PC Hardware: Types and Classifications

• Work on a PC requires both Hardware and Software.
• Their combination allows task completion and optimal results.

Hardware

• Hardware is the tangible, physical part of a computer.
• It can be classified in different ways.

Hardware Typology and Classifications

• A common classification distinguishes between Basic Hardware and Complementary Hardware.
• Basic Hardware is vital for the computer's operation.
• Complementary Hardware improves performance.
• Basic Hardware includes these elements.
• CPU (Central Processing Unit) processes data and actions.
• Memory stores actions to be performed.
• Input/Output devices allows receiving data and sending actions.
• Complementary Hardware enhances functions with graphic cards, DVD recorders, network or Wifi cards.
• Usual approach is to classify the computer based on the functionality of its elements in the following groups.
• Storage Hardware allows information storage for short-term like RAM or longer term like USB drives and DVDs.
• Processing Hardware executes operations through the Microprocessor, ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit), or Chipsets.
• Input Hardware receives external data, such as keyboards, mouses or data input ports.
• Output Hardware outputs information, like monitors, printers or data output ports.
• Bidirectional Hardware functions as both input and output, like a network card.

Types of computers

• A computer is any device with a microprocessor, memory, and input/output interfaces.
• Some examples of computer types are listed below.
• A PC (Personal Computer) is a general-purpose computer for various users, available as desktops or laptops.
• MACs are Apple personal computers with RISC processors and Macintosh OS, utilized for image and video processing and now for iPhones.
• Non-MACs consist of diverse personal computers with Intel or AMD microchips, that run on systems like Windows or Linux. Most common PCs use Windows.
• Desktop PCs are large, not designed for portability and used in permanent locations, generally offering more versatility and expansion.
• Laptops are designed for portability, with integrated components and battery for autonomous use, costing more than desktops and also offer good performance.
• PDAs (Tablets) gained popularity with the iPad, serving as agendas with office-like programs and now more efficient, powerful with touch screens and autonomy.
• A Workstation is a more powerful desktop computer with stronger components for specialized functions.
• Servers support local or internet networks, specifically designed with dual microprocessors, large memory, multiple hard drives in array and can operate 24/7.

Basic Architecture of a Computer System

• The architecture is still based on the Von Neumann architecture.
• In this architecture, basic elements like the Computer, CPU, Memory, and Input/Output connected through Data Busses.
• Input devices deliver info to the Processing Unit for memory use, and output devices are then used.
• Data is transmitted among elements through data busses on the motherboard.

Components: Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• The CPU is the system's core, executes all necessary operations and integrates the ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit).
• Two main CPU technologies are CISC and RISC.
• CISC processors use complex instruction sets, employed by Intel and AMD.
• RISC processors use simpler microinstructions, used in PowerPCs of Macintosh computers and consoles.
• Central Memory is used by the CPU for operations.
• It is scarce.
• Supports external memory.
• There are different types of memory, including RAM and ROM.
• RAM is used while the system carries out OS tasks which is erased when PC is turned off with different levels based on speed, usage and capacity (Cache, RAM DDR, DDR2, DIMM, etc).
• ROM maintains the PC during use and can not be erased. The BIOS is recorded which enables the computer to start and operate
• Storage devices maintain computer and user data even when off. Although data can be erased, this memory is in an intermediate position.

Peripherals: Input/Output, Storage, and Multimedia Devices

• Almost as critical as the CPU and the memory, peripherals provide input, and output and allow data to be saved.
• Input/output devices are elements that allow receiving and displaying the information, such as keyboards and mice, as well as graphic cards, monitors and printers.
• Storage devices allow saving files, for instance, hard drives used as internal storage.
• DVD are an example of on-board storage.
• USB drives (pendrives) are external storage.
• Multimedia devices are peripherals that provide image and sound, such as 5.1 speakers and Webcams.

Detecting and Resolving Peripheral Device Failures

• Focus on common peripheral issues and basic resolutions and a technician must be consulted for more complex problems.
• Problems are easier to find in input/output peripherals.
• First we will check I/O then storage.

Monitor

• A monitor is the main output peripheral.
• Scenarios to consider for troubleshooting:
• No image: assure power and VGA cable are correctly connected and check the levels of brightness, the PC must be on when starting.
• Blurry colors: the monitor might be magnetised, colors are grouped (blues on one side and greens on the other). Use the degauss in the Menu.
• Image not centered: Use the Menu on the monitor both horizontally and vertically.
• Image blinks: it may be physically ruined or the refresh rate may be incorrect. Go to properties and decrease the refresh rate.
• Definition is poor: Set graphic properties and increase the color depth (8, 16 or 32 bits), and resolution.

Keyboard

• The keyboard is used to enter characters into the device programs.
• Error detection includes scenarios to consider for troubleshooting, such as when the keys do not respond
• In wireless options the batteries are likely out, replace them.
• In corded option they have likely been disconnected, if it isn't port USB disconnect the PC.
• The output is incorrect, the configuration is likely in English.

Mouse

• A mouse moves the cursor across the screen.
• Button clicks enable users to operate commands.
• Mouse troubleshooting may include the cursor that is unresponsive during mouse movements:
• Optical mouses emit red, for poor response place it in a uniform or black area.
• Ball Mouses do not use leds.

Printer

• The printer is a hard copy output device,
• The most consistent issue, is the lack of response, ensure that cable or the device has power, paper or the proper amount of ink either toner or liquid dye, and Drivers are installed.

Storage units

• Storage devices safeguard info and care should be taken.
• CD/DVD reader unable to read disk: Confirm the the type of memory and reader are corresponding with what is being read.
• Hard drive crashing: as soon as there is an error call IT help as data loss may occur.
• USB not working: try another input to confirm recognition on Window

Sound units

• These allow you to hear audio, speakers, headphones etc.
• No sound is output: confirm cables are correctly inserted into the input or that it is properly wired in.

Security standards for connection and disconnection

• When installing ensure that each element is positioned in place following the next requirements.
• Ensure that the power is off, then connect the device either to 220v, then ensure that the device works.
• Ensure this is done in a secured place, free of humidity or elements of issues.
• When removing an element ensure to properly power down the element.

What is Software?

• Software is not the physical aspects of a computer.
• Software is not the devices used to interact with the computer.
• Software is not any of the above.
• Instead, software is the programs needed for a PC to function

Which of the following is true?

• It is not true that a laptop computer is normally more economic than a PC based in smaller construction.
• The opposite it is true as they are more expensive.

Base architechture continues being based, from what was seen.

• Base architechture are not from Microsoft.
• Base architechture are not Intel or AMD companies.
• Instead Based Neuman principles

What are 3 input output devices.

• Keyboard, Mouse, graphic tablet
• Monitor, Printer, Sound devices

The tipes of Memory are:

• ROM, RAM, storage devices plus their components.
• all of the above is correct.

How to proper shutdown a PC

• Falso for safe power and energy down.

Communication between elements is

• Buses from the plate base.

Indicate at least 3 problems from display

• No image
• Bad display
• Image blinking
• Image not centered
• Poor Display

Primary differnce between hardware

• Basic is the main operation component that is made better through additional components.

How to connect a PC correctly.

• Ensure all the main elements and properly attached.
• Power is disconected
• Give the electricity to turn it on.

What is more important in a communication.

• The body language can even be the 80% of the non verbal communication