An Overview of the Computer

In this tutorial, we begin our study of computer hardware with a general overview of personalcomputer design. We go on to define the hardware components that a computer professional can
expect to encounter every day? the computer parts that you actually touch.

Lesson 1: The Three Stages of Computing

In this tutorial, we begin our study of computer hardware with a general overview of personalcomputer design. We go on to define the hardware components that a computer professional can
expect to encounter every day-the computer parts that you actually touch.
In this lesson, we discuss the three stages of computing and how they relate to the constituent
parts that make up the modern personal computer.
After this lesson, you will be able to:

Describe the three stages of computing.

Estimated lesson time: 5 minutes

A modern computer looks like a complicated device. It is constructed of many hardware

components connected with what seem to be miles of interwoven wires. Despite this apparent
complexity, however, a computer, just like a calculator, handles information in three stages:
input, processing, and output. (See Figure 3.1.) Each piece of hardware can be classified in one
(and sometimes two) of these three stages. We can also use these three stages to classify any
aspect of a computer's operation or the function of any of its components. During the
troubleshooting phase of a repair job, it is often useful to categorize a problem according to
which of the three stages it occurs in.

Figure 3.1 Three stages of computing

Input
Input is the first stage of computing. Input refers to any means that moves data (information)
from the outside world into the processor. Today's PC can support a wide variety of input
devices; keyboards, mouse devices, voice recognition devices, sound cards, modems, scanners,
tape drives, CD/DVD drives, and video cameras are some of the most common.

Processing
Processing is the second stage of computing: the actual manipulation of data by the computer.
Computers were designed initially as tools to carry out the tedious task of "number crunching"
and then, later, to store large amounts of often redundant data. Today, computers not only fulfill
ever-expanding scientific and business roles, but they also fill our lives with education,
entertainment, organization, information processing, and-occasionally-frustration. As we enter
this new century, computers have become a necessity of life and are often taken for granted.
Even for people who do not own or use a personal computer, they are an increasing part of
everyday life. And computer technology hides in many everyday appliances. Microprocessors
run most of our mechanical and electronic devices, including cars, cameras, VCRs, microwave
ovens, telephones, and the checkout system at the supermarket.

Output
Output is the third stage of computing. All the input and processing in the world won't do us any
good unless we can get the information back from the computer in a comprehensible and usable
form. Output devices today come in many forms: monitors, printers, fax machines, modems,
plotters, CD-recordable discs, sound cards, and more.
Input, Processing, and Output

Whenever you sit down at a computer and run an application-whether it is a game, spreadsheet,
database, or word processor-you are an active part of the input, processing, and output operation
of that computer. The following table provides some examples.
Application

Word processor

Function
Input: Typing your words.
Processing: Formatting the text (such as wordwrap and fonts).
Output: Storing the text and allowing you to retrieve or print it.

Spreadsheet

Input: Typing or providing numbers (such as sales figures).

Processing: Applying one or more formulas to the data.
Output: Displaying the results of the calculation in numeric or graphical form.

Database

Input: Typing information into a data form.

Processing: Indexing and storing the data records.
Output: Producing reports showing selected data records.

Game

Input: Moving your chess piece.

Processing: Computer calculating how to respond to your move.
Output: Computer making a move.

Lesson Summary
The following points summarize the main elements of this lesson:

All computer hardware can be classified according to its primary function: input, processing, or
output.
Any time you sit down at a computer and run an application, you are using the input,
processing, and output stages of computing.

Lesson 2: Components of a Computer

In this lesson, we take a look at the different components of a computer system.
After this lesson, you will be able to:

Define the primary components that make up a computer.

Estimated lesson time: 10 minutes

As you might expect, the components of a computer reflect the function of the machinespecifically, the three stages of computing, as outlined in Lesson 1. Let's examine the
components.

Input
The following table lists the devices that are used to put information into the machine.

Device

Description

Keyboard

The primary input device for a computer.

Mouse

Used with graphical interface environments

to point and select objects on the system's
monitor. Can be purchased in a variety of
sizes, shapes, and configurations.

Scanner

Converts printed or photographic information to digital information that can be used by

the computer. Works similarly to the
scanning process of a photocopy machine.

Microphone Works like the microphone on a tape

recorder. Allows input of voice or music to
be converted to digital information and saved
to a file.

CD-ROM

Compact disc-read only memory: stores large

amounts of data on a compact disc that can
be read by a computer.

Processing
The CPU (central processing unit) is the heart and brain of the computer. This one component or
"chip" is responsible for all the number crunching and data management. It is truly the
centerpiece of any computer. It is so important that whole generations of computer technology
are based and measured on each "new and improved" version of the CPU.
When we refer to the CPU, we are usually speaking of the processor. But the CPU also
encompasses several other components that support it with the management of data. These
components, when working in harmony, make up the computer we know today. The following
table lists these components.
Component

Description

The large circuit board found

inside the computer. Without it,
a computer is just a metal box.
Motherboard The motherboard contains all
the remaining items in this table;
for all practical purposes, it is
the computer.

Chip set

A group of computer chips or

integrated circuits (ICs) that,
when working together, manage
and control the computer
system. This set includes the
CPU and other chips that control
the flow of data throughout the
system.

Data bus

A group of parallel conductors

(circuit traces) found on the
motherboard and used by the
CPU to send and receive data
from all the devices in the
computer.

Address bus

A group of parallel conductors

(circuit traces) found on the
motherboard and used by the
CPU to "address" memory
locations. Determines which
information is sent to, or
received from, the data bus.

Expansion
slots

Specialized sockets that allow

additional devices called
expansion cards or, less
commonly, circuit boards to be
attached to the motherboard.
Used to expand or customize a
computer, they are extensions of
the computer's bus system.

Clock

Establishes the maximum speed

at which the processor can
execute commands. Not to be
confused with the clock that
keeps the date and time.

Battery

Protects unique information

about the setup of the computer
against loss when electrical
power fails or is turned off. Also
maintains the external date and
time (not to be confused with
the CPU's clock).

Memory

Stores temporary information

(in the form of data bits) that the
CPU and software need to keep
running.

Output
The following table lists some common devices, known as peripherals, used exclusively for
output.
Device

Printer

Description

Generates a "hard copy" of information.

Monitor

The primary output device. Visually displays

text and graphics.

Plotter

Similar to a printer, but uses pens to draw an

image. Most often used with graphics or
drawing programs.

Reproduce sound. Optional high-quality

Speakers speakers can be added to provide improved
output from games and multimedia software.

Input and Output

Some devices handle both input and output functions. These devices are called input/output (I/O)
devices, a term you will encounter quite often.
Device

Description

Mechanism to read and write to low-capacity,

Floppyremovable, magnetic disks. Used to store and easily
disk drive
transport information.
High-capacity internal (and sometimes external)
Hard-disk
magnetic disks for storing data and program files.
drive
Also called fixed disks.

Modem

Converts computer data to information that can be

transmitted over telephone wires and cable lines.
Allows communication between computers over
long and short distances.

Network
card

An expansion card that allows several computers to

connect to each other and share information and
programs. Also called network interface card (NIC).

CD
recorder

Also called CD/R. You can create a CD with this

device, but you can only write to a section of the
disc once. Variations on this type of device include
CD-RW (CD Read/Write) drives. These products
allow you to read, write, and overwrite a special CDROM-type disc.

Tape
drive

Large-capacity, magnetic, data-storage devices.

Ideal for backup and retrieval of large amounts of
data. Works like a tape recorder and saves
information in a linear format.

Lesson Summary
The following points summarize the main elements of this lesson:

All computer hardware can be classified by primary function (input, processing, or output).
Some hardware devices combine multiple functions (input and output).
Some hardware devices, such as network and modem cards, expand the communication abilities
of a computer.
Data-storage capabilities have been increased with the use of CD-ROM and CD/R.

Lesson 3: Support Hardware

Lesson 2 covered the basic hardware that makes up a computer. There are, however, additional
components needed to support safe computer operation. In this lesson, we look at several devices
that protect and enhance the value of a computer.
After this lesson, you will be able to:

Identify additional support hardware for a computer.

Understand the functions of some of the add-on hardware.

Estimated lesson time: 5 minutes

In addition to the devices that support a computer's data-processing functions, there are others
that enhance its operation and performance. The following table lists some of these devices.
Device

Power
supply

Description

Converts a local power source (typically 110

volts AC in the U.S.) to 3.3, 5, or 12 volts DC.

Allows the user to manually or automatically

switch cable connections so that one computer
Switch box
can use several printers or devices with one
parallel port.

Surge
suppressor

Used to prevent large power spikes (for

instance, lightning) from damaging a computer.

UPS

Uninterruptible Power Supply-Acts as both a

surge suppresser (to prevent high-power spikes)
and a power leveler to provide the computer
with a constant source of power. Can even
provide power during a power failure or
interruption (although the duration depends on
the UPS and the computer's power
consumption) so that the user can safely save
data before shutting down.

Case

The box that houses most of the system must

provide an environment that minimizes
electrical interference to other electronic
devices in the area. It should provide a proper
heat level for safe operation and bays and
connections for drives, circuit boards, and I/O
devices.

Don't let the term "supporting role" lead you to underestimate the importance of these
components. How important are roads to commerce, or water to a city? Without a reliable power
source, modern PCs would not exist. The internal power supply keeps a clean current running to
the system.

Lesson Summary
The following points summarize the main elements of this lesson:

Support equipment protects a computer or makes it easier to operate.

Support equipment, such as the power supply, is critical to the operation of the computer.

Tutorial Summary
The following points summarize the key concepts in this tutorial:
The Three Stages of Computing

Computing occurs in three stages: input, processing, and output.

All computer hardware can be classified in one or more of these stages.

Components of a Computer

An input device retrieves data from an outside source and brings it into the computer for
processing.
A processing device takes information and alters it in some useful manner.
An output device takes the altered information and stores or displays it.

Support Hardware

Computers require additional components to protect operations and ensure optimal

performance.
Use of surge suppressors and uninterruptible power supplies can protect computers from
damage caused by power spikes and surges.

Review
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Describe the three stages of computing and the role of each.

What is the purpose of the central processing unit (CPU)?
Describe two devices that process information inside a computer.
What is a chip set?
Name and describe three input devices.
What type of device is a scanner?
Describe three output devices.
What is I/O?
Name three I/O devices.

Answers
1. What are the three stages of computing?

2. The three stages of computing are input, processing, and output.

3. What is the purpose of the central processing unit (CPU)?

4. The central processing unit (CPU) is the heart and brain of the computer. This one
component or "chip" does all the number crunching and data management.
5. Describe two devices that process information inside a computer.

6. The CPU and the chip set process information inside a computer.
7. What is a chip set?

8. A chip set is a group of computer chips or ICs (integrated circuits) that, when working in
harmony, manage and control the computer system.
9. Give three examples of input devices.

10. The mouse, keyboard, microphone, and scanner are examples of input devices.
11. What type of device is a scanner?

12. A scanner is an input device.

13. Give three examples of output devices.

14. The printer, monitor, and speakers are examples of output devices.
15. What is I/O?

16. Many devices can handle both input and output functions. These devices are called I/O
devices.
17. Give four examples of I/O devices.

18. The floppy disk drive, hard disk drive, modem, and network interface card are examples
of I/O devices.