Part 1

• Computer - is an electronic machine that performs calculations based on a set of instructions.
• Computer System - consists of hardware and software components.
• Hardware - Is a physical component. It includes case, keyboard, monitor, cables, storage drives, speakers, and printers.
• Software - includes operating system and programs.
• Operating System - manages computer operations such as identifying, accessing, and processing information.
• Programs or application - Perform different functions. Programs vary widely depending on the type of information that is accessed or generated.
• Personal Computer System - are made up of hardware and software components that must be chosen with specific features.
• All the components of a PC must be compatible to work as a system.
• PCs are built based on how a user works and what need to be accomplished.
• They may require upgrading based on his/her work needs.
• PC Components:

  • Case
  • Power Supply
  • Connectors
  • Motherboard
  • Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Case - houses the internal components such as the power supply, motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), memory, disk drives, and assorted adapter cards.
• Computer cases are also referred to as the computer chassis, cabinet, tower, housing, or simply box.
• Cases are typically made of plastic, steel, or aluminum and provide the framework to support, protect, and cool the internal components.
• Device Form Factor - refers to the physical design and look of the case
• Types of device form factor for case:

  • Horizontal Case
  • Full-Size Tower
  • Compact Tower
  • All-in-one
• Horizontal Case - Is horizontally oriented on the user's desk with the monitor often positioned on top and was popular with early computer systems.
• Full-Size Tower - vertically oriented case is typically located on the floor under, or besides, a desk or table.
• Full-Size Tower provides room for expansion to accommodate additional components.
• Compact Tower - is a smaller version of the full-size tower and is commonly found in the corporate environment.
• Compact Tower may also be called a mini-tower or small form factor (SFF) model. It provides limited room for expansion.
• All-in-one - the computer system components are integrated into the display. Mostly includes touch-screen input and a built-in microphone and speakers.
• All-in-one computers offer little to no expansion capabilities. The power supply is often external to the computer.
• Power supply is used to convert AC power into a lower voltage DC power. Since Electricity from wall outlet is provided in alternating current (AC). While all components inside a computer require direct current (DC) power.
• Power Supply form factors:

  • Advanced Technology (AT)
  • AT Extended (ATX)
  • ATX12V
  • EPS12V
• Advanced Technology (AT) is the original power supply for legacy computer systems now considered obsolete.
• AT Extended (ATX) is the updated version of the AT but still considered to be obsolete.
• ATX12V is the most common power supply on the market today. It includes a second motherboard connector to provides dedicated power to the CPU. There are several versions of ATX12V available.
• ESP12V was originally designed for network servers but is not commonly used in high-end desktop models.
• Connectors are used to power various internal components such as the motherboard and disk drives. A power supply includes a variety of connectors.
• Types of Connectors

  • 20-pin or 24-pin slotted connector
  • SATA keyed connector
  • Molex keyed connector
  • Berg keyed connector
  • 4-pin to 8-pin auxiliary power connector
  • 6/8-pin PCIe power connector
• 20-pin or 24-pin slotted connector connects to the motherboard. The 24-pin connector has two rows of 12 pins each. The 20-pin connector has two rows of 10 pins each.
• SATA keyed connector connects disk drives. The connector is wider and thinner than a Molex connector.
• Molex keyed connector connects hard drives, optical drives, or other devices.
• Berg keyed connector connects to legacy floppy drives. Smaller than a Molex connector.
• 4-pin to 8-pin auxiliary power connector has two rows of two to four pins and supplies power to different areas of the motherboard. The auxiliary power connector is the same shape as the main power connector but smaller.
• 6/8-pin PCIe power connector has two rows of three to four pins and supplies power to internal components.
• Different connectors also provide different voltages. Common voltages supplied are 3.3 volts, 5 volts, and 12 volts.
• The 3.3-volts and 5-volts supplies are typically used by digital circuits, while the 12-volt supply is used to run motors in disk drives and fans.
• Power Supplies can also be single-rail, dual-rail, or multi-rail.