Introduction to computer hardware

INTRODUCTION TO
COMPUTER
HARDWARE

WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
OA computer is an electronic device that
helps people perform different tasks. For
example, computer allows us to write
letters, create pictures, make
calculations, play games and send
electronic mail (e-mail) via computers.

PARTS OF A COMPUTER
 The three main elements of computer are:
a. System unit
b. Input devices
c. Output devices
These components work together like a team to
complete tasks. The system unit acts like the center
or core, processing the data and information it
receives from input devices. Output devices, like
printers, receive the system unit’s processed
information (data).

PARTS OF A COMPUTER
1. System unit
 This is the core of a computer which is
responsible for processing and storing data and
controls all computer functions.
 It is in the system that raw data is processed into
information. The system unit works with the
computer’s peripheral devices.
 This is also known as the Central Processing
Unit (CPU) and is inside the computer case.
This is the brain of the computer.

PARTS OF A COMPUTER
2. Output device
 It is any peripheral device that presents, displays,
alters or records output after it has left a
computer’s system unit.
 Examples:
a. Printers -create hard copy data
b. Monitors -display data or information onscreen
c. Speakers -produce sound with data

PARTS OF A COMPUTER
3. Input devices
 It is used to generate input for the computer and
allows people to enter information into computer
to be processed.
 It allows users to provide a computer with
commands, software, instructions, and
information.
 Examples:
a. Keyboard – The set of typewrites-like keys that
enables you to enter data into a computer

PARTS OF A COMPUTER
b. Mouse – It is a device that controls the movement
of the cursor or pointer on a display screen.
c. Scanner – An input device that takes in an optical
image and digitizes it into an electronic image
represented as binary data.
d. Microphone – It allows the computer to receive
and record sound.

WHAT DOES A COMPUTER DO?
1. Computers can help you write letters,
homework, research and any text you want to
type.
2. Computers can be used to draw, paint, and
edit pictures.
3. Computers can help you solve hard math
problems with the use of a calculator
program.
4. Computers can be used to watch a movie and
listen to music.

WHAT DOES A COMPUTER DO?
5. Computers are used to communicate with other
people with the use of internet. You can send email
and chat with your friends.
6. Computers can be used to play fun games.

CONNECTING COMPUTER PARTS
 Instructions on how to connect computer
parts:
1. Plug in the socket of the CPU. Make sure you
are wearing a dry slipper and your hands are dry
to avoid being grounded by electricity.
2. Turn the monitor to see its back. There are two
cables that needs to be connected. One is for
power socket and the other is a VGA connector
for the CPU.
a. Connect one end of the monitor cable on the
back of the monitor. Connect and tighten the
thumbscrews on both sides of the connector.

CONNECTING COMPUTER PARTS
b. Connect the VGA cable of the monitor to the
CPU.
c. Plug in the power cable to the power socket.
3. Connect the keyboard and mouse cables.

STARTING AND SHUTTING DOWN
THE COMPUTER
A. To turn On the computer:
1. Push the On switch or button of the monitor.
2. Push the On switch or button of the CPU.
B. To shut down the computer:
 For Windows XP:
1. Click the Start button.
2. Click Turn Off Computer icon.
3. Click Shutdown icon.

THE COMPUTER
 For Windows Vista:
2. Click the arrow icon.
3. Click the Shut Down.
C. To Restart the computer:
 For Windows XP:
2. Click Turn Off Computer icon.

THE COMPUTER
3. Click Restart icon.
 For Windows Vista:
2. Click the arrow icon.
3. Click Restart.

PROPER HANDLING OF THE
MOUSE
 The mouse is a very important tool in navigating
the cursor in your computer. You should take care
of it by not banging it hard on your desk. Placing a
mouse pad under it can help make your
navigating smooth and to avoid it from scratches.
Let it remain on the side of your keyboard so that
it won’t get lost. Also, be gentle in pressing the
buttons so that it won’t get broken easily.

PROPER HANDLING OF THE MOUSE
 Most of the time you will click or double click the
left mouse button to select objects. You can also
click and press the enter key to open a selected
item on the desktop.
 When you click the right mouse button, a special
menu is displayed with various options you can
choose from.
 Most of the mouse today have scroll rollers at the
middle of the mouse buttons. You can use this to
scroll up or down on Windows with long contents.

 Proper ways of holding the mouse:
1. Hold the sides of the mouse with your thumb, ring
finger and pinky.
2. Place your index finger on the left mouse button
and middle finger on the right mouse button.
3. Always rest your wrist on the desk or mouse pad.
4. If you run out of space or room on the mouse pad,
you can lift the mouse to stay on the available
space.

1. Slowly slide the mouse around on the mouse pad
while looking at the movements on the screen or
desktop.
2. The mouse should always be pointing away from
you.
3. To click, gently press and release the left mouse
button.
4. Be careful not to move the mouse while you are
clicking. Keep your hand relaxed on the mouse as
you press down and release without lifting your
finger completely off the button.
5. Try to control your fingers not to press the button
for too long or too hard.

PROPER HANDLING OF DISKETTES
AND Cds
1. Diskette (or Floppy Disk)
 It is used to help you store files and open it to other
computers. This consists of a plastic casing
enclosing a thin piece of plastic. The plastic has a
coating of magnetic particles on it, onto which the
information is written in the magnetic code.
 For the computer to read it, the diskette is placed
inside the Floppy Disk drive.

PROPER HANDLING OF DISKETTES
AND Cds
2. Compact Disks
 It is similar to the floppy diskette because it also
stores data and you can retrieve data from it.
 The CD ROM Drive is a drive that reads
information from a compact disk, like music CD or a
software CD.
 For proper handling of Cds, always place your CDs
in a clean CD case or sleeve after using it so that it
won’t get lost and have scratches.

THE KEYBOARD
 Grouped or categorized keys:
A. The Alphabetical Keys
1. Home Row Keys – Keys at the middle row of the
alphabetical keys in the keyboard. The
colon/semicolon is added for proper placement of
the pinky finger to the keyboard.
 Left Hand:
4th finger (pinky)-Letter A
3rd finger (ring)-Letter S
2nd finger (middle)-Letter D
1st finger (index)-Letter F
Left thumb-space bar

THE KEYBOARD
 Right Hand:
4th finger (pinky)-semi-colon (;)
3rd finger (ring)-Letter L
2nd finger (middle)-Letter K
1st finger (index)-Letter J
Right thumb-space bar
2. Top Row Keys- Keys at the top row of the
alphabetical keys in the keyboard.
 Left Hand:
4th finger (pinky)-Letter Q
3rd finger (ring)-Letter W
2nd finger (middle)-Letter E
1st finger (index)-Letter R

THE KEYBOARD
 Right Hand:
4th finger (pinky)- Letter U
3rd finger (ring)-Letter I
2nd finger (middle)-Letter O
1st finger (index)-Letter P
3. Bottom Row Keys- Keys at the bottom row of the
alphabetical keys in the keyboard. The comma key is
added to complete the keys the fingers will fall on to.
 Left Hand:
4th finger (pinky)-Letter Z
3rd finger (ring)-Letter X
2nd finger (middle)-Letter C
1st finger (index)-Letter V

THE KEYBOARD
 Right Hand:
4th finger (pinky)- Letter B
3rd finger (ring)-Letter N
2nd finger (middle)-Letter M
1st finger (index)-comma (,)
B. Special Keys
1.Arrow Keys- Most computer keyboards contain four
arrow keys for moving the cursor or insertion point right,
left, up, or down. The arrow keys are also called cursor
control keys.
2. Shift Key – Key that gives the other keys an alternate
meaning.

THE KEYBOARD
3. Caps Lock Key – Toggle key on computer
keyboards that, when activated, causes all
alphabetical characters to be uppercase, but has no
effect on other keys.
4. Function Keys – Special keys on the keyboard that
have different meanings depending on which program
is running.
5. Control Key – Key on PC keyboards labeled Ctrl. It
can use the key in the same way that you can use the
Shift key-keeping it pressed down while pressing
another character.
6. Alt Key – Short for alternate key, the Alt key is a
second Control key.

THE KEYBOARD
7. Numerical Key – The numerical keypad looks
like a small calculator. If you press the NumLock Key
you can use it like a small calculator in certain
programs.
8. Space Bar – Key used to create spaces between
character (letters, numbers, or symbols).

PROPER CARE AND SAFETY IN USING
THE COMPUTER
1. Listen to your Computer Teacher. Ask permission
before you turn on the computer.
2. Be quiet while you are inside the computer room.
3. Always have clean hands and do not bring food
and drinks inside the computer room.
4. Keep the computer room clean at all times.
5. Treat the computer properly and gently. Don't hit
the keys of the keyboard too hard and don’t bang
the mouse.
6. When somebody is using the computer, learn to
share and respect others. Wait for your turn.

PROPER CARE AND SAFETY IN USING
THE COMPUTER
7. Avoid placing heavy objects on the computer and on
its parts.
8. Keep magnets away from the computer room and
other computer parts.
9. Help others when they need it.
10. Always use your computer class time wisely.
Getting assignments or projects done on time will help
you get high grades.
11. Turn the computer off when not in use. After using
the computer, if possible, cover it with a piece of cloth.
Leave your area neat, clean and organized.

PROPER POSTURE WHILE USING THE
COMPUTER
 Having proper posture while working on a computer
will help you work well and is good for your health.
 If you are working on a computer in long hours, you
should do some body stretches so that you won’t
strain your body.

Introduction to computer hardware

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