COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS

1. WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
A computer is a machine or device that performs processes, calculations and
operations based on instructions provided by a software or hardware program.
It has the ability to accept data (input), process it, and then produce outputs

You may already know that you can use a computer to type documents, send
email, play games, and browse the Web.

2. THE BASIC STRUCTURE OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

CONSISTS OF THREE PARTS
1. CPU - Performs arithmetic and logic operations
2. INPUT - OUTPUT DEVICES (Peripherals) - Keyboard, Monitor, Modem,
Mouse, Joystick, Speakers, Printers, etc.
3. MEMORY - Primary – directly accessible by the CPU. Secondary – external
memory for storing data.

3. PARTS OF A COMPUTER (Front View)

3.1 COMPUTER PARTS INSIDE CABINET (SIDE VIEW)

4. Motherboard
The motherboard is a printed circuit board and foundation of a computer that
is the biggest board in a computer chassis. It allocates power and allows
communication to and between the CPU, RAM, and all other computer
hardware components.

A motherboard provides connectivity between the hardware components of a

computer, like the processor (CPU), memory (RAM), hard drive, and video
card. There are multiple types of motherboards, designed to fit different types
and sizes of computers.
Modern Motherboard Parts…(diagram 4)

5. Individual Parts Explained

5.1 Processor
The processor fits in the CPU socket as seen in diagram 4.

A processor, or CPU, is a circuit board inside a computer that executes

instructions on behalf of programs. Modern computer processors can process
millions of instructions in a second. Processors are considered the main chip on
a computer.

A processor is a piece of hardware that interprets the instructions that drive a

computer. Processors are the brains of a computer with good reason. Without
a processor, computers could not run programs.

Processors are also called Central Processing Units (CPUs).

Processing units take instructions from a computer’s Random Access Memory
(RAM). The CPU decodes and processes an action when an instruction is
received. Then, the CPU delivers an output.

• CPU is considered as the brain of the computer.

• CPU performs all types of data processing operations.
• It stores data, intermediate results, and instructions (program).
• It controls the operation of all parts of the computer.
5.1.1 CPU itself has following three components.

• Memory or Storage Unit

• Control Unit
• ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)

Memory or Storage Unit

This unit can store instructions, data, and intermediate results. This unit
supplies information to other units of the computer when needed. It is also
known as internal storage unit or the main memory or the primary storage or
Random Access Memory (RAM).
Its size affects speed, power, and capability. Primary memory and secondary
memory are two types of memories in the computer. Functions of the
memory unit are −
• It stores all the data and the instructions required for processing.
• It stores intermediate results of processing.
• It stores the final results of processing before these results are released
to an output device.
• All inputs and outputs are transmitted through the main memory.
Control Unit
This unit controls the operations of all parts of the computer but does not
carry out any actual data processing operations.
Functions of this unit are −
• It is responsible for controlling the transfer of data and instructions
among other units of a computer.
• It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer.
• It obtains the instructions from the memory, interprets them, and
directs the operation of the computer.
• It communicates with Input/output devices for transfer of data or
results from storage.
• It does not process or store data.

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

This unit consists of two subsections namely,

• Arithmetic Section
• Logic Section

Arithmetic Section
Function of arithmetic section is to perform arithmetic operations like
addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. All complex operations are
done by making repetitive use of the above operations.
Logic Section
Function of logic section is to perform logic operations such as comparing,
selecting, matching, and merging of data.

6. Memory
As the word implies “memory” means the place where we have to store
anything, this is very essential part of human being just like this memory is also
very important for computer system because in computer system we have to
store some data or information and for storing these items we need some
memory or space.
6.1 Primary Memory
Primary memory also known as “main memory” or “internal memory” which is
located in the mother board of system or as we say which is directly
connected to the CPU. It is the place where only little bit of data are stored.

Primary Memory is further divided into two parts :-

• RAM (Random access memory)
• ROM (Read only memory)

RAM
The RAM fits in the DIMM (dual in-line memory module) Slots as seen in
diagram 4.

Computer memory or random access memory (RAM) is your system’s short-

term data storage; it stores the information your computer is actively using so
that it can be accessed quickly. The more programs your system is running, the
more memory you’ll need. This memory is volatile in nature.

In a way, memory (RAM) is like your desk. It allows you to work on a variety of
projects, and the larger your desk, the more papers, folders, and tasks you can
have out at one time. You can quickly and easily access the information
without going to a filing cabinet (your storage drive). When you’re finished
with a project, or leaving for the day, you can put some or all the projects in
the filing cabinet for safekeeping. Your storage drive (hard drive or solid state
drive) is the filing cabinet that works with your desk to track your projects.

The RAM used for Desktop and Laptops is DDR5 (as of 2023) SDRAM (double
data rate fifth generation synchronous dynamic random-access memory

For Mobile the RAM used is LPDDR4 ( LPDDR RAM stands for low power
double data rate random access memory fourth generation)

Ram Sizes (Memory Size)

The most common RAM size you can find in everyday laptop PCs nowadays
is 8GB. Higher-end mainstream laptop models oftentimes feature 12GB and
16GB. You can find high-performance gaming laptops and mobile workstations
with 24 or even 32 Gigabytes, too.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

Known as “Read Only Memory” as the word refers mainly it can only read the
data which in stored in it. This memory is mainly used by our computer when
we just turn on our computer. It contains BIOS (Basic input output system) of
system. This memory is non-volatile in nature.

7. HARD DISK DRIVE (Secondary Memory)

The NvMe SSD (Solid state drive) fits in the M.2 slots as seen in diagram 4.

The place where we store our personal data in computer system is known as
Secondary Memory. In this we store data so that when the data is needed we
can easily retrieve it. This is the fundamental component of computer system.
It is non-volatile in nature so that we cannot loose the data when power
supply is off. Example of secondary storage is Hard Disk Drive (HDD).

The latest hard disk in use as of (2021) is NvMe (Non volatile memory) SSD
(solid state drive) usually in sizes of 512 GB or 1 TB.

Ram / Hard disk (Memory Sizes Definition or calculation)

Bit - Smallest unit of computer memory
Byte - 8 bit = 1 byte
Kilobyte - 1024 byte = 1 kb (Kilobyte)
Megabyte - 1024 kb = 1 mb (Megabyte)
Gigabyte - 1024 mb = 1 gb (Gigabyte)
Terabyte - 1024 gb = 1 tb (Terabyte)
8. PCIE (peripheral component interconnect express)
What is PCIe or PCI Express? PCIe is short for “peripheral component
interconnect express” and it's primarily used as a standardized interface for
motherboard components primarily graphics cards.

8.1 Graphics Cards

Graphic cards fit into the PCI slot as seen in diagram 4.

Graphics card is a hardware which is used to increase the video memory of a

computer, and make its display quality more high-definition. It makes the
computer more powerful and gives it the capacity to do more high-level
works. The quality of the image depends on the quality of the graphics card. It
is very much important for gaming and video editing on a PC. Every game
needs a graphics memory to start and it depends on the type of the game, and
the requirements are mentioned on the game box.

What is VRAM on a graphics card?

VRAM is an abbreviation for video random access memory and it is used to
store graphics data. VRAM is generally located on the video card of your PC.
Higher the VRAM better is the graphic performance and video output.

Some of the best graphic cards (as of 2021)

• Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080.
• AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT. AMD's RDNA 2 architecture at its best. ...
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti. More affordable Ampere. ...
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070. ...
• AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT. ...
• Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090. ...
• AMD Radeon RX 6800.
Graphics card fitted on a motherboard PCIE Slot

9. USB, Audio and Ethernet ports

As seen from diagram 4….

What are computer ports?

A port is a connector at the back or side of a computer where you plug in an
external device such as a printer, keyboard, scanner, mouse, modem, Ethernet
(LAN cable for networking or internet), Audio line in (for recording audio), line
out (speakers, headphones), microphone connections
This connection allows instructions and data to flow between the computer
and the device. These computer ports are also commonly referred to as the
Input/output ports (I/O ports).

USB - Universal Serial Bus (USB)

A Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a common interface that enables
communication between devices and a host controller such as a personal
computer (PC) or smartphone. It connects peripheral devices such as digital
cameras, mice, keyboards, printers, scanners, media devices, external hard
drives and flash drives

You should find a USB port on the front, back, or side of your computer (the
location may vary depending on whether you have a desktop or laptop). If
you're using Windows, a dialog box may appear. If it does, select Open folder
to view files

Audio Ports
Almost every computer has two or more audio ports where you can connect
various devices, including speakers, microphones, and headsets.
Note: Apart from the normal audio ports like line in port (usually in blue
color), line out port(usually In green color), mic port(usually in pink color), we
can also use USB ports for audio in and audio out.
Ethernet
An Ethernet port (also called a jack or socket) is an opening on computer
network equipment that Ethernet cables plug into. Their purpose is to connect
wired network hardware in an Ethernet LAN,

Modern laptops have USB C connector instead of Ethernet port. This USB C
port can be used for many purposes and also for Ethernet connection.

10. Advanced block diagram of a computer

11. Computer Configurations according to end use.
Computers are used for different purposes. Some of the commonly used setup
are as follows….
• Home use – Used for browsing, printing, Video call etc. Minimal
computing power is required.
• Programming etc. Needs more computing power than a normal home
user.
• Video Editing – Needs a lot of computing power since it handles HD (2k
and 4k) video editing requires a dedicated Video Editing Card which is
inserted in the PCI slot.
• Sound Production – Needs a lot of computing power, since it handles
multiple track recording through a dedicated sound card. Multiple track
sound production requires a lot of memory (RAM) and processor speed.
• Gaming – Requires a top end graphics card to take advantage of modern
games with 2k or 4k gaming with ray tracing technology. Needs a high
end processor with high memory (RAM)

Home computer configuration (To handle simple tasks)

Processor Intel i3 (10th or 11th gen processor)
Or
Amd Ryzen 3 (3000 or 5000 series
processor)
Ram 8 GB DDR4 or DDR5
HDD NvMe SSD (512 GB)
Graphics Inbuilt Motherboard graphics card
Monitor 1920*1080 full HD 21 inch monitor
Cabinet and power supply 650 watts power supply with any
modern cabinet
Motherboard Asus or Intel motherboard (Mid
range)
Keyboard and mouse Wired or wireless keyboard (Logitech
or dell)
External camera (if desktop) Logitech camera withbuilt in mic.
Printer All in one printers (deskjet)
Office computer configuration (To handle office tasks)
Processor Intel i5 (10th or 11th gen processor)
Or
Amd Ryzen 5 (3000 or 5000 series
processor)
Ram 8 GB DDR4 or DDR5
HDD NvMe SSD (512 GB)
Graphics Inbuilt Motherboard graphics card
Monitor 1920*1080 full HD 21 inch monitor
Cabinet and power supply 650 watts power supply with any
modern cabinet
Motherboard Asus or Intel motherboard (Mid
range)
Keyboard and mouse Wired or wireless keyboard (Logitech
or dell)
Printer Laser Jet Printer (all in one)

Video Editing computer configuration (To handle heavy tasks)

Processor Intel i9 (10th or 11th gen processor)
Or
Amd Ryzen 9 (5000 series processor)
Ram 32 GB DDR4 or DDR5
HDD NvMe SSD 1 TB
Graphics AMD radeon or Geforce with 8 GB
onboard VRAM
Monitor 4K Monitor 32 inch
Motherboard Asus, Gigabyte or Intel motherboard
(Mid range)
Keyboard and mouse Wired or wireless keyboard (Logitech
or dell)
Gaming computer configuration (To handle gaming)
Processor Intel i7 (10th or 11th gen processor)
Or
Amd Ryzen 7 (5000 series processor)
Ram 16 GB DDR4 or DDR5 with RGB
lighting
HDD NvMe SSD 1 TB
Graphics AMD radeon or Geforce with 8 GB
onboard VRAM
Monitor 2K or 4K Monitor 27 inch curved
monitor
Motherboard Asus Rog Strix gaming motherboard,
Gigabyte gaming motherboard
Keyboard and mouse Wired keyboard and mouse for
gaming with RGB lights
Cabinet Gaming cabinet with 4 to 5 heat sink
fans and RGB lighting.
Headset with mic Gaming headset with built in mic on
the headset.