2.

Introduction to
Hardware PAPER- V
19-01-2022

PRESENTED BY:
Er. MAVI KAPOOR
B.E. (CSE) M.A. (PUB. ADMn.) M.B.A. (HRM)
CITY MISSION MANAGER (SD&I)
CITY MISSION MANAGEMENT UNIT KATHUA
Basics of Computers - Introduction
• In modern Era, you must have used, seen, or
read about computers.
• This is because they are an integral part of our
everyday existence.
• Be it school, banks, shops, railway stations,
hospital or your own home, computers are
present everywhere, making our work easier and
faster for us.
• As they are such integral parts of our lives, we
must know what they are and how they function.
• Let us start with defining the term computer
formally.
MEANING
• The literal meaning of computer is a device that
can calculate.
• However, modern computers can do a lot more
than calculate.
DEFINITION
• Computer is an electronic device that receives
input, stores or processes the input as per user
instructions and provides output in desired
format.
Input-Process-Output Model
• Computer input is called data and the output
obtained after processing it, based on user’s
instructions is called information.
• Raw facts and figures which can be processed
using arithmetic and logical operations to obtain
information are called data.
Input-Process-Output Model
PROCESS
The processes that can be applied to data are of
two types −
• Arithmetic operations − Examples include
calculations like addition, subtraction,
differentials, square root, etc.
• Logical operations − Examples include
comparison operations like greater than, less
than, equal to, opposite, etc.
BLOCK DIAGRAM
• The corresponding figure for an actual computer
looks something like this −
BASIC PARTS OF COMPUTERS
The basic parts of a computer are as follows −
1. Input Unit
2. Output Unit
3. Control Unit
4. Arithmetic Logic Unit
5. Memory
INPUT UNIT
• Devices that are used to input data and
instructions to the computer are called input
unit.
• For e.g.: Keyboard, mouse etc.
OUTPUT UNIT
• Devices that are used to provide information to
the user in desired format are called output unit.
• For instance Printer, visual display unit etc.
CONTROL UNIT
• As the name suggests, this unit controls all the
functions of the computer.
• All devices or parts of computer interact through
the control unit.
ARITHMETIC LOGIC UNIT
• This is the brain of the computer where all
arithmetic operations and logical operations
take place.
MEMORY
• All input data, instructions and data interim to
the processes are stored in the memory.
• Memory is of two types – primary
memory and secondary memory.
• Primary memory resides within the CPU
whereas secondary memory is external to it.
CPU: Central Processing Unit
• Control unit, arithmetic logic unit and memory
are together called the central processing
unit or CPU.
HARDWARE
• Computer devices that we can see and touch are
the hardware components of a computer.
• Like keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.
SOFTWARE
• The set of instructions or programs that make
the computer function using these hardware
parts are called software.
• We cannot see or touch software.
• Both hardware and software are necessary for
working of a computer.
CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTERS
• To understand why computers are such an
important part of our lives, let us look at some of
its characteristics −
1. Speed
2. Accuracy
3. Reliability
4. Versatility
5. Storage Capacity
1. SPEED
• Typically, a computer can carry out 3-4 million
instructions per second.
• Unit: MIPS [Million Instructions Per Second]
2. ACCURACY
• Computers exhibit a very high degree of
accuracy.
• Errors that may occur are usually due to
inaccurate data, wrong instructions or bug in
chips – all human errors.
3. RELIABILITY
• Computers can carry out same type of work
repeatedly without throwing up errors due to
tiredness or boredom, which are very common
among humans.
4. VERSATILITY
• Computers can carry out a wide range of work
from data entry and ticket booking to complex
mathematical calculations and continuous
astronomical observations.
• If you can input the necessary data with correct
instructions, computer will do the processing.
5. STORAGE CAPACITY
• Computers can store a very large amount of data
at a fraction of cost of traditional storage of files.
Also, data is safe from normal wear and tear
associated with paper.
What is Computer Hardware?
• Hardware (sometimes abbreviated to HW) can
be defined as the physical components that a
computer system needs to function.
• This distinguishes it from software, which
consists of written instructions that tell the
physical components what to do.
Internal and External Hardware
Components
• Internal components are those installed inside
the computer, typical examples being the
motherboard, power supply, and central
processing unit (CPU).
• External components are connected to the
outside of the computer, these can also be
referred to as peripherals, or peripheral devices,
common examples being the monitor, keyboard,
and mouse.
20 Examples of Computer Hardware
• Out of 20 hardware examples, first 9
components listed usually belong to
the internal category, the other 11 are
typically external.
Internal and External Hardware
INTERNAL EXTERNAL
Motherboard Monitor
Central Processing Unit (CPU) Keyboard
Power Supply Mouse
Random Access Memory (RAM) Printer
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Speakers
Video Card External Hard Drive
Solid-State Drive (SSD) Desktop Image
Optical Disc Drive (e.g. BD drive, Scanner
DVD drive, CD drive) Projector
Card Reader (e.g. SD, SDHC) Joystick
Headphones
USB Flash Drive
1. Motherboard
• The motherboard is the main printed circuit
board of a computer.
• It houses the CPU and operates as a hub that all
other hardware runs through.
• It allocates power to the other components, co-
ordinates them, and enables communication
between them.
MOTHERBOARD
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• The central processing unit, or CPU for short, is
responsible for processing all information from
programs run by your computer.
• Each CPU has a clock speed, which is the
number of instructions it can process in any
given second, measured in gigahertz.
• The quality of a computer's CPU has a major
effect on overall system performance.
CPU
3. Power Supply
• The main role of the power supply unit is to
convert the alternating current (AC) from an
outlet to direct current (DC).
• The computer components need DC to run
normally.
• The power supply unit also controls voltage to
prevent overheating issues.
Power Supply
4. Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Random Access Memory (RAM) is the physical
hardware inside a computer that temporarily
stores data.
• It is normally found in the memory slots of the
motherboard.
• Its role is to serve as the computer's "working
memory" for the information created by
programs.
• Generally speaking, the faster the RAM, the
faster the processing speed at which memory
moves data to other components.
RAM
5. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
• The hard disk drive is the main data storage
device of a computer.
• This is where the operating system, software
titles, and the majority of files are stored.
• Unlike RAM, hard drives are non-volatile, which
means that they maintain their stored data even
when powered off.
HDD
6. Video Card
• The video card (also known as a graphics card) is
an expansion card that enables the computer to
send output images to a video display device
such as a monitor.
• The video card typically installs via a slot on the
motherboard.
Video Card
7. Solid-State Drive (SSD)
• Solid-state drives are designed to be housed
inside the computer as an alternative to
traditional hard disk drives.
• Although they look almost identical to
traditional hard disk drives from the outside,
they have no moving parts.
• This means that they use less power, access data
faster, and are generally more reliable.
Solid-State Drive (SSD)
8. Optical Disc Drive (e.g. BD drive,
DVD drive, CD drive)
• An optical disc drive (ODD) uses laser light or
electromagnetic waves to read or write data onto
optical discs.
• Common optical media designed for use with
these types of drive are compact discs, DVDs,
and Blu-ray discs.
• Optical disc drives can also be called disc drives,
CD drives, DVD drives, and BD drives.
Optical Disc Drive (e.g. BD drive, DVD drive, CD drive)
9. Card Reader (e.g. SD, SDHC)
• Most personal computers and tablets have built-in
memory card readers.
• This enables them to read data from memory cards,
which are portable electronic storage devices used
for storing digital information.
• Most contemporary memory cards use flash
memory, although other memory technologies are
currently being developed.
• SD: Secured Digital, limited up to 2 GB of storage.
• SDHC (high capacity) cards can store up to 32 GB
of data,
• while SDXC (extended capacity) cards can store up
to 2 terabytes (2000 GB).
Card Reader (e.g. SD, SDHC)
10. Monitor
• The monitor is a hardware device that displays
the video and graphics information generated by
the computer via the video card.
• Monitors can also be called video display units,
video display terminals, or simply as screens.
Monitors

CRT LCD: Liquid Crystal Display

LED
11. Keyboard
• The keyboard is a typewriter-style device that
enables users to interact with their computer.
• Users input text, characters, and other
commands by pressing special buttons known as
keys.
• Although the keyboard is normally considered to
be an external hardware component, it is an
essential part of most computer systems.
Keyboard
12. Mouse
• The computer mouse is a hand-held pointing
device used to manipulate objects on a computer
screen.
• The standard modern mouse is able to direct a
cursor using optical sensors.
• Most mouses also have two buttons (left-click
and right-click), used for selection and accessing
menus, and a scrolling wheel.
Mouse
13. Printer
• Printers are output devices that generate hard
copies of electronic data stored on the computer,
usually in the form of text or images on paper.
• The most common types of modern printer use
inkjet or laser technology, and connect to the
computer either via the computer's USB port, or
via WI-FI.
Printers: Inkjet
Printers: LaserJet
14. Speakers
• Computer speakers are a common output device
and are used for listening to music, movies, and
other audio.
• They are available in a range of different
qualities and prices, the more sophisticated
versions having an additional subwoofer to
provide enhanced bass output.
Speakers
15. External Hard Drive
• An external hard drive is a drive that typically
connects to the computer's USB port. Some draw
power from the computer via the data cable,
others need an AC wall connection.
• The main benefit of an external drive is their
portability, you can carry relatively large
amounts of data around with you, or transfer
data between different computers.
External Hard Drive
16. Desktop Image Scanner
• A desktop image scanner is an input device that
transfers images or text to a computer using
optical technology.
• The computer converts the signal to a digital
image, enabling it to be edited, emailed, or
printed.
Desktop Image Scanner
17. Projector
• Projectors are external hardware devices that
enable a roomful of people to experience visuals
generated by a single computer.
• They can "project" still or moving images onto a
blank wall, screen, or another surface.
• Modern digital projectors are often used for
watching movies, to enhance presentations, or as
a teaching aid.
• They connect to a computer via the HDMI port.
Projector
18. Joystick
• A joystick (also known as control column) is an
input device that is used by a player to interact
with a computer game.
• Joysticks are also used to control various real life
vehicles, such as airplanes, trucks, wheelchairs,
surveillance cameras, and unmanned
underwater vehicles, which are increasingly
computerized.
Joysticks
19. Headphones
• Headphones are a hardware output device used
to listen to audio.
• Typically, they plug into a computer line out or
the speakers.
• They enable the listener to enjoy music, movies,
or other audio in private and without disturbing
other people close by.
Headphones
20. USB Flash Drive
• A USB flash drive is a portable data storage
device.
• Unlike optical drives, flash drives have no
moving parts, making them more durable.
• A USB flash drive has an integrated USB
interface and connects to the computer via a
USB port.
USB
Advantages of Using Computer
• Now that we know the characteristics of
computers, we can see the advantages that
computers offer−
• Computers can do the same task repetitively
with same accuracy.
• Computers do not get tired or bored.
• Computers can take up routine tasks while
releasing human resource for more intelligent
functions.
Disadvantages of Using Computer
• Despite so many advantages, computers have
some disadvantages of their own −
• Computers have no intelligence; they follow the
instructions blindly without considering the
outcome.
• Regular electric supply is necessary to make
computers work, which could prove difficult
everywhere especially in developing nations.