INTRODUCTION

A modern PC is both simple and complicated. It is simple in the sense that over the years, many
of the components used to construct a system have become integrated with other components
into fewer and fewer actual parts. It is complicated in the sense that each part in a modern
system performs many more functions than did the same types of parts in older systems.

This report briefly examines all the components and peripherals in a modern PC system.

The components and peripherals necessary to assemble a basic modern PC system are divided
into three categories:

1. Inside the cabinet

2. Input devices

3. Output devices

So, here are the important parts of a computer if you want to build a custom one or just want to
know more about computers.
INSIDE THE CABINET

Motherboard

The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board. It's a thin

plate that holds the CPU, memory, connectors for the hard drive
and optical drives, expansion cards to control the video and audio,
and connections to your computer's ports (such as USB ports). The
motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of the
computer.

CPU / Processor

The central processing unit (CPU), also called a processor, is

located inside the computer case on the motherboard. The CPU is
usually a two-inch ceramic square with a silicon chip located inside.
The chip is usually about the size of a thumbnail. The CPU fits into
the motherboard's CPU socket, which is covered by the heat sink,
an object that absorbs heat from the CPU.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is your system's short-term memory. This short-term memory

disappears when the computer is turned off. If you're working on a
document, spreadsheet, or other type of file, you'll need to save it
to avoid losing it. When you save a file, the data is written to the
hard drive, which acts as long-term storage. RAM is measured in
megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). The more RAM you have, the
more things your computer can do at the same time.
Hard Drive

The hard drive is where your software, documents, and other files
are stored. The hard drive is long-term storage, which means the
data is still saved even if you turn the computer off or unplug it.
When you run a program or open a file, the computer copies some
of the data from the hard drive onto the RAM. When you save a file,
the data is copied back to the hard drive. The faster the hard drive,
the faster your computer can start up and load programs.

PSU (Power Supply Unit)

The power supply unit in a computer converts the power from the
wall outlet to the type of power needed by the computer. It sends
power through cables to the motherboard and other components.
INPUT DEVICES
Keyboard

Keyboard is the most common and very popular input device

which helps to input data to the computer. The layout of the
keyboard is like that of traditional typewriter, although there are
some additional keys provided for performing additional
functions. Keyboards are of two sizes 84 keys or 101/102 keys,
but now keyboards with 104 keys or 108 keys are also available
for Windows and Internet.

Mouse

Mouse is the most popular pointing device. It is a very famous

cursor-control device having a small palm size box with a round
ball at its base, which senses the movement of the mouse and
sends corresponding signals to the CPU when the mouse
buttons are pressed. Generally, it has two buttons called the left
and the right button and a wheel is present between the
buttons. A mouse can be used to control the position of the
cursor on the screen, but it cannot be used to enter text into the
computer.

Gaming Devices

A game controller is a device used with games or entertainment

systems to provide input to a video game, typically to control an object
or character in the game. A controller is usually connected to a game
console or computer by means of a wire, although wireless controllers
have become widespread. Examples include gamepads, joysticks, etc.
Special purpose devices, such as steering wheels for driving games
and light guns for shooting games, are also game controllers.
Light Pen

Light pen is a pointing device similar to a pen. It is used to select a

displayed menu item or draw pictures on the monitor screen. It
consists of a photocell and an optical system placed in a small tube.
When the tip of a light pen is moved over the monitor screen and
the pen button is pressed, its photocell sensing element detects
the screen location and sends the corresponding signal to the CPU.

Scanner

Scanner is an input device, which works more like a photocopy

machine. It is used when some information is available on paper
and it is to be transferred to the hard disk of the computer for
further manipulation. Scanner captures images from the source
which are then converted into a digital form that can be stored on
the disk. These images can be edited before they are printed.

Microphone

Microphone is an input device to input sound that is then stored in

a digital form. The microphone is used for various applications such
as adding sound to a multimedia presentation or for mixing music.
Readers

MICR input device is generally used in banks as there are large

number of cheques to be processed every day. OCR scans the
text optically, character by character, converts them into a
machine readable code, and stores the text on the system
memory. Bar Code Reader is a device used for reading bar coded
data (data in the form of light and dark lines). OMR is a special
type of optical scanner used to recognize the type of mark made
by pen or pencil.
OUTPUT DEVICES
Monitor

The most common computer output device is the monitor or

computer screen. Monitors create a visual display for you to view
from processed data. They come in a variety of screen sizes and
visual resolutions. There are two common types of modern
computer monitors, cathode ray tube and flat panel screens. CRT
monitors use phosphorescent dots to create the pixels that make
up displayed images. Flat panel monitors usually use liquid crystals
or plasma to create output.

Printer

Printers produce a hard copy version of processed data such as

documents and photographs. The computer sends the image data
to the printer, which then physically recreates the image, usually on
paper. There are three types of computer printers: ink jet, laser and
dot matrix. Inkjet printers spray tiny dots of ink on a surface to
create an image. Laser printers use toner drums that roll through
magnetized pigment and then transfer the pigment to a surface.

Speakers / Headphones / Earphones

The most common computer output device is the monitor or

computer screen. Monitors create a visual display for you to view
from processed data. They come in a variety of screen sizes and
visual resolutions. There are two common types of modern
computer monitors, cathode ray tube and flat panel screens. CRT
monitors use phosphorescent dots to create the pixels that make
up displayed images. Flat panel monitors usually use liquid crystals
or plasma to create output.
Projector

Projectors are display devices that project a computer-created

image. The computer sends the image data to its video card, which
then sends the video image to the projector. They are typically
used for presentations or for viewing videos.
CONCLUSION
Todays world is an information-rich world and it has become a necessity for everyone to know
about computers. A computer is an electronic data processing device, which accepts and stores
data input, processes the data input, and generates the output in a required format.

The purpose of this report was to introduce you to Computers and its fundamentals.

Thank you.