Parts of the Computer

I. Hardware
Computers work through an interaction of hardware and software. Hardware refers to the parts of a computer that you can see
and touch, including the case and everything inside it. The most important piece of hardware is a tiny rectangular chip inside your
computer called the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor. It's the "brain" of your computer—the part that translates
instructions and performs calculations. Hardware items such as your monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, and other components
are often called hardware devices, or devices.

If you use a desktop computer, you might already know that there isn't any single part called the "computer." A computer is really
a system of many parts working together. The physical parts, which you can see and touch, are collectively called hardware.
(Software, on the other hand, refers to the instructions, or programs, that tell the hardware what to do.)

The following illustration shows the most common hardware in a desktop computer system. Your system might look a little
different, but it probably has most of these parts. A laptop computer has similar parts but combines them into a single, notebook-
sized package.

 System unit

The system unit is the core of a computer system. Usually it's a rectangular box placed on or
underneath your desk. Inside this box are many electronic components that process information.
The most important of these components is the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor,
which acts as the "brain" of your computer. Another component is random access memory
(RAM), which temporarily stores information that the CPU uses while the computer is on. The
information stored in RAM is erased when the computer is turned off. Almost every other part of
your computer connects to the system unit using cables. The cables plug into specific ports
(openings), typically on the back of the system unit. Hardware that is not part of the system unit
is sometimes called a peripheral device or device
  Storage

Your computer has one or more disk drives—devices that store information on a metal or plastic disk. The disk preserves the
information even when your computer is turned off.

o Hard disk drive

Your computer's hard disk drive stores information on a hard disk—a

rigid platter or stack of platters with a magnetic surface. Because hard
disks can hold massive amounts of information, they usually serve as
your computer's primary means of storage, holding almost all of your
programs and files. The hard disk drive is normally located inside the
system unit.

o CD and DVD drives

Nearly all computers today come equipped with a CD or DVD drive, usually located on the front
of the system unit. CD drives use lasers to read (retrieve) data from a CD; many CD drives can
also write (record) data onto CDs. If you have a recordable disk drive, you can store copies of
your files on blank CDs. You can also use a CD drive to play music CDs on your computer.

DVD drives can do everything that CD drives can, plus read DVDs. If you have a DVD drive, you
can watch movies on your computer. Many DVD drives can record data onto blank DVDs.

o Floppy disk drive

Floppy disk drives store information on floppy disks, also called floppies or diskettes. Compared to CDs
and DVDs, floppy disks can store only a small amount of data. They also retrieve information more
slowly and are more prone to damage. For these reasons, floppy disk drives are less popular than they
used to be, although some computers still include them.

Why are these disks called "floppy" disks? The outside is made of hard plastic, but that's just the
sleeve. The disk inside is made of a thin, flexible vinyl material.

o USB Flash Drive

A universal serial bus (USB) flash drive is a small, portable device that plugs into a computer's
USB port. Like a hard disk, a USB flash drive stores information, but with a flash drive you can
easily transfer that information from one computer to another. USB flash drives vary in size
and shape and can hold gigabytes of information. USB flash drives are also called pen drives,
key chain drives, key drives, and memory keys.

 Mouse

A mouse is a small device used to point to and select items on your computer screen.
Although mice come in many shapes, the typical mouse does look a bit like an actual
mouse. It's small, oblong, and connected to the system unit by a long wire that resembles
a tail. Some newer mice are wireless.
A mouse usually has two buttons: A primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary button. Many mice also have a wheel
between the two buttons, which allows you to scroll smoothly through screens of information.

When you move the mouse with your hand, a pointer on your screen moves in the same direction. (The pointer's appearance
might change depending on where it's positioned on your screen.) When you want to select an item, you point to the item and
then click (press and release) the primary button. Pointing and clicking with your mouse is the main way to interact with your
computer.

 Keyboard

A keyboard is used mainly for typing text into your computer. Like the keyboard on a typewriter, it has keys for letters and
numbers, but it also has special keys:

 The function keys, found on the top row, perform different functions depending on where they are used.
 The numeric keypad, located on the right side of most keyboards, allows you to enter numbers quickly.
 The navigation keys, such as the arrow keys, allow you to move your position within a document or webpage.

You can also use your keyboard to perform many of the same tasks you can perform with a mouse.

 Monitor

A monitor displays information in visual form, using text and graphics. The portion of the monitor that displays the information is
called the screen. Like a television screen, a computer screen can show still or moving pictures.

There are two basic types of monitors: CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors and the newer LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors. Both
types produce sharp images, but LCD monitors have the advantage of being much thinner and lighter.
  Printer

A printer transfers data from a computer onto paper. You don't need a printer to use your computer, but having one allows you to
print e-mail, cards, invitations, announcements, and other material. Many people also like being able to print their own photos at
home.

The two main types of printers are inkjet printers and laser printers. Inkjet printers are the most popular printers for the home.
They can print in black and white or in full color and can produce high-quality photographs when used with special paper. Laser
printers are faster and generally better able to handle heavy use.

 Speakers

Speakers are used to play sound. They can be built into the system unit or connected with cables.
Speakers allow you to listen to music and hear sound effects from your computer.

 Modem

To connect your computer to the Internet, you need a modem. A modem is a device that sends and
receives computer information over a telephone line or high-speed cable. Modems are sometimes built
into the system unit, but higher-speed modems are usually separate components.

 AVR/Automatic Voltage Regulator

AVRs regulate the power or voltage supplied to the power supply of the system unit. Since the system
unit has a part called power supply that disseminates limited currents to each of components with fixed
resistance. AVR was built to provide socket for 110 current and 220 current and fuse to restrict surges of electricity avoiding
damages to the system unit. You can use a computer without AVR but risking damages to the system unit due to a sudden high
surge of power.

 Scanner
Scans/Photograph, transfers data from paper to your computer. Similar process with photocopy but the printing process is not
included. Today scanners are usually built in with a printer.
II. Softwares
Software refers to the instructions, or programs, that tell the hardware what to do. These programs are developed to make use of
the hardwares and without it you can’t operate a computer.

 Operating System

The operating system (OS) is software that manages your computer and the devices connected to it. Operating Systems was
developed to utilize all the devices/hardware connected to the system unit and display controls for users also enabling
customization for the usage of the computer. It was also developed with a graphical interface to guide users in managing the
computer in its compact and simplest form. For example the Microsoft Windows operating system is a well-known operating
system.

Microsoft Windows 2007 operating system

 Application Softwares

Application softwares are programs that can be run within the operating system with a definite set of instructions and commands.
Almost everything you do on your computer requires programs. For example, if you want to draw a picture, you need to use a
drawing or painting program. To write a letter, you use a word processing program. To explore the Internet, you use a program
called a web browser. Thousands of programs are available for Windows.

Assorted applications set with different usage

III. Input Devices: Mouse and Keyboard

I. Using your mouse

 Basic parts
 Holding and moving the mouse
 Pointing, clicking, and dragging
 Using the scroll wheel
 Customizing your mouse

Just as you would use your hands to interact with objects in the physical world, you can use your mouse to interact with items on
your computer screen. You can move objects, open them, change them, throw them away, and perform other actions, all by
pointing and clicking with your mouse.

 Basic parts

A mouse typically has two buttons: a primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary button (usually the right button).
You will use the primary button most often. Most mice also include a scroll wheel between the buttons to help you scroll through
documents and webpages more easily. On some mice, the scroll wheel can be pressed to act as a third button. Advanced mice
might have additional buttons that can perform other functions.

 Holding and moving the mouse

Mouse pointers

Place your mouse beside your keyboard on a clean, smooth surface, such as a mouse pad. Hold the mouse gently,
with your index finger resting on the primary button and your thumb resting on the side. To move the mouse, slide it slowly in any
direction. Don't twist it—keep the front of the mouse aimed away from you. As you move the mouse, a pointer (see picture) on
your screen moves in the same direction. If you run out of room to move your mouse on your desk or mouse pad, just pick up the
mouse and bring it back closer to you.

 Pointing, clicking, and dragging

Pointing to an item on the screen means moving your mouse so the pointer appears to be touching the item. When you point to
something, a small box often appears that describes the item. (For example, when you point to the Recycle Bin on the desktop, a
box appears with this information: "Contains the files and folders that you have deleted.")

Pointing to an object often reveals a descriptive message about it

The pointer can change depending on what you're pointing to. (For example, when you point to a link in your web browser, the
pointer changes from an arrow to a hand with a pointing finger.)

Most mouse actions combine pointing with pressing one of the mouse buttons. There are four basic ways to use your mouse
buttons: clicking, double-clicking, right-clicking, and dragging.

 Clicking (single-clicking)

To click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then press and release the primary button (usually the left button).

Clicking is most often used to select (mark) an item or open a menu. This is sometimes called single-clicking or left-clicking.

 Double-clicking

To double-click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then click twice quickly. If the two clicks are spaced too far apart,
they might be interpreted as two individual clicks rather than as one double-click.

Double-clicking is most often used to open items on your desktop. (For example, you can start a program or open a folder by
double-clicking its icon on the desktop.)

 Right-clicking

To right-click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then press and release the secondary button (usually the right button).

Right-clicking an item usually displays a list of things you can do with the item. ( For example, when you right-click the Recycle Bin
on your desktop, Windows displays a menu allowing you to open it, empty it, delete it, or see its properties. If you're ever unsure of
what to do with something, right-click it.)

 Dragging

You can move items around your screen by dragging them. To drag an object, point to the object on the screen, press and hold the
primary button, move the object to a new location, and then release the primary button.

Dragging (sometimes called dragging and dropping) is most often used to move files and folders to a different location and to
move windows and icons around on your screen.

 Using the scroll wheel

If your mouse has a scroll wheel, you can use it to scroll through documents and webpages. To scroll down, roll the wheel
backward (toward you). To scroll up, roll the wheel forward (away from you).

Tips for using your mouse safely

Holding and moving your mouse properly can help you avoid soreness or injury to your wrists, hands, and arms, particularly if you
use your computer for long periods of time. Here are some tips to help you avoid problems:

 Place your mouse at elbow level. Your upper arms should fall relaxed at your sides.
 Don't squeeze or grip your mouse tightly. Hold it lightly.
 Move the mouse by pivoting your arm at your elbow. Avoid bending your wrist up, down, or to the sides.
 Use a light touch when clicking a mouse button.
 Keep your fingers relaxed. Don't allow them to hover above the buttons.
 When you don't need to use the mouse, don't hold it.
 Take short breaks from computer use every 15 to 20 minutes.
II. Using your keyboard

 How the keys are organized

 Typing text
 Using keyboard shortcuts
 Using navigation keys
 Using the numeric keypad
 Three odd keys
 Other keys
 Tips for using your keyboard safely

 How the keys are organized

Whether you're writing a letter or calculating numerical data, your keyboard is the main way to enter information into your
computer. But did you know you can also use your keyboard to control your computer? Learning just a few simple keyboard
commands (instructions to your computer) can help you work more efficiently.

The keys on your keyboard can be divided into several groups based on function:

o Typing (alphanumeric) keys. These keys include the same letter, number, punctuation, and symbol keys found on a
traditional typewriter.
o Control keys. These keys are used alone or in combination with other keys to perform certain actions. The most
frequently used control keys are Ctrl, Alt, the Windows logo key , and Esc.
o Function keys. The function keys are used to perform specific tasks. They are labeled as F1, F2, F3, and so on, up to
F12. The functionality of these keys differs from program to program.
o Navigation keys. These keys are used for moving around in documents or webpages and editing text. They include the
arrow keys, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, Delete, and Insert.
o Numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is handy for entering numbers quickly. The keys are grouped together in a block
like a conventional calculator or adding machine.

The following illustration shows how these keys are arranged on a typical keyboard. Your keyboard layout might be different.

 Typing text

Whenever you need to type something in a program, e-mail message, or text box, you'll see a blinking vertical line ( ). That's the
cursor, also called the insertion point. It shows where the text that you type will begin. You can move the cursor by clicking in the
desired location with the mouse, or by using the navigation keys (see the "Using navigation keys" section of this article).
In addition to letters, numerals, punctuation marks, and symbols, the typing keys also include Shift, Caps Lock, Tab, Enter, the
Spacebar, and Backspace.

Key name How to use it

Press Shift in combination with a letter to type an uppercase letter. Press Shift in combination with another key to type
Shift
the symbol shown on the upper part of that key.
Press Caps Lock once to type all letters as uppercase. Press Caps Lock again to turn this function off. Your keyboard
Caps Lock
might have a light indicating whether Caps Lock is on.
Tab Press Tab to move the cursor several spaces forward. You can also press Tab to move to the next text box on a form.
Press Enter to move the cursor to the beginning of the next line. In a dialog box, press Enter to select the highlighted
Enter
button.
Spacebar Press the Spacebar to move the cursor one space forward.
Backspace Press Backspace to delete the character before the cursor, or the selected text.

 Using keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are ways to perform actions by using your keyboard. They're called shortcuts because they help you work
faster. In fact, almost any action or command you can perform with a mouse can be performed faster using one or more keys on
your keyboard.

In Help topics, a plus sign (+) between two or more keys indicates that those keys should be pressed in combination. For example,
Ctrl+A means to press and hold Ctrl and then press A. Ctrl+Shift+A means to press and hold Ctrl and Shift and then press A.

 Choose menus, commands, and options

You can open menus and choose commands and other options using your keyboard. In a program that has menus with underlined
letters, press Alt and an underlined letter to open the corresponding menu. Press the underlined letter in a menu item to choose
that command. For programs that use the Ribbon, such as Paint and WordPad, pressing Alt overlays (rather than underlines) a
letter that can be pressed.

Press Alt+F to open the File menu and then press P to choose the Print command.

This trick works in dialog boxes too. Whenever you see an underlined letter attached to an option in a dialog box, it means you can
press Alt plus that letter to choose that option.

 Useful shortcuts

The following table lists some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts.

Press this To do this

Open the Start menu
Windows logo key
Alt+Tab Switch between open programs or windows
Alt+F4 Close the active item, or exit the active program
Ctrl+S Save the current file or document (works in most programs)
Ctrl+C Copy the selected item
Ctrl+X Cut the selected item
Ctrl+V Paste the selected item
Ctrl+Z Undo an action
Ctrl+A Select all items in a document or window
F1 Display Help for a program or Windows
Windows logo key, Display Windows Help and Support
 +F1
Esc Cancel the current task
Open a menu of commands related to a selection in a program. Equivalent to right-clicking the selection.
Application key

 Using navigation keys

The navigation keys allow you to move the cursor, move around in documents and webpages, and edit text. The following table
lists some common functions of these keys.

Press this To do this

Left Arrow, Right Arrow, Up Move the cursor or selection one space or line in the direction of the arrow, or scroll a webpage
Arrow, or Down Arrow in the direction of the arrow
Home Move the cursor to the beginning of a line or move to the top of a webpage
End Move the cursor to the end of a line or move to the bottom of a webpage
Ctrl+Home Move to the top of a document
Ctrl+End Move to the bottom of a document
Page Up Move the cursor or page up one screen
Page Down Move the cursor or page down one screen
Delete the character after the cursor, or the selected text; in Windows, delete the selected item
Delete
and move it to the Recycle Bin
Turn Insert mode off or on. When Insert mode is on, text that you type is inserted at the cursor.
Insert
When Insert mode is off, text that you type replaces existing characters.

 Using the numeric keypad

The numeric keypad arranges the numerals 0 though 9, the arithmetic operators + (addition), - (subtraction), * (multiplication),
and / (division), and the decimal point as they would appear on a calculator or adding machine. These characters are duplicated
elsewhere on the keyboard, of course, but the keypad arrangement allows you to rapidly enter numerical data or mathematical
operations with one hand.

To use the numeric keypad to enter numbers, press Num Lock. Most keyboards have a light that indicates whether Num Lock is on
or off. When Num Lock is off, the numeric keypad functions as a second set of navigation keys (these functions are printed on the
keys next to the numerals or symbols).
You can use your numeric keypad to perform simple calculations with Calculator.


 Three odd keys

So far, we've discussed almost every key you're likely to use. But for the truly inquisitive, let's explore the three most mysterious
keys on the keyboard: PrtScn, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break.

o PrtScn (or Print Screen)

A long time ago, this key actually did what it says—it sent the current screen of text to your printer. Nowadays, pressing PrtScn
captures an image of your entire screen (a "screen shot") and copies it to the Clipboard in your computer's memory. From there
you can paste it (Ctrl+V) into Microsoft Paint or another program and, if you want, print it from that program.

More obscure is SYS RQ, which shares the key with PrtScn on some keyboards. Historically, SYS RQ was designed to be a "system
request," but this command is not enabled in Windows.

o ScrLk (or Scroll Lock)

In most programs, pressing Scroll Lock has no effect. In a few programs, pressing Scroll Lock changes the behavior of the arrow
keys and the Page Up and Page Down keys; pressing these keys causes the document to scroll without changing the position of the
cursor or selection. Your keyboard might have a light indicating whether Scroll Lock is on.

o Pause/Break

This key is rarely used. In some older programs, pressing this key pauses the program or, in combination with Ctrl, stops it from
running.

Tips for using your keyboard safely

Using your keyboard properly can help avoid soreness or injury to your wrists, hands, and arms, particularly if you use your
computer for long periods of time. Here are some tips to help you avoid problems:

 Place your keyboard at elbow level. Your upper arms should be relaxed at your sides.
 Center your keyboard in front of you. If your keyboard has a numeric keypad, you can use the spacebar as the centering
point.
 Type with your hands and wrists floating above the keyboard, so that you can use your whole arm to reach for distant keys
instead of stretching your fingers.
 Avoid resting your palms or wrists on any type of surface while typing. If your keyboard has a palm rest, use it only during
breaks from typing.
 While typing, use a light touch and keep your wrists straight.
 When you're not typing, relax your arms and hands.
 Take short breaks from computer use every 15 to 20 minutes.