Personal Computers and Hardware

In This Presentation You Will Learn The names of some important personal computer hardware components. The functions of these components.

Personal Computers Personal computers are usually called PC’s. Desktop PC’s are large and sit on a desk or table. Laptops and Notebooks are small and portable. We will use desktop PC’s in this class.

Personal Computer Hardware Hardware is the name for the physical parts of your computer. Five important parts are: CPU case with the processor and hard drive Monitor Keyboard Mouse Cables

Questions What is the difference between a desktop computer and a Laptop or notebook computer? What are five important hardware components of a personal computer?

The CPU First we will learn about the CPU or the central processing unit.

Central Processing Unit The central processing unit is usually called the CPU. The CPU case contains the processor and hard drive. The CPU case has many ports where you can plug in cables. Have students turn PCU and Monitor On. Do any other log in necessary to get to desktop.

The Processor The processor is inside the CPU case. The processor (or microprocessor) is a chip made up of small transistors. The processor does all of the calculations on the computer.

The Processor Processors are made by different companies such as Intel or AMD. Some people call the processor the brains of the computer.

The Hard Drive The hard drive is also in the CPU case. The hard drive is the place where software is stored. You can save your work on the hard drive.

CPU Questions What does CPU stand for? What two hardware components are located in the CPU case? What does the processor do? What can you save on the hard drive?

Computer Cables Next we will learn about computer cables and ports.

Cables Cables connect the different computer hardware components to each other. Cables plug into openings called ports.

Cables The cables from your keyboard and your mouse plug into the CPU case. There is another cable that connects your classroom PC to the Internet.

Questions about Cables What are cables used for? What is a port? How do our classroom computers connect to the Internet?

The Monitor and the Mouse Now we will learn about the monitor and the mouse.

The Monitor The monitor looks like a television set. The monitor contains the screen. You use the monitor to watch what you are doing on the computer.

The Mouse The mouse allows you to put information into the computer. You move the mouse around on your desk or mouse pad. The mouse controls the cursor that you see on your computer screen.

Right-Click and Left-Click You use the left click button on your mouse to select text and graphics on your screen. You use the left click button to select where you will begin to type. You use the right click button on your mouse to open a shortcut menu.

Monitor and Mouse Questions What is the monitor used for? How do you use the computer mouse? What is the difference between the left-click mouse button and the right- click mouse button?

The Computer Keyboard Now we will learn about the computer keyboard.

The Keyboard The keyboard is a tool for entering information into the computer. Keys may contain letters, numbers or symbols. Some keys have special functions.

is used for logging out of your computer!! Special Keyboard Keys Tab key Arrow keys Caps Lock key Shift keys Back Space/ Delete keys Enter key Escape key Explain what each does and have students find them on their keyboard. CTRL + ALT + DELETE is used for logging out of your computer!!

Keyboard Questions What is the computer keyboard used for? Name four special keyboard keys. Do you know the functions of any of the special keyboard keys? What keys do you use to log out of your computer?

Other Types of PC Hardware There are other types of computer hardware such as: printers speakers headsets flash drives You will learn more about these during your class.

Final Review Name each type of hardware below and it’s function. 4 3 2 1 6 7 5