Parts of Computer

7.1.1 Parts of a Computer

1. Input Unit

2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

3. Output Unit

Input Unit

● The input unit helps to send the data and commands for the processing. The devices that are used to input data are called input devices.

● Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Barcode reader, Microphone-Mic., Web camera, Light Pen are some of the input devices

Keyboard

● Keyboard and mouse are the important input units. Keyboard plays an important role in a computer as an input device.

● Numbers and the alphabet plays a role of Data in computer. Keyboard helps to enter data.

● Keyboard has two types of keys, namely number keys and alphabet keys. The keys with numbers are called number keys and key with letters are called alphabet keys.

Mouse

● Mouse is an essential part of the computer. Mouse has two buttons and a scroll ball in the middle. The mouse is used to move the pointer on a computer screen.

● Right button is used to select files and to open the folder. Left button is used to carry out corrections in the file.

● The page on the monitor can be moved up and down using the scroll ball.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

CPU is the brain of the Computer. The data is processed in the CPU. The CPU has namely three parts.

1. Memory Unit

2. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

3. Control Unit

Control Unit

The control unit controls the functions of all parts of the computer.

Arithmetic Logic Unit

Arithmetic and Logic unit performs all arithmetic computations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Memory Unit

The memory unit in the computer saves all data and information temporarily. We can classify memory unit into two type’s namely primary and secondary memory. Memory can be expanded externally with the help of Compact Disk (CD), Pen drive, etc.

Output Unit

● The output unit converts, command received by the computer in the form of binary signals into easily understandable characters. Monitor, Printer, Speaker, scanner are some of the output devices.

● Of the various output devices, monitor is the important output device because it is linked to the computer.

● Monitor screen looks like TV screen. The input data in the form of Alphabets, Numbers, Pictures or Cartoons and Videos it will be displayed on a monitor. There are two types of monitor namely,

1. Cathode Ray Tube Monitors (CRT)

2. Thin Film Transistor Monitors (TFT)

● Now a day’s computer system has TFT monitor as they occupy less space and emit less heat than CRT monitors.

7.1.2 Memory Units

The data is measured in units which is called as Bit. A Bit has a single binary value either 0 or 1.

Classification of Computer

The computers can be classified as follows based on their design, shape, speed, efficiency, working of the memory unit and their applications.

1. Mainframe Computer

2. Mini Computer

3. Micro or Personal Computer

4. Super Computer

Personal computer and its types

Personal computer comes under the microcomputer. Based on the memory and efficiency in PC they can be classified as

1. Desktop

2. Laptop

3. Tablet

7.1.3 Connecting the Computer

● You must have seen tube light and fan working by connection through electric wire. Likewise various parts of the computer are linked through connecting cables. We call computer as a system as it is connected with one another. Do you know how these parts are connected?

● There are many cables used to connect these parts. These cables are called as connecting cables. These cables are found in different sizes. Each cable has its own specific use. Let us see the different types of cables and its uses.

Types of Cables

1. Video Graphics Array (VGA)

2. High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)

3. Universal Serial Bus (USB)

4. Data cable

5. Power Cord

6. Mic cable

7. Ethernet cable

1. VGA cable it is used to connect the computer monitor with the CPU.

2. USB cable /cord Devices like Printer, Pen drive, Scanner, Mouse, Keyboard, web camera, and Mobile phone devices are connected with the computer using USB cord or cable.

3. HDMI cable HDMI cable transmits high quality and high bandwidth streams of audio and video. It connects monitor, projector with the computer.

4. Data cable Data cable transmits data and it is used to connect tablet, mobile phones to the CPU for data transfer.

5. Audio jack the audio jack is used to connect the speaker to the computer.

6. Power cord Power cord temporarily connects an appliance to the main electricity supply.

7. Mic cable to connect the Mic to the CPU, Mic wire/ cord is used.

8. Ethernet Ethernet cable helps to establish internet connectivity.

7.1.4 Wireless Connections

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi are used to connect to internet without using any connecting cables / devices.

1. Bluetooth Mouse, Keyboard can be connected to the computer using the Bluetooth. Using the Bluetooth the data can be shared with nearby devices

2. Wi-Fi Net connectivity can be obtained using the Wi-Fi without any connecting cables. Any data from anywhere can be shared using Wi-Fi.