.
interface.
CD-ROMs are stamped by the vendor, and once stamped, they cannot be
erased and filled with new data. To read a CD, you need a CD-ROM player.
Connectivity and communication protocols 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.
The DVD-ROM specification supports disks with capacities of from
Wireless Mouse / Serial interface type Optical USB Interface Type Optical 4.7GB to 17GB and access rates of 600 KBps to 1.3 MBps. One of the best
PS2 Interface Type Battery Operated TrackBall Mouse features of DVD-ROM drives is that they are backward-compatible with CD-
ROMs. This means that DVD-ROM players can play old CD-ROMs, CD-I
2. COMPUTER KEYBOARD disks, and video CDs, as well as new DVD-ROMs. Newer DVD players can
In computing, a keyboard is a typewriter-style keyboard, which uses an also read CD-R disks.
arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as mechanical levers or electronic
switches. Following the decline of punch cards and paper tape, interaction Sequential: DVD-R, +R, -RW, +RW or ROM
via teletype-style keyboards became the main input device for computers. This group of DVD’s are intended for the hi-tech graphics, video for movies
Despite the development of alternative input devices, such as and audio for music. They provide better quality for graphics and
the mouse,touchscreen, pen devices, character recognition and voice sound along with higher capacity of4.7GB.
recognition, the keyboard remains the most commonly used and most Writable: One Time
versatile device used for direct (human) input into computers.  DVD-R
o Can only be written with -R type drives.
Connectivity and communication protocols 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.
o Can only be written with -R type drives.
Wireless Mouse / USB Interface Type Optical PS2 Interface Type
 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
PCI Express is the most current, and fastest, of the video cards. If possible, are to slow to play any of the more advanced video games, or to show video.
you will likely want to install a PCI express video card. Figure 5.1 shows a Besides, the price difference between PCI and AGI/PCI-Express is minimal.
PCI Express video card.
What is a good option for PCI cards is using them in conjunction with an AGP
Figure 5.1: A PCI Express Video Card 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.

1. PRINTERS
A printer is an output device that produces text and graphics on
paper.

Major types of printer

Before PCI express the most common type of video card was the AGP card. Printers can be divided into two main groups, impact printer and non-
AGP cards still give great performance. If you have only one video card in impact printer. Impact printer produces text and images when tiny wire pins
on print head strike the ink ribbon by physically contacting the paper. Non-
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-
3. POWER SUPPLY UNIT driven spindle within a protective enclosure. Data ismagnetically read from
A power supply unit (PSU) supplies DC power to the other components in a and written to the platter by read/write heads that float on a film of air above
computer. It converts general-purpose alternating current (AC) electric power the platters.
from the mains (110V to 120V at 60Hz [115V nominal] in North America,
parts of South America, Japan, and Taiwan; 220V to 240V at 50Hz [230V A hard disk drive normally has one head per platter with all heads mounted
nominal] in most of the rest of the world) to low-voltage (for a desktop on common rack. The hard disk spins the disk as 3600, 5400, and up to 7200
computer: 12V, 5V, 5VSB, 3V3, -5V, and -12V) direct current (DC) power for or even more RPM (rotation per minute).
the internal components of the computer. Some power supplies have a
switch to select either 230 V or 115 V. Other models are able to accept any
voltage and frequency between those limits and some models only operate
from one of the two mains supply standards.
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

2. SCSI
MOTHERBOARD FIC Inc.
In personal computers, Manufacturer of a number of different motherboards. Note: This site does not
a motherboard is the view well outside of Internet Explorer.
central printed circuit GigaByte Technology
board (PCB) in many Manufacturer of a wide variety of motherboards.
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.
components of the IWILL
system, providing Manufacturer that started out developing SCSI controller cards that has
connectors for other expanded into the PC motherboard market.
peripherals. The MSI Inc.
motherboard is Developer of a wide range of well prices motherboards which still contain
sometimes alternatively excellent features.
known as Shuttle Computer Group
the mainboard,system Manufacturer of a wide variety of motherboards including the small form
factor X PC line.
board, or,
Soltek USA
on Apple computers, One of the newest motherboard manufacturers on the market that recently
the logic board.[1] It is began produce small form factor products.
also sometimes casually Tyan Computer
shortened to mobo.[2] Manufacturer well known for their multiple processor motherboards.

- CENTRAL PROCESSING
MOTHERBOARD MANUFACTURERS UNIT
ABIT Ltd. The central processing
Motherboard manufacturer specializing in motherboards for the overclocking unit (CPU) is the portion of
and performance market. acomputer system that carries
AOpen out the instructions of
A division of Acer Corporation that sells primarily to the OEM market. They acomputer program, and is the
even make a computer motherboard which has a vaccuum tube on it. primary element carrying out
ASUSTek the functions of the computer or other processing device. The central
One of the oldest and most respected motherboard manufacturers on the processing unit carries out each instruction of the program in sequence,
market. 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
Chaintech
since the early 1960s.[1] The form, design and implementation of CPUs
Chaintech is one of the newer entries in the US performance have changed dramatically since the earliest examples, but their
motherboard market. fundamental operation remains much the same.
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.
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
point. Maybe it is the reason why Intel
decided to go back to this form that was used long ago.
CPU socket Types:
 PGA


 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
their own technology. I will not discuss them PGA CPU Form
here, because I think it is not important until you
are a complete savvy. But still, here are the variants names I know it
exist.

1. PPGA stands for Plastic Grid Array

2. FCPGA stands for Flip-Chip Pin Grid Array
3. CPGA stands for Ceramic Pin Grid Array
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
SELF CHECK # 2
Unit of competency: Perform Computer Operations COMPUTER MEMORY THEORY
Competency standards COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING NC II Lesson 3 covered the basic hardware that makes up a computer. There are,
Satisfactory however, additional components needed to support safe computer operation.
response In this lesson, we look at several devices that protect and enhance the value
Answer the following computer hardware’s you know YES of a computer.
NO
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
hold. This range from 1MB, 2MB, 4MB, 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB,
  256MB, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB. Nowadays you will normally only find RAM in
sizes of 128MB or above.
__________ __________ _________ __________ _________
SIMM or DIMM?

The two main types of RAM are:

1. SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module)
  2. DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module)
all modern computers use the DIMM type of RAM.
__________ _________ ____________ ___________
____________ There are 4 main types of RAM listed below and then within these there are
The trainee’s underpinning knowledge was: even more types under each of these main types. The traditional RAM type is
DRAM (dynamic RAM). The other type is SRAM (static RAM). SRAM
Satisfactory  Not continues to remember its content, while DRAM must be refreshed every few
Satisfactory  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
DDR (Double Data Rate SDRAM) DDR basically doubles the rate of data
rate. This means it's twice as fast as
transfer of standard SDRAM by transferring data on the up and down tick of
standard SDRAM, and it's one of the two
a clock cycle. DDR memory operating at 333MHz actually operates at
most common types of memory found in
166MHz * 2 (aka PC333 / PC2700) or 133MHz*2 (PC266 / PC2100). DDR is
modern laptops as of August 2009.
a 2.5 volt technology that uses 184 pins in its DIMMs. It is incompatible with
- DDR2 SDRAM is yet another upgrade to the
SDRAM physically, but uses a similar parallel bus, making it easier to
original SDRAM concept. A big advantage of this type of memory is
implement than RDRAM, which is a different technology.
that it draws less power than its predecessors, thus creating less
drain on your laptop.
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
Most Common DRAM used in PC’s are: Synchronous Dynamic RAM
memory for Intel's Pentium 4. RDRAM is a serial memory technology that
(SDRAM)
arrived in three flavors, PC600, PC700, and PC800. PC800 RDRAM has
1. Single Data Rate (SDR) SDRAM is a synchronous form of DRAM.
double the maximum throughput of old PC100 SDRAM, but a higher latency.
2. Double data rate (DDR) SDRAM was a
RDRAM designs with multiple channels, such as those in Pentium 4
later development of SDRAM, used in
motherboards, are currently at the top of the heap in memory throughput,
PC memory from 2000 onwards. DDR2
especially when paired with PC1066 RDRAM memory.
SDRAM is a minor enhancement on
DDR-SDRAM that mainly affords higher
DIMMs vs. RIMMs DRAM comes in two major form factors: DIMMs and
clock speeds and somewhat deeper
RIMMS. DIMMs are 64-bit components, but if used in a motherboard with a
pipelining.
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
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. Kingston= Stable and warranty/RMA is fast
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.

Below is a listing in order of fastest to slowest memory types in both

formats:
 DDR3 1600 / PC3-12800
 DDR3 1333 / PC3-10600 OCZ= Very good stick and 2nd. line after the above manufatures.
 DDR3 1066 / PC3-8500
 DDR2 800 / PC2-6400
 DDR3 800 / PC3-6400
 DDR2 667 / PC2-5300 or PC2-5400
 DDR2 533 / PC2-4200
 DDR2 400 / PC2-3200

BEST RAM Manufacturer

Mushkin = Excellent Performance and Durable

Crucial = Compatibility and Warranty

 How do you choose ram for your laptop computer?
 

The trainee’s underpinning knowledge was:

Satisfactory  Not Satisfactory

SELF CHECK # 3
Unit of competency: Perform Computer Operations
Competency standards COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING NC II
Satisfactory
response
Answer the following computer hardware’s you know YES TYPES OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE
NO
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.
________________ ________________
_________________ Major Types of Software
Software is the means by which computer systems speak with computer
users. Software forms the heart of computer systems. What are the major
types of software? Read on to find out.
 

________________ ________________ ________________ Software, by definition, is the collection of computer programs, procedures
and documentation that performs different tasks on a computer system. The
term 'software' was first used by John Tukey in 1958. At the very basic level,
computer software consists of a machine language that consists of groups of
binary values, which specify processor instructions. The processor
  instructions change the state of computer hardware in a predefined
sequence. Briefly, computer software is the language in which a computer
speaks.
____________________________
There are different types of computer software. What are their major
How do you choose ram for your desktop computer? types?
  Programming Software: This is one of the most commonly known and
popularly used forms of computer software. These software come in forms of
tools that assist a programmer in writing computer programs. Computer
programs are sets of logical instructions that make a computer system wonder, if the word 'soft' in ‘software’ implies ‘soft-spokenness’, which is an
perform certain tasks. The tools that help the programmers in instructing a important quality of a pleasant communication.
computer system include text editors, compilers and interpreters.

System Software: It helps in running the computer hardware and the Software copyright
computer system. System software is a collection of operating systems; Software copyright is the relatively recent extension of copyright law
devise drivers, servers, windowing systems and utilities. System software to machine-readable software. While many of the legal principles and policy
helps an application programmer in abstracting away from hardware, debates concerning software copyright have close parallels in other domains
memory and other internal complexities of a computer. of copyright law, there are a number of distinctive issues that arise with
software. This article will primarily focus on topics peculiar to software.
Application Software: It enables the end users to accomplish certain
specific tasks. Business software, databases and educational software are Software copyright is commonly used by proprietary software companies to
some forms of application software. Different word processors, which are prevent the unauthorized copying of their software. Open source
dedicated for specialized tasks to be performed by the user, are other licenses also rely on copyright law to enforce their terms. For
examples of application software. instance, copyleft licenses impose a duty on licensees to share their
modifications to the copylefted work under some circumstances. No such
Apart from these three basic types of software, there are some other well- duty would apply had the software in question been in the public domain.
known forms of computer software like inventory management software,
ERP, utility software, accounting software and others. Take a look at some of The copyright infringement of software (often referred to as software piracy)
them. refers to several practices which involve the unauthorized copying of
computer software. Copyright infringement of this kind is extremely common.
Inventory Management Software: This type of software helps an Most countries have copyright laws which apply to software, but the degree
organization in tracking its goods and materials on the basis of quality as well of enforcement varies.
as quantity. Warehouse inventory management functions encompass the
internal warehouse movements and storage. Inventory software helps a SELF CHECK # 4
company in organizing inventory and optimizing the flow of goods in the Trainee’s name:
organization, thus leading to an improved customer service.
Unit of competency: Perform Computer Operations
Utility Software: Also known as service routine, utility software helps in the Competency standards COMPUTER HARDWARE SERVICING NC II
management of computer hardware and application software. It performs a Satisfactory
small range of tasks. Disk defragmenters, systems utilities and virus response
Answer the following question given below
scanners are some of the typical examples of utility software. YES NO
Data Backup and Recovery Software: An ideal data backup and recovery What is software?
software provides functionalities beyond simple copying of data files. This  
software often supports user needs of specifying what is to be backed up and
when. Backup and recovery software preserve the original organization of
files and allow an easy retrieval of the backed up data. What is Operating System software / System Software?
 
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
without them. We would not have been able to use computers if not for the What is Application Software?
software. What is fascinating about the world of computers is that it has its
own languages, its ways of communication with our human world and human  
interaction with the computers is possible, thanks to computer software. I
 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.