Computer Components and Peripherals

Computer Safety Worksheet 1. What tools should you have on your worktable before beginning to work on any computer? 2. What characteristic should a tool not have when working on a computer? 3. What special process is required before handling electronic circuit boards or ICs? 4. What type of footwear is most suitable when working on a computer? 5. What type of clothing must be avoided when working on a computer? 6. Describe how electronic devices and computer circuit boards must be handled. 7. Name two special considerations when choosing cleaning agents for computer components. 8. Why is it important not to eat or drink in the computer lab? 9. What is the procedure to follow if chemicals get into your eyes? 10. Why is it always important to record settings and configurations before changing them? 11. Explain how you would backup a file. Why is that important? How would you create a backup? Sample Glossary of Terms Table Term motherboard BIOS CPU RAM Hard Drive Glossary of Terms Terms Access Time Boot Record Cluster Cylinder Data Area Data Transfer Rate Directory ESDI FAT Formatting Hard Disk IDE Land Magnetic Storage Pit Read/Write Head Sector Track

Explanation

Definition

Glossary of Terms CACHE: Cache is another type of memory kindred to RAM. Cache is used by the computer to quickly move data between the RAM and the CPU. CD-ROM DRIVE: Most new computers now come with a CD-ROM drive. A CD-ROM drive reads data from a disc. These CDs look like a music CD, but hold data instead of music. CD-ROMs also contain games, dictionaries, recipe files... the list is endless. CPU: The CPU, or central processing unit, is the brains of the computer. Most new Windows based programs use a Pentium processor, and MAC computers use Power Mac processors. HARD DRIVE: The hard drive also is called the hard disk. Youll probably never see it because it is nestled inside your computer. Its the computers electronic filling cabinet, and it stores the computers operating system, files, programs and documents. Hard drive capacity now range up to 20 Gigabytes KEYBOARD: Just like a typewriter keyboard, this device is the primary way of inputting data into many programs. MEMORY: This is the circuitry or device that holds information in an electrical or magnetic form. There is read-only memory (ROM), which is information stored on a manufacturer supplied IC, and randomaccess memory (RAM), which is chip-based storage inside the computer. Memory is measured in Megabytes (MBs). MONITOR: An output device that allows you to see what you are doing. Most computers come with 14 or 15-inch monitors. This size is good for most peoples needs. Larger 17- or 21-inch monitors also are available, but may cost more. MOTHERBOARD: The motherboard is the circuit board that everything in the computer plugs into. The CPU, RAM and caps all plug into the motherboard. MOUSE: The mouse is another input device that makes getting around in your computer easier. It is a handheld object that is good for doing tasks such as moving and pointing to objects on the screen, and can replace the function and control keys of the keyboard. RAM: Computers save data in two ways: on the hard drive and in random access memory (RAM) or internal memory. New computer buyers should look for models with at least 16 MBs of RAM (or more, depending on what types of programs youll be running). Make sure that the computer can be upgraded. SOUND CARD: This device allows your computer to reproduce music, sounds, and voices. Make sure you have a sound card if youre planning to play multimedia games. VIDEO CARD: The video card is the part of the computer that sends the images to the monitor Quiz 1. What do the following acronyms or words stand for? (a) CPU (b) ROM (c) CMOS (d) BIOS (g) CD-ROM (h) HEX (i) Byte (j) IDE (m) SDRAM (n) DIP (o) PCI (p) AGP

(e) Mbyte (k) SCSI (q) ISA

(f) HD (l) UDAM (r) Bus

2. Label the parts of the hard drive. Include hidden parts beneath the elements that are visible.

3. Provide a simple block diagram for a computer. List some common computer parts under each block you show.