Information Sheet No.

2
Parts of a Computer
Learning Objectives:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:
1. Identify various I/O components and connectors
2. Identify the major components of a PC system
3. Define how these components work

A typical PC contains the following hardware:

Case Power Supply Motherboard

CPU Memory Hard Disk
Floppy Disk CD-ROM Video Adapter
Sound Card Modem Mouse
Keyboard Monitor .

There are many other possible hardware components, such as a DVD, CD-RW,
Zip drive or network card. There are also many subcomponents of a PC, such
as the cooling fan, printer port or reset switch to name a few. This article
focuses on the basic PC hardware. The hardware in the list above is nearly
universal to a basic PC.

While a PC is built up from hardware components, the hardware is only half of

the equation. The other vital part of a PC is the software. Without software, the
hardware is useless; and vice versa.

The fundamental software for a PC is called an "operating system". Without an

operating system or "OS", a PC can't do much. The operating system tells the
components of a PC what to do and when to do it. Windows, MAC OS, Linux
and Unix are all examples of operating systems.
 INPUT

ARITHMETIC
CONTROL MEMORY
LOGIC UNIT
(ALU)

OUTPUT

What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic machine used to process information. However, we

can do a whole lot more with computers than just calculate numbers or print
out data. We can draw pictures, write memos and reports, and even
communicate with other computer users. Educators can use the computer to
write lesson plans, notices and letters, make visual aids, create presentations
and share and collaborate with other teachers from around Uganda and the
world.

There are two basic parts of a computer: hardware and software.

Hardware is a generic term for all the physical components of the computer.
Software is a generic term for the programs that run on a computer.

Hardware
Hardware is another term for the physical components of a computer. This is
the most basic level on which the computer operates. The key point to
remember is that all information is processed electronically. PC stands for
Personal Computer, although that abbreviation is most often associated with
computer running the Windows operating system. Below is a picture of a
standard PC with each hardware part, labeled. The photo on the right shows
how the monitor, keyboard and mouse are connected to the System Unit.
 Back View of a System Unit
Computer Hardware Parts How the hardware parts are
connected

How a Computer Works

Input devices:
Input devices give/enter information into the PC's System Unit.
Common types of input devices are the following:

Keyboard
Mouse
Trackball
Joystick
Scanners
Digital Cameras
Web cam
Pen or Stylus
Touch Screen
Touch Pad
 Barcode Reader
Card Reader

System Unit:
Is the box which contains the CPU and RAM. It is where the information
from the input devices gets processed.

CPU (Central Processing Unit):

Electronically processes the incoming information. The CPU is a complex
microelectronic switch which evaluates the incoming signal and instructs other
PC components to take certain actions.

RAM (Random Access Memory):

RAM is temporary electronic memory located inside the CPU that stores
information.

Output devices:
The CPU sends signals to the output devices. The output devices then
display the information. Common output devices are the following

Monitor - the computer’s basic output device and produces the softcopy
Printer - prints the softcopy and produces hardcopy
Plotter - remarkably large printers for printing posters, blue prints, etc.
Speakers - an audio output device
Headphones
LCD projector

Storage: A storage device is used to save a permanent copy of documents.

Common types of storage devices include floppy disks and hard disks. You may
also store data on zip disks and CD-ROMS.

Internal/External Parts of a PC
It can be quite helpful to learn something about the parts that make up
the computer. This knowledge can be used for purchasing, expanding,
upgrading and troubleshooting your computer. A part merely refers to a
complete stand-alone unit of the computer such as a keyboard, monitor, or
expansion card. These parts all fit together with cables screws or edge
connectors. There are only eight basic parts (subassemblies) required to
make up a functioning computer. They consist of the following:

Chassis Floppy controller or multi I/O

Power supply Display card
Motherboard Monitor
 Floppy drive (s) Keyboard

All other parts are optional and are used to enhance the capabilities of
the computer. The more popular add-on accessories are the following.

Hard drives Memory expansion card

Hard disk controllers Modems

1. Power Supply Unit - The PSU (Power Supply Unit) is an internal hardware
component used to supply the components within the computer with
power. Besides properly supplying power to the computer and all its
internal components, the power supply also converts the AC electrical
current found in most standard wall sockets into a lower DC voltage that
the computer components use.

ATX (Advanced Technology Extended) Switching Power Supply

Pin Name Color Description

• 1 3.3V Orange +3.3 VDC

• 2 3.3V Orange +3.3 VDC
• 3 COM Black Ground
• 4 5V Red +5 VDC
• 5 COM Black Ground
• 6 5V Red +5 VDC
• 7 COM Black Ground
• 8 PWR_OK Gray Power Ok (+5V & +3.3V is ok)
• 9 5VSB Purple +5 VDC Standby Voltage (max 10mA)
• 10 12V Yellow +12 VDC
• 11 3.3V Orange +3.3 VDC
• 12 -12V Blue -12 VDC
• 13 COM Black Ground
• 14 /PS_ON Green Power Supply On (active low)
• 15 COM Black Ground
• 16 COM Black Ground
• 17 COM Black Ground
• 18 -5V White -5 VDC
• 19 5V Red +5 VDC
• 20 5V Red +5 VDC

AT (Advanced Technology) Switching Power Supply

AT power connector
A.1 AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator)
AVR is a device or equipment which generates, monitors, and
analyses power for a more suitable and reliable power for
computer/equipments.
Capable of:
 sense over voltage and under voltage of the input line
 sense over current in the load
 sense aberrations in the power lines such as:
- intolerable spikes transients
- surges and sags
- slow average fluctuations
 maintains the output voltage within its tolerance ( + 1%) of the
nominal voltage
 respond/recover to input variations within one (1) cycle or 0.16
seconds, usually termed as the response time.

Optional:
 audio/visual monitors or warnings
 cuts-off the power when such aberrations occur protecting
the circuit itself and the computer or equipment.
 delay time
 Types of AVR:
Mechanical AVR – incorporates electro-mechanical parts such as
relays and motors
– slow response time in terms of seconds
– requires maintenance
– heavy
Electronic AVR – uses semiconductor parts in regulating voltages
– quick response time in terms of milliseconds
– no maintenance require
– light in weight

A.2 U.P.S. (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

Functions of UPS
 Provides continuous power to critical line
 Improves/regulates quality fluctuations to sensitive loads
 Protects load from voltage fluctuations
 Noise and spikes caused by lightning
 Electrical machines, appliances and motors

Equipments that needs

 Computer mainframe and on load in the event of power
line failure terminals
 Telephone systems
 Communication systems
 Process control equipments
 Instrumentation equipments
 Security systems
 Life support systems
 Nuclear power parts
 Other sensitive electronics equipment
 Micro-computers

UPS Parts:

1. Rectifier Charger
- converts AC to regulated DC
- charges the battery
 - input power to the inverter

2. Storage Battery
- DC input to the inverter during voltage drops or upon
failure of the normal AC line

3. Types of Battery
- Lead Acid Battery
- Antimony (car battery) - Life is 3 years
- Nickel Cadmium
4. Static Inverter
- converts DC to AC
- without moving parts

5. Static Switch
- Normally use to automatically transfer load from the
preferred sources to the alternate source when the
preferred source is lost
- Without moving parts

2. Bus wire - In a computer, a bus is the data path on the computer's

motherboard that interconnects the microprocessor with attachments to
the motherboard in expansion slots (such as hard disk drives, CD-ROM
drives, Floppy disk drives).

IDE/HDD Bus wire FDD Bus wire

3. Ports - These are connectors found at the back of the computer which
send and receive data to and from the peripherals such as modems,
monitors, printers, plotters and keyboards. Ports can be found directly
on the motherboard but most are added with the use of separate
expansion cards.

 Serial Ports (COM Ports)

These are 25-pin male connectors which are used to connect
the computer to a mouse, external modem, serial printer,
plotter, graphic tablet or even another computer. There are two
types, 9-pin and 25-pin. The 9-pin is more frequently used on
286 and 386 computers. The serial port itself is also referred to
as an RS232, a standard for serial communications used in all
virtual microcomputers.
Serial ports are called serial because they send and receive
information serially or in other words, one bit at a time. These
 ports are also referred to as COM ports. Most computers
typically have two COM ports. Each COM port is defined as
either COM 1 or COM 2. COM 3 and COM 4 are also available.
 Parallel Port (Printer Port)
Parallel ports are 25-pin female connectors. They send data
in parallel that is 8 bits at a time. These ports are designated as
LPT ports. LPT is an abbreviation for line printer a device
commonly used with this port. Just as COM ports have a
number so do parallel ports.
 Game Port
This 15-pin female connector is used for joysticks and
paddles. These are usually used to interface with game
software.
 PS/2 Keyboard Port
This 5-pin female connector connects the keyboard or a bar
code reader to the computer.
 PS/2 Mouse Port
This 5-pin female connector connects the keyboard or a bar
code reader to the computer.
 USB Ports
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a serial bus standard to
interface devices. It is popular with the highest speed, and
security. USB supports Plug & Play system that allows easy
installation; there are many devices, used with USB Port such
as Mouse, Keyboard, Printer, Scanner, Modem, Camera Digital,
etc. Mostly, the devices that interface with computer will be
USB.

4. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) – It is used to store large amount of data and
information which can be accessed easily. The hard drive is where your
programs are installed and where you save information on your
computer. Lots of storage space means that you can have a wide variety
of different software.
When installing two hard drives, it is
necessary to check the jumper setting for
the Master/Slave configuration. The jumper
pins for Master/Slave can be found between
the power connector and IDE ribbon cable
connector. Every hard drive manufacturer
has different pin configurations which is
found on the information pasted in the hard
drive itself

 Master is used for the first hard drive

 Slave is for the second hard drive.
 HDD

5. Floppy Disk Drive (FDD) – FDD saves information in a magnetic

medium. The information is stored on a removable and easily
transportable floppy disk. Floppy drives come in a variety of shapes,
sizes and capacities.

Floppy
Disk Drive
1.44 MB ZIP Drive Super Disk
(FDD)
Floppy 100-250 120 MB
Disk MB

6. CD – ROM Drive - Allows you to read data or information from compact

discs (CD)

7. Chassis – a plastic or metal frame that holds and protects your computer
parts.

There are two basic types for chassis:

 Tower Case – it is designed to stand

vertically that will lessen the space being
 occupied. It comes in three basic sizes:
full, midi and mini.

 Desktop Case – it is designed horizontally

which are usually used for office or home
PCs. It comes in two basic sizes: standard
and slim line.

8. Monitor – an output device used for visual display of information.

If you are looking at your computer’s monitor

for extended periods of time it is important to find
one which offers the maximum comfort for your
eyes. The trend with monitors is toward ever
higher resolution with increased number of colors.

The table shows the types of monitor and their comparative features in
terms of resolution, scanning rate and number of colors.
Scanning
TYPE OF Resoluti
Color Palette Rate
MONITOR on
(KHz)
Monochrome 640 x
1 1 15.75
Composite 350
640 x
Color Composite 4 4 15.75
200
Monochrome 720 x
1 1 18.40
(TTL) 350
640 x
RGA (CGA) 4 16 15.75
200
640 x
EGA 16 64 21.80
350
800 x Unlimit Unlimite 15.5 to
Multiscan
600 ed d 35.0
640 x Unlimi Unlimite
PGA 30
480 ted d
VGA 640 x 256 262.000 31.49
 480
1200 x
Super High Varies Varies 30 to 75
800 +

Resolution - refers to the quality of the image displayed on the monitor screen
and depends on the number of dots that are present; these dots are called
pixels. There are rows of pixels going across as well as down the screen. The
more pixels means the clearer and sharper the image and higher the
resolution. A resolution of 640 x 350 means that there are 640 pixels displayed
horizontal and 350 displayed vertically on the screen.
Scanning rate is the amount of time it takes for an electron gun side the
monitor to draw a beam from one side of the screen to the other. The
time is measured in kilohertz (KHz) or thousands of cycles per second.
The faster the scanning rate the more pixels that can be displayed on the
screen which results in a higher resolution.
Color Palette is the full number of colors available. It should be
mentioned however that all the colors couldn’t be displayed
simultaneously. To display many colors with high resolution takes lots of
memory. Since memory is still in short supply there is a choice to make
either: you have large number of colors with limited resolution or a few
colors with higher resolution.
9. Keyboard – Personal taste plays a large part in choosing a keyboard.
Some people like keys with a firm feel. Some prefer mushy keys. There
are essentially two styles of keyboards for the XT. First is the AT layout.
Second is the IBM enhanced layout. IBM received a great deal of criticism
for the keyboards it used on the PC Jr PC and XT. When the AT was
released they used a new layout; function keys on the left the standard
keyboard layout number keys on the right. This layout still had a
problem especially those working with numbers because it is necessary
to toggle between the cursor pad and number pad.

A new layout with 101 keys, which it now uses on all of its computers it’s
referred to as the Microsoft Natural layout. This layout has 12 function
 keys across the top and a separate cursor and number pad. This design
is rapidly becoming the industry standard.

TYPES OF KEYBOARD

 83 – key PC and XT keyboard

 84 – key AT keyboard

 101 – key enhanced keyboard

10. Mouse – An input device that allows an individual to control a mouse

pointer in a graphical user interface (GUI). Utilizing a mouse a user has
the ability to perform various functions such as opening a program or file
and does not require the user to memorize commands

11. Motherboard – The motherboard is the central subassembly in the

computer. It consist of a flat printed-circuit board on which is mounted a
variety of chips and a few other components. The motherboard contains
the CPU, the support circuitry of the socket for the CPU, the coprocessor,
the BIOS chip, several rows of memory chips and expansion slots (AGP,
PCI)
Important sections of motherboard:

1) Processor socket - This is the socket on the motherboard where

processor is mounted. There are basically 3 types of slots. Socket 370
(for Via), Socket A and Socket 478 (For Pentium4 processor).

LGA 775 Socket 370 Socket A Socket 478

2) Chipset - Chipset is commonly used to refer to the core logic of
motherboard. Motherboard is built around a chipset that supports a
specific class of processors and type of memory. Main system chipset is
responsible for the communication between the processor, memory and
other integrated components. Chipset acts a hub controlling the transfer
of data between processor, its cache, system buses and peripherals. The
timely transfer of data without errors is the most important function of
the chipset. This function of the chipset decides overall performance of
the system. That is why the maximum speed of a processor that the
chipset supports is very important. For your future upgrades you will
need to change only the processor. For example, if chipset supports up to
2.8GHz CPU's and you decide to buy 2 GHz, you could upgrade to a 2.8
GHz CPU without having to invest in new motherboard.

Different chipsets are used to support functions that are offered by the
board - the RAM and the Processor. For example, the Intel 845 chipset
supports Pentium 4 and DDR SDRAM. AMD processors (Duron and
Athlon) require VIA KT 333 or 400 chipset based motherboards.

Chipset Chipset Heatsink

3) Interface slots - Now a days, there are basically 2 types of slots are
available for ADD on cards on the motherboard - PCI and AGP. PCI slots
are used for adding Ethernet card, Sound card, Modem card etc. AGP
slot is used to add graphic card.

PCI Bus (Peripheral Component Interconnect) It is 32-bit bus width, 33.33

MHz clock with synchronous transfers. The standard speed of PCI Bus is
half of External Bus of CPU, for example, bus for CPU 66 MHz PCI Bus is
66/2 = 33 MHz and bus of CPU is 100and 133 MHz, PCI speed is 100/3 and
133/4.
 AGP (Accelerated Graphic Port) as well. It is the slot designed for attaching a
graphics card with maximum data rate. In a mainboard, there will be one
slot. AGP is 32-bit channel operating at 66 MHz resulting in a maximum
data rate of 133 and 266 MHz.
ISA - Industry Standard Architecture. Used when the original 8088 8bit
microprocessor based personal computers were produced.

4) RAM slots- DDR RAM is the most popular option today. Most
motherboards have at least two slots. But expensive motherboards have
4 slots. The total amount RAM you can install is also dependent on the
motherboard chipset.

SDRAM slot

DDRAM slot

5) BIOS - Every motherboard has special software in ROM (Read only Memory)
known as BIOS (Basic Input Output System). The jumperless motherboards
that are norm today, allow for automatic parameter detection and
configuration. For example - Processor core voltage and clock multiplier.
Also the configuration and control of integrated peripherals are all
autodetected. The BIOS is the critical part which determines software
compatibility. The BIOS is contained in one chip. The BIOS is actually the
program within a chip called an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only
Memory). The EPROM contents can be erased using violet light and it is
possible to recopy a new program onto it. The program in the BIOS controls
the operation of the computer and peripherals.

BIOS chip CMOS battery

12.Video Graphics Card – The graphics card plays an essential role in the
PC. It takes the digital information that the computer produces and
turns it into something human beings can see. On most computers, the
graphics card converts digital information to analog information for
display on the monitor; on laptops, the data remains digital because
laptop displays are digital.

Here are the three basic components

of a graphics card and what they do:

PCI Video Card AGP Video Card ISA Video Card

 Memory: The first thing that a

graphics card needs is memory. The
memory holds the color of each
pixel. In the simplest case, since
each pixel is only black or white,
you need just 1 bit to store each
pixel's color. Since a byte holds 8
bits, you need (640/8) 80 bytes to
store the pixel colors for one line of

The basic parts of a graphics card

are computer interface, memory
and video interface.
 pixels on the display. You need (480
X 80) 34,800 bytes of memory to
hold all of the pixels visible on the
display.
 Computer Interface: The second
thing a graphics card needs is a way
for the computer to change the
graphics card's memory. This is
normally done by connecting the
graphics card to the card bus on the
motherboard. The computer can
send signals through the bus to
alter the memory.
 Video Interface: The next thing
that the graphics card needs is a
way to generate the signals for the
monitor. The card must generate
color signals that drive the cathode
ray tube (CRT) electron beam, as
well as synchronization signals for
horizontal and vertical sync. Let's
say that the screen is refreshing at
60 frames per second. This means
that the graphics card scans the
entire memory array 1 bit at a time
and does this 60 times per second.
It sends signals to the monitor for
each pixel on each line, and then
sends a horizontal sync pulse; it
does this repeatedly for all 480
lines, and then sends a vertical sync
pulse.

13.Power Cord - Also known as a

power cable, mains cable or flex a
power cord is the primary cable
that provides power to the
computer, printer, monitor, and
components within a computer. The
image below is an example of the
power cord that is commonly used
with computers, monitors, printers,
and many other peripherals.
14.Heatsink - With the increase of
performance, heat has become a big
issue with computer processors and
other advanced peripherals. If your
computer processor is a Pentium
66MHz or faster processor, it is
highly recommended that you
ensure it has a heatsink for the
CPU. This part of your computer is
usually on the processor and is
absolutely necessary to reduce the
temperature of the processor. Since
all the information going through
your computer travels through the
processor in the form of electricity at
one time or another, this generates CPU Heatsink with Fan
a lot of heat. A heatsink is usually
made of some sort of metal and has
a series of spikes and valleys. The
heat from the processor travels to
these spikes, which are then cooled
down by a fan.
15. Headset - Device connected to
telephones or computers that allow
a user to talk and listen while
keeping their hands free. For
example, headsets are commonly
used in technical support and
customer service centers and allow
the employee to talk to a customer
while typing information into the
computer.

16. Central Processing Unit (CPU) or Microprocessor - The CPU is the

first thing that comes to mind when many people think about a
computer's speed and performance. It is the ―heart and brain of the
computer”. The faster the processor, the faster the computer can think.
In the early days of PC computers, all processors had the same set of
pins that would connect the CPU to the motherboard, called the Pin Grid
Array (PGA). These pins fit into a socket layout called Socket 7. This
meant that any processor would fit into any motherboard.
Today, however, CPU manufacturers Intel and AMD use a variety of
PGAs, none of which fit into Socket 7. As microprocessors advance, they
 need more and more pins, both to handle new features and to provide
more and more power to the chip.
Current socket arrangements are often named for the number of pins in
the PGA. Commonly used sockets are:
 Socket 478 - for older Pentium and Celeron processors
 Socket 754 - for AMD Sempron and some AMD Athlon
processors
 Socket 939 - for newer and faster AMD Athlon processors
 Socket AM2 - for the newest AMD Athlon processors
 Socket A - for older AMD Athlon processors

 There are three main types of CPU based on what connector they have
to the motherboard. You must use the right motherboard with the right
CPU.
1. Socket 478:
This is for the Intel Pentium 4
CPU. You can get 1.6 to 2.4
gigahertz Pentium 4s. The higher
numbers correspond to faster CPUs.
There are huge increases in price as
you go up in speed. These
processors are very expensive and
the motherboards for them are also
costly. Pentium 4s are very fast
processors.
2. Socket 370:
This is for the Pentium
III/Celeron CPUs. This type of CPU
is on the way out now. The Celeron
CPU has much less performance but
is also much cheaper. Both the
Celeron and Pentium III are
currently the slowest CPUs around.
However some good deals can be
 had on these parts if you shop
around. This type of CPU is great for
word processing, playing games and
surfing the net.
3. Socket A:
This is for AMD's Athlon XP
and Duron processors. The Duron is
a cheaper and slower version of the
Athlon. Currently these chips offer
the best price, performance ratio.

MICROPROCESSOR

Clock
Name Date Transistors Microns Data width MIPS
speed
8080 1974 6,000 6 2 MHz 8 bits 0.64

16 bits
8088 1979 29,000 3 5 MHz 0.33
8-bit bus

80286 1982 134,000 1.5 6 MHz 16 bits 1

80386 1985 275,000 1.5 16 MHz 32 bits 5

80486 1989 1,200,000 1 25 MHz 32 bits 20

32 bits
Pentium 1993 3,100,000 0.8 60 MHz 100
64-bit bus

32 bits
Pentium II 1997 7,500,000 0.35 233 MHz ~300
64-bit bus

32 bits
Pentium III 1999 9,500,000 0.25 450 MHz ~510
64-bit bus

32 bits
Pentium 4 2000 42,000,000 0.18 1.5 GHz ~1,700
64-bit bus

Pentium 4 125,000,00 32 bits

2004 0.09 3.6 GHz ~7,000
"Prescott" 0 64-bit bus

What CPU can do:

  Using its ALU (Arithmetic/Logic Unit), a microprocessor can
perform mathematical operations like addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division. Modern microprocessors contain
complete floating point processors that can perform extremely
sophisticated operations on large floating point numbers.
 A microprocessor can move data from one memory location to
another.
 A microprocessor can make decisions and jump to a new set of
instructions based on those decisions.
17. Random Access Memory (RAM) - RAM consists of computer chips,
which store information. They are installed in rows called banks of
nine on the motherboard. Only 8 chips per row are used to store data
while the 9th is used for parity checking. Data transfer between the
CPU and RAM occurs at the fastest possible rate since it involves no
moving parts as do hard and floppy disk drives.
RAM is memory that your computer uses to run programs and
software applications on your computer. Without RAM your computer
won't function. The more RAM you have the faster and more smoothly
your computer will run.

 DIP 16-pin (RAM chip, usually pre-FPRAM)

 SIPP (usually FPRAM)

 SIMM 30-pin (usually FPRAM)

 SIMM 72-pin (so-called "PS/2 SIMM", usually EDO RAM)

 DIMM 168-pin (SDRAM)

 DIMM 184-pin (DDR SDRAM)

Two Common PC Major RAMs

 SRAM – Static Random Access Memory

- is a type of semiconductor memory. The word "static"
indicates that the memory retains its contents as long as power
remains applied, unlike dynamic RAM (DRAM) that needs to be
periodically refreshed.

 DRAM – Dynamic Random Access Memory

 - Because of this refresh requirement, it is a dynamic
memory as opposed to SRAM and other static memory.

Most commonly used as the main memory is: DRAM

Most Common DRAM used in PC’s are:

Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM)

1. Single Data Rate (SDR) SDRAM is a synchronous form of DRAM.

2. Double data rate (DDR) SDRAM was a later development of

SDRAM, used in PC memory from 2000 onwards. DDR2 SDRAM is a
minor enhancement on DDR-SDRAM that mainly affords higher clock
speeds and somewhat deeper pipelining.

18. Hub or Switch – a common connection point of a network

19. LAN Card/Ethernet Card/Network Interface Card (NIC) – an

expansion card inserted in the computer to be connected into a network.

Wireless LAN Card

ISA LAN Card
PCI LAN Card
20. Router – an internetworking devices that passes data packets between
networks and makes decision regarding the best path for delivery of data on
a network.

21. Networking Media

UTP Cable (Unshielded Twisted Pair) RJ 45 Connector

22. Modems - (which is short for modulator/demodulator) converts the

digital data signal of the PC into the analog data signal that is used on the
plain old telephone system (POTS) — which is also called the public
telephone switched network (PTSN).

Modems can be installed inside the PC in an expansion slot, or they

can be attached to the PC externally through a serial or USB port. An
internal modem is installed like any other expansion card — into a
compatible expansion slot.

Internal Modem External Modem

23. Multimedia Speaker – an audio output device

24. Printer – an output device that produces paper print outs or hard
copies.

DeskJet/Inkjet Printer

25. Web Camera – used mostly for video

conferencing and to capture still images for
printing and editing.