Installing and Configuring Computer Systems

Lesson 1: Installing and Configuring Computer Systems (ICCS)

• Desktop computers are designed to fit on a desk and often come with a separate monitor, keyboard, and tower.
• Laptops are portable computers suitable for use on a lap.
• Tablets are handheld computers with a touch-sensitive screen.
• Smartphones are mobile phones with computer-like capabilities such as internet access and apps.
• Windows is a popular OS for personal and business use, supporting multitasking and peripherals.
• Mac OS is Apple's operating system known for its graphical interface.
• Linux is an open-source OS commonly used in servers and other devices.
• Multi-user operating systems allow multiple users to run programs simultaneously.
• Multiprocessing operating systems utilize more than one CPU to perform tasks.
• Multitasking allows running more than one program simultaneously.
• Multithreading allows different parts of a single program to run concurrently.
• Real-time operating systems respond to inputs instantly and are used in critical systems like ATMs.
• Computers are machines performing specific tasks or calculations based on instructions or programs.
• The first electronic computers were introduced in the 1940s, requiring a group of people to operate due to their size.
• Supercomputers are very expensive, fast, and powerful.
• Mainframes are powerful multi-user computers supporting many users simultaneously.
• Minicomputers are mid-sized multi-user computers supporting 4 to 200 users simultaneously.
• Workstations are single-user, powerful computers for engineering applications like CAD and CAM, and desktop publishing.
• Personal computers are also called microcomputers because of their microprocessors.

Lesson 2: Software and Hardware

• Data is what is input into a computer, which is then transformed into usable information.
• Electronic data processing (EDP) refers to the process of making data useful.
• Input refers to recording and making data available.
• Output is the data processing that converts data into information to be communicated.
• Hardware is the physical aspect of computers.
• Software refers to the program
• Peopleware refers to the operator

PC Hardware Components

• A computer stores, retrieves, and processes data based on a specific set of instructions.
• Input devices allow users to give instructions.
• Output devices communicate information from the computer to the user; some, like touchscreen monitors, can be both.
• The Central Processing Unit (CPU) performs calculations allowing the computer to function and is often cooled by a heat sink and fan.
• Memory enables a computer to temporarily store data and programs with Random Access Memory (RAM) as an example.
• Mass storage devices allow permanent data retention and include disk drives and tape drives.
• Main hardware components include the motherboard, CPU, RAM, expansion card, optical disc drive, hard disk, power supply, keyboard, monitors, and mouse.
• A typical computer consists of a case with the motherboard and other hardware connected inside.

Internal Hardware

• Motherboard serves as a rectangular board where the rest of the parts connect to
• Chipsets mediate communication between the CPU and other components.
• RAM stores all running processes and the operating system.
• Internal buses connects the CPU to other internal components
• External buses support ports for external devices, controlled by south bridge I/O controller or expansion cards.
• A Power Supply Unit converts AC power to low voltage DC power for the computer components and can have a voltage switch.
• A Video Display Controller produces the monitor output.
• Sound Card enables computer audio output and input.

External Hardware

• Keyboards are primary input devices, including standard, ergonomic, wireless, compact, gaming, and internet keyboards in their designs.
• Virtual keyboards are software devices for input, controlled by a mouse or touchscreen.
• A mouse is a pointing device to interact with the graphical interface.
• Touchscreens are input/output devices for direct interaction by touching the screen.
• Scanners convert physical documents or images into digital formats.
• Game controllers include joysticks and gamepads for gaming.

Software

• Software is a set of instructions or programs telling the hardware what to do.
• System software controls internal functions and manages hardware, with the Operating System (OS) as the main system software.
• System software main examples are Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
• Utility software helps maintain, analyze, and optimize the computer.
• Examples of utilities are antivirus, disk cleanup tools, and VGA utilities.
• BIOS and Firmware provides basic functions to operate and control hardware devices.

Lesson 3: Communication Devices

• Modems enable computer communication with the outside world.
• The term "modem" is a contraction of modulator-demodulator.
• Communication devices like dial-up, cable or DSL modems are currently in use.
• Routers are significant network devices that send network traffic to its correct destination.
• A switch is a network hardware filtering and forwarding packets but with limited capability.
• Mini-Tower Cases have smaller and limited expansion.
• Desktop Cases are Bulky, limited in expansion and less frequently used.