Testing

1. Personal Computer Basics
Module Objectives
 Lesson 1 – Computer Components
Understand the definition, characteristics,
types and basic components of a personal
computer.
 Lesson 2 – Computer Internal Components
Understand the differences between desktop
and laptop personal computer, and internal
components of computer case.

2. Computer Components
By the end of this lesson, you should
able to:
Understand the general definition,
characteristics and types of a
personal computer
Identify the main components that
make up a desktop and laptop
personal computer

3. What is a computer ?
“Computers are electronic devices that
have the ability to input, process, output,
and store data or information.”

4. Characteristics of a computer
1. Processor
Able to follow instructions and
carry out actions, and it commonly
called the “brain” of a computer.
i.e. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
2. Memory or Storage Device
Able to remember things or
store data. i.e. RAM or Hard disk.
3. Input Device
Able to accept information from computer
user. i.e. Keyboard and mouse.
4. Output Device
Able to deliver information to computer
user. i.e. Monitor and Printer.

5. Computer Types
1. Special-purpose Computers
• Used for special purposes and usually expensive. i.e.
Computer to control LRT, Traffic Lights and ATM.
2. General-purpose Computers
• Used for general purposes like entertainment, Word processing
and surfing internet.
• It is more popular as they are cheap and can perform a variety
of work. i.e. Personal Computer.

6. Desktop Computer

7. Desktop Components
Main Unit / Central Processing Unit
(CPU)
The computer case/box encloses the
primary components the make
computer works.
Monitor
This device displays the images and
text generated by the computer, so
that you can see what it’s doing and
the results of your actions.

8. Desktop Components
Keyboard
This device inputs letter, numbers and
special characters into the computer
for storage and manipulation.
Mouse
This device points at graphical
elements displayed on the computer
monitor.

9. Laptop Computer

10. Laptop Components
Main Unit / CPU
A notebook size computer case
encloses the primary components the
make computer works.
Keyboard
This device inputs letter, numbers and
special characters into the computer
for storage and manipulation.

11. Laptop Components
Monitor
This device displays the images and
text generated by the computer, so
that you can see what it’s doing and
the results of your actions.
Touchpad / Pointing Device
This device points at graphical
elements displayed on the computer
monitor.

12. Summary
 Computer is an electronic device that able to
input, process, output and store data or
information.
 The characteristic of a computer includes
Processor, Memory/Storage Devices,
Input device and Output device.
 Computers are classified either General
Purpose computers or Specific Purpose
computers.
 The personal computer’s components
includes Main Unit/CPU, Keyboard,
Mouse/Touchpad and Monitor.

13. Computer Internal Components
By the end of this lesson, you should
able to:
Understand the differences between
desktop and laptop personal
computer
Identify the internal components
inside the Main unit/CPU of a desktop
personal computer

14. Desktop vs. Laptop Computer
Features Desktop Laptop
Computer Computer
Size Big & Heavy Small & Light
Mobility Low – Need High- Easy to Carry
dismantle
Keyboards, Mouse
and Monitor first.
Battery Powered No Yes
Price Low High
System Upgrade High- Every Limited – The hard
Flexibility component can be disk and Memory
upgraded. component only.
Maintenance Cost Low High
Risk of damage Low High

15. Computer Internal Components
• Motherboard
A main circuit board that inter-
connects CPU, RAM Memory,
Hard Disk and CD Disk drive
components together via data
cables.
• Centre Processing Unit / CPU
The “brains” of the computer.
• RAM Memory
The temporary storage areas for
holding data/information and
program that CPU needs.

16. Components Function
• Hard Disk Drive
The permanent storage areas for
data/information & program.
• CD ROM Drive
A removable storage device to store
computer data in CD/DVD ROM discs.
• Power Supply
The power source of the computer that
supplies electrical power to all computer
internal components.

17. Computer Main Unit Example
Power supply CD-ROM drive Floppy drive
CPU with fan
Hard drive
Adapter
Motherboard

18. Summary
 The key feature differences between Desktop
and Laptop computers includes: Size, Mobility,
Battery Powered, Price, System Upgrade
flexibility, Maintenance Cost and Risk of
Damage or Theft.
 Motherboard is the main circuit board in a
computer.
 CPU is the brain of the computer.
 RAM Memory is the temporary storage areas for
holding data, program and information that CPU
needs.
 Hard disk drive is the permanent storage areas
for data, information and program.
 Power Supply is the power source of computer.