Introduction to Personal Computer Hardware

A computer consists of hardware and software components. Hardware is the physical equipment. It includes the case, keyboard, monitor, cables, storage drives, motherboard, and power supply. Software includes the operating system and programs. The operating system, or OS, manages computer operations such as identifying, accessing, and processing information. Programs or applications perform different functions. Programs vary widely depending on the type of information that is accessed or generated.

This chapter reviews the definition of a computer, safety guidelines, computer components, and the process for disassembling a computer.

Study Guide

Personal Computers

Assembling a computer requires following general safety guidelines and includes a variety of components, tasks, and skills.

What Is in a Computer?

Computers include input devices, output devices, and internal components.

In Table 1-1, indicate whether the computer component is an input device, output device, or internal component.

Table 1-1 Identify the Computer Component

Electrical and ESD Safety

Computer technicians must follow electrical and ESD safety guidelines to prevent damage to sensitive components, electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities.

Match the definition on the left with a term on the right. This exercise is a one-to-one matching.

Definitions

1. This buildup of an electric charge exists on a surface that comes into contact with another, differently charged surface.

2. It takes this many volts to damage a computer component.

3. It takes this many volts for a person to feel an electrostatic discharge.

4. This device should be attached to you when working with computer components.

Terms

• ____ 30 volts

• ____ 3000 volts

• ____ Static electricity

• ____ Antistatic wrist strap