UNDERSTANDING

THE COMPUTER
What is a
computer?
In technical terms, the computer is a
device that accepts information in the
form of digitalized data, and
manipulates it for some result based
on a program or sequence of
instructions on how the data is to be
processed.
Computer increases our
productivity, connects us to the
internet, lets us talk with people
across the world, helps us store a
lot of information, and even make
money!
TYPES OF COMPUTER
 SUPERCOMPUTER
Designed for high-performance
computing tasks that require massive
processing power. They excel in handling
complex scientific, engineering, and
research applications, such as weather
modeling, molecular modeling, and
nuclear simulations.
 MAINFRAME COMPUTER
Designed for handling large volumes
of data and supporting numerous
users simultaneously. They are used in
business and enterprise environments
for tasks such as transaction
processing, database management,
and running complex applications.
 MINICOMPUTER
Are intermediate in size and
performance between mainframes and
microcomputers (personal computers).
They were more popular in the past but
have largely been replaced by servers
and high-end personal computers for
many applications.
 MICROCOMPUTER
Most widely used and fastest
growing type of computer. Desktop
computers, laptops, tablets, and
smartphones are types of
microcomputers.
UTPIN
INPUT
OUTPUT
OPUTTU
GETORSA
STORAGE
PROCESSING
RSOPESIGNC
BASIC HARDWARE
COMPONENTS OF
COMPUTER
Input units or devices are used to
input the data or instructions into
the computers.
Mouse

Keyboard

Scanner
Output units or devices are used to
provide output to the user in the
desired format.
Monitor Speaker

Printer
These are used to store the data on a
computer system.
Hard Disk Drive Optical Disc

USB Flashdrive
These devices process the data
according to the instructions
entered into the computer system.
CPU Sound Card

Video Card
THE SYSTEM UNIT
The system unit is a
SYSTEM UNIT
crucial component of
a computer system,
and it houses various
internal components
that are essential for
the computer to
function.
PARTS OF THE
SYSTEM UNIT
 Motherboard
The main circuit board
that houses the CPU
(Central Processing
Unit), memory slots,
expansion slots, and
various other
essential
components.
 Central Processing
Unit (CPU)
Often referred to as
the brain of the
computer, the CPU
performs most of the
processing tasks.
Temporary storage Random Access
that the computer Memory (RAM)
uses to store data
actively being used or
processed. RAM is
volatile memory,
meaning it loses its
contents when the
power is turned off.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or
Solid State Drive (SSD) is Storage Devices
used for long-term storage
of data, including the
operating system,
applications, and user
files. Optical drives (such
as DVD or Blu-ray drives)
may also be present for
reading/writing optical
discs.
 Power Supply
Converts electrical Unit (PSU)
power from an outlet
into the various
voltages required by
internal components.
Supplies power to the
motherboard, CPU,
and other peripherals.
 Cooling System
Fans and heat sinks
help dissipate heat
generated by the CPU
and other components
to prevent
overheating.
Graphics Processing Unit Expansion Cards
(GPU): Responsible for
rendering graphics and
images. In some systems,
this is integrated into the
motherboard. Sound
cards, network interface
cards, and other
expansion cards may also
be present.
 Ports and
USB ports, audio Connectors
jacks, HDMI,
DisplayPort, and other
connectors that allow
external devices to be
connected to the
system.
 Cables and
Wiring
Various cables
connect internal
components and
external devices to the
motherboard and
power supply.
 CMOS Battery
The CMOS battery
powers the real-time
clock, allowing the
computer to keep
track of the current
date and time even
when it is turned off.