1.0 Introduction to the Personal Computer System
1.0.1 Introduction >1.0.1.1 Introduction
The image on this page shows a a computer tower, monitor, keyboard and mouse.
1.1 Personal Computer Systems
1.1.1 Cases and Power Supplies >1.1.1.1 Cases
Figure 1 on this page shows three images. of different computer cases. They are:
- Desktop
- Mini atx
- Midi atx
Figure 2 on this page is an interactive activity that displays the following factors that should be considered when selecting a computer case. When each factor is selected the relevant rationale is displayed:
Factor | Rationale |
Model Type | There are two main case models. One type is for desktop PCs, and the other type is for tower computers. The type of motherboard you choose determines the type of case that can be used. The size and shape must match exactly. |
Size | f a computer has many components, it will need more room for airflow to keep the system cool. |
Available Space | Desktop cases allow space conservation in tight areas because the monitor can be placed on top of the unit. The design of the desktop case may limit the number and size of the components that can be added. |
Power supply | You must match the power rating and connection type of the power supply to the type of motherboard you have chosen. |
Appearance | For some people, how the case looks doesn't matter at all. For others, it is critical. There are many case designs to choose from if it is necessary to have a case that is attractive. |
Status Display | What is going on inside the case can be very important. LED indicators that are mounted on the outside of the case can tell you if the system is receiving power, when the hard drive is being used, and when the computer is in sleep or hibernate mode. |
Vents | All cases have a vent on the power supply, and some have another vent on the back to help draw air into or out of the system. Some cases are designed with more vents in the event that the system needs a way to dissipate an unusual amount of heat. This situation may occur when many devices are installed close together in the case. |
1.1.1 Cases and Power Supplies >1.1.1.2 Power Supplies
Figure 1 on this page shows a standard computer power supply by itself with the Molex, Berg and SATA connections.
Figure 2 on this page is a table that lists the voltages for each connector found on the power supply.
Voltage | Wire Colour | Use | Power Supply Form |
+12V | Yellow | Disk drive, motors, fans, cooling devices, and the system bus slots | AT, ATX, ATX12V |
-12V | Blue | Some type of serial port circuits and early programmable read-only memory (PROM) | AT, ATX, ATX12V |
+3.3V | Orange | Most newer CPUs, some type of system memory, and AGP video cards | ATX, ATX12V |
+5V | Red | Motherboard, Baby AT, earlier CPUs and motherboard components | AT, ATX, ATX12V |
-5V | White | ISA bus cards and early PROMS | AT, ATX, ATX12V |
0V | Black | Ground - Used to complete circuits with other voltages | AT, ATX, ATX12V |
1.1.1 Cases and Power Supplies >1.1.1.3 Electricity and Ohm's Law
Figure 1 on this page shows Ohm's triangle. Inside the triangle is the expression V (voltage) divided by (I (Current) multiplied by R (Resistance))
Figure 2 shows Ohm's law chart, a formula wheel, consisting of a smaller inner circle and a larger outer circle, divided into 4 quadrents that can be used to calculate any of the four basic units of electricity using any two known units. Each quadrant of the outer circle is subdivided into thirds.
The inner circle displays the following:
Quadrant | Basic Unit | Symbol | Unit of Measurement |
Top left | Power | P | Watts |
Top right | Current | I | Amps |
Bottom left | Voltage | V | Volts |
Bottom right | Resistance | R | Ohms |
The outer circle displays the following expressions:
Basic Unit from Inner Circle | Quadrant | Third | Expression |
Power | Top left | Top | V multiplied by I |
Power | Top left | Middle | V squared divided by R |
Power | Top left | Bottom | I squared multiplied by R |
Current | Top right | Top | V divided by R |
Current | Top right | Middle | P divided by V |
Current | Top right | Bottom | Square root of P divided by R |
Voltage | Bottom left | Top | I multiplied by R |
Voltage | Bottom left | Middle | Square root of (P multiplied by R) |
Voltage | Bottom left | Bottom | P divided by I |
Resistance | Bottom right | Top | V squared divided by P |
Resistance | Bottom right | Middle | V divided by I |
Resistance | Bottom right | Bottom | P divided by i squared |
Figure 3 on this page is an image showing capacitors on a power supply.
1.1.1 Cases and Power Supplies >1.1.1.4 Worksheet - Ohm's Law
This is a pdf document.
1.1.2 Internal PC Components >1.1.2.1 Motherboards
Figure 1 on this page is an image showing four different motherboard form factors.
iFgure 2 on this page is a table displaying the following motherboard form factors.
Name | Name (Expanded) | Length | Width |
AT | Advanced Technology | 12 in (30.5 cm) | 13.8 in (35.1 cm) |
ATX | Advanced Technology Extended | 12 in (30.5 cm) | 9.6 in (24.4 cm) |
Mini-ATX | Smaller footprint of Advanced Technology Extended | 5.9 in (15 cm) | 5.9 in (15 cm) |
Micro-ATX | Smaller footprint of Advanced Technology Extended | 9.6 in (24.4 cm) | 9.6 in (24.4 cm) |
LPX | Low-Profile Extended | 13 in (33 cm) | 9 in (22.9 cm) |
NLX | New Low Profile Extended | 8 in (20.3 cm) to 9 in (22.9 cm) | 10 in (25.4 cm) to 13.6 in (34.5 cm) |
BTX | Balanced Technology Extended | 12.8 in (32.5 cm) | 10.5 in (26.6 cm) |
Mini-ITX | Smaller than the Micro-ATX | 6.7 in (17 cm) | 6.7 in (17 cm) |
Nano-ITX | Smaller footprint of the Mini-ITX | 4.7 in (12 cm) | 4.7 in (12 cm) |
Pico-ITX | Half the size of the Nano-ITX | 3.9 in (9.9 cm) | 2.8 in (7.1 cm) |
Mobile-ITX | Smallest ITX motherboards | 2.4 in (6 cm) | 2.4 in (6 cm) |
1.1.2 Internal PC Components >1.1.2.2 CPUs
Image 1 on this page shows a pin grid array (PGA) central processing unit and the motherboard socket that it fits into.
Image 2 on this page shows a land grid array (LGA) central processing unit and the motherboard socket that it fits into.
Image 3 on this page shows a slot style central processing unit.
Image 4 on this page shows a motherboard with a CPU slot.
1.1.2 Internal PC Components >1.1.2.3 Coding Systems
Image 1 on this page shows the side cut-away view of a tower case with an enlarged view of the case fan.
Image 2 on this page shows a motherboard with an enlarged view of the CPU fan.
Image 3 on this page shows a graphics expansion card that has two embedded fans.
1.1.2 Internal PC Components >1.1.2.4 ROM
The figure on this page is an interactive activity that allows the learner to understand the difference between the following types of ROM chips.
Name | Full Name | Description |
ROM | Read-Only Memory chips. | Information is written to a ROM chip when it is manufactured. A ROM chip cannot be erased or re-written and is obsolete. |
PROM | Programmable Read-Only Memory | Information is written to a PROM chip after it is manufactured. A PROM chip cannot be erased or re-written. |
EPROM | Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory | Information is written to an EPROM chip after it is manufactured. An EPROM chip can be erased with exposure to UV light. Special equipment is required. |
EEPROM | Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory | Information is written to an EEPROM chip after it is manufactured. EEPROM chips are also called Flash ROMs. An EEPROM chip can be erased and re-written without having to remove the chip from the computer. |
1.1.2 Internal PC Components >1.1.2.5 RAM
The figure on this page is an interactive activity that allows the learner to understand the difference between the following types of RAM.
Name | Description |
DRAM | Dynamic RAM is a memory chip which is used as main memory. DRAM must be constantly refreshed with pulses of electricity in order to maintain the data stored within the chip. |
SRAM | Static RAM is a memory chip that is used as cache memory. SRAM is much faster than DRAM and does not have to be refreshed as often. SRAM is much more expensive than DRAM. |
FPM Memory | Fast Page Mode DRAM is memory that supports paging. Paging enables faster access to the data than regular DRAM. FPM memory was used in Intel 486 and Pentium systems. |
EDO Memory | Extended Data Out RAM is memory that overlaps consecutive data accesses. This speeds up the access time to retrieve data from memory, because the CPU does not have to wait for one data access cycle to end before another data access cycle begins. |
SDRAM | Synchronous DRAM is DRAM that operates in synchronization with the memory bus. The memory bus is the data path between the CPU and the main memory. Control signals are used to coordinate the exchange of data between SDRAM and the CPU. |
DDR SDRAM | Double Data Rate SDRAM is memory that transfers data twice as fast as SDRAM. DDR SDRAM increases performance by transferring data twice per clock cycle. |
DDR2 SDRAM | Double Data Rate 2 SDRAM is faster than DDR SDRAM memory. DDR2 SDRAM improves performance over DDR SDRAM by decreasing noise and crosstalk between the signal wires. |
DDR3 SDRAM | Double Data Rate 3 SDRAM expands memory bandwidth by doubling the clock rate of DDR2 SDRAM. DDR3 SDRAM consumes less power and generates less heat than DDR2 SDRAM. |
RDRAM | RAMBus DRAM is a memory chip that was developed to communicate at very high rates of speed. RDRAM chips are not commonly used. |
1.1.2 Internal PC Components >1.1.2.6 Memory Modules
Figure 1 on this page is an interactive activity that allows the learner to understand the difference between the following types of memory modules.
Name | Description |
DIP | Dual Inline Package is an individual memory chip. A DIP has dual rows of pins used to attach it to the motherboard. |
SIMM | Single Inline Memory Module is a small circuit board which holds several memory chips. SIMMs have 30-pin or 72-pin configurations. |
DIMM Memory | Dual Inline Memory Module is a circuit board which holds SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, and DDR3 SDRAM chips. There are 168-pin SDRAM DIMMs, 184-pin DDR DIMMs, and 240-pin DDR2 and DDR3 DIMMs. |
RIMM | RAMBus Inline Memory Module is a circuit board which holds RDRAM chips. A typical RIMM has a 184-pin configuration. |
SODIMM | Small Outline DIMM has a 72-pin and 100-pin configuration for support of 32-bit transfers or 144-pin, 200-pin, and 204-pin configurations for support of 64-bit transfers. This smaller more condensed version of DIMM provides random access data storage which is ideal for use in laptops, printers, and other devices where conserving space is desirable. |
Figure 2 on this page is a table displaying the following common memory types and characteristics.
Memory Type | Industry Name | Peak Transfer Rate | Front Side Bus |
PC100 SDRAM | PC-100 | 800 MB/s | 100 MHZ |
PC-133 SDRAM | PC-133 | 1060 MB/s | 133 MHZ |
DDR-333 | PC-2700 | 2700 MB/s | 166 MHZ |
DDR-400 | PC-3200 | 3200 MB/s | 200 MHZ |
DDR2-667 | PC2-5300 | 5333 MB/s | 667 MHZ |
DDR3-1600 | PC3-12800 | 12800 MB/s | 1600 MHZ |
DDR2-800 | PC2-6400 | 6400 MB/s | 400 MHZ |
DRR3-1333 | PC3-10600 | 10667 MB/s | 1333 MHZ |
DRR3-1866 | PC3-14900 | 14933 MB/s | 1867 MHZ |
DRR3-2133 | PC3-1700 | 17066 MB/s | 2133 MHZ |
Figure 3 on this page is an interactive activity that allows the learner to understand the difference between the following common types of cache memory.
Name | Description |
L1 | L1 cache is internal cache and is integrated into the CPU. |
L2 | L2 cache is external cache and was originally mounted on the motherboard near the CPU. L2 cache is now integrated into the CPU. |
L3 | L3 cache is used on some high-end workstations and server CPUs. |
Figure 4 on this page is an interactive activity that allows the learner to understand the difference between the following types of error checking.
Memory Error | Description |
Nonparity | Nonparity memory does not check for errors in memory. |
Parity | Parity memory contains eight bits for data and one bit for error checking. The error-checking bit is called a parity bit. |
ECC | Error Correction Code memory can detect multiple bit errors in memory and correct single bit errors in memory. |
1.1.2 Internal PC Components >1.1.2.7 Adapter Cards and Expansion Slots
Figure 1 on this page shows the following four adapters cards:
- Sound Adapter
- Network Interface Card (NIC)
- Redundant Array of Independent Disks adapter (RAID)
- Video Adapter.
Figure 2 on this page is an interactive activity that allows the learner to understand the difference between the following types of expansion slots.
Slot Type | Description |
PCI | Peripheral Component Interconnect is a 32-bit or 64-bit expansion slot. PCI is the standard slot currently used in most computers. |
AGP | AGP is designed to be used by video adapters. Advancements in the specification for AGP allow for bandwidth increases. The bandwidth of the port can be multiplied 2x, 4x, or 8x. |
PCIe | PCI Express is a serial bus expansion slot. PCIe has x1, x4, x8 and x16 slots. PCIe is replacing AGP as an expansion slot for video adapters and can be used for other types of adapters. |
ISA | Industry Standard Architecture is an 8-bit or 16-bit expansion slot. This is older technology and is seldom used. |
EISA | Extended Industry Standard Architecture is a 32-bit expansion slot. This is older technology and is seldom used. |
MCA | Microchannel Architecture is an IBM-propriety 32-bit expansion slot. This is older technology is seldom used. |
PCI-X | PCI-Extended is a 32-bit bus with higher bandwidth than the PCI bus. PCI-X can run up to four times faster than PCI. |
Mini PCI | Mini PCI is a 32-bit bus used by laptops. Mini PCI has three different form factors, Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3. |
1.1.2 Internal PC Components >1.1.2.8 Storage Devices and RAID
Figure 1 on this page shows the following types of storage devices:
- Floppy Drive
- Hard Drive
- Optical Drive
- External Flash Drive.
Figure 2 on this page is a table displaying a comparison of the following different RAID levels.
RAID Level | Min # of Drives | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
0 | 2 | Data striping without redundancy | Highest Performance | No Data protection, failure of one drive results in all loss of all data |
1 | 2 | Disk mirroring | High performance, high data protection because all data is duplicated | High cost of implementation because additional drive of equal or larger capacity is required |
2 | 2 | Error-Correcting Coding | This is no longer used | Same performance can be achieved at a lower cost using RAID 3 |
3 | 3 | Byte-Level data striping with dedicated parity | For large, sequential data requests. | Does not support multiple, simultaneous read and write requests |
4 | 3 | Block-level data striping with dedicated parity | Supports multiple read requests, if a disk fails the dedicated parity disk is used to create a replacement disk | Write requests are bottlenecked due to the dedicated parity drive |
5 | 3 | Combination of data striping and mirroring | * Supports multiple simultaneous read and writes * Data is written across all drives with parity Data can be rebuilt from information found on the other drives | Write performance is slower than RAID 0 and 1 |
6 | 4 | Independent Data Disks with Double parity | Block-level striping with parity data distributed across all disks, can handle two simultaneous drive failures. | Lower performance than RAID 5, not supported on all disk controllers |
RAID 0+1 | 4 | Combination of data striping and mirroring | High performance, highest data protection | High cost overhead because duplication of data requires twice the storage capacity |
10 | 4(must be even number) | Mirrored set in a striped set | Provides fault tolerance and improved performance | High cost overhead because duplication of data requires twice the storage capacity |
1.1.2 Internal PC Components >1.1.2.9 Internal Cables
The image on this page shows the following data cables:
- SATA data cable
- PATA 80-conductor data cable
- FDD (floppy disk drive) data cable
1.1.3 External Ports and Cables >1.1.3.1 Video Ports and Cables
Figure 1 on this page shows both ends of a digital video interface cable (DVI).
Figure 2 on this page shows both ends of a Display port cable.
Figure 3 on this page shows a three-connector RCA cable consisting of a yellow connector for video and a pair of red and white connectors for left and right channel audio. The image also shows the corresponding sockets for the cable.
Figure 4 on this page shows a DB-15 analog video cable and port.
Figure 5 on this page shows a BNC cable end the corresponding socket.
Figure 6 on this page shows an RJ-45 network cable and the corresponding port.
Figure 7 on this page shows the end of a mini HDMI cable and the corresponding port.
Figure 8 on this page shows the following four common types of video cable:
- HDMI
- DVI
- VGA (also known as an analog video cable)
- Component RGB (Red, Green and Blue)
Figure 9 on this page shows the following other common cables:
- Composite (yellow, red and white)
- S-Video
- Coaxial
- Ethernet
1.1.3 External Ports and Cables >1.1.3.2 Other Ports and Cables
Figure 1 on this page shows a 9 pin female serial cable and the male connector on a computer.
Figure 2 on this page shows a 4-wire RJ-11 telephone and modem cable and connector.
Figure 3 on this page shows an external dial-up modem connected to computer .
Figure 4 on this page shows a USB cable and the corresponding port.
Figure 5 on this page shows a FireWire cable and an expansion FireWire card with two ports.
Figure 6 on this page shows a 25-pin male parallel cable and the corresponding female port on a computer.
Figure 7 on this page shows a 50-pin SCSI cable and the following SCSI ports:
- 25-pin SCSI Connector
- 50-pin SCSI Connector
- 80-pin SCSI Connector
Figure 8 on this page shows an Ethernet cable and the Ethernet port on a computer.
Figure 9 on this page shows a purple PS2 cable (keyboard) and a green PS2 cable (mouse) and a computer with the corresponding ports.
Figure 10 on this page shows an expansion audio card with the following ports:
- Line In (blue)
- Microphone (red)
- Line Out (green)
- Auxillary In (black)
- Gamesport/MIDI
1.1.4 Input and Output Devices >1.1.4.1 Input Devices
Figure 1 shows a 4-port KVM switch (keyboard, video, mouse).
Figure 2 shows a joystick and a gamepad that can be used to run simulations or play games on a computer.
Figure 3 shows an SLR camera digital video camera connected to a desktop computer.
Figure 4 shows a laptop computer and is highlighting the fingerprint scanner that can be configured to control access to a computer.
Figure 5 shows a digitizer which is very similar to a stylus pen.
1.1.4 Input and Output Devices >1.1.4.2 Output Devices
Image 1 on this page shows the following types of monitors:
- LCD/LED/OLED
- CRT
- digital projector
Image 2 on this page shows an all-in-one device that can be used for printing, scanning, faxing, and copying.
Image 3 on this page shows a set of computer speakers and a set of headphones that has a built-in microphone.
1.1.4 Input and Output Devices >1.1.4.3 Monitor Characteristics
Figure 1 on this page is a table listing common monitor resolutions:
Display Resolution |
Display Standard | Linear Pixels (HXV) | Aspect Ratio |
CGA | 320x200 | 16:10 |
EGA | 640x350 | 11:6 |
VGA | 640x480 | 4:3 |
WVGA | 854x480 | 16:9 |
SVGA | 800x600 | 4:3 |
XGA | 1024x768 | 4:3 |
WXGA | 1280x800 | 16:10 |
SXGA | 1280x1024 | 5:4 |
SXGA+ | 1400x1050 | 4:3 |
WSXGA | 1600x1024 | 25:16 |
UXGA | 1600x1200 | 4:3 |
HDTV | 1920x1080 | 16:9 |
WUXGA | 1920x1200 | 16:10 |
QXGA | 2048x1536 | 4:3 |
QSXGA | 2560x2048 | 5:4 |
WQUXGA | 3840x2400 | 16:10 |
HXGA | 4096x3072 | 4:3 |
WHXGA | 5120x3200 | 8:5 |
HSXGA | 5120x4096 | 5:4 |
WHSXGA | 6400x4096 | 25:16 |
HUXGA | 6400x4800 | 4:3 |
WHUXGA | 7680x4800 | 8:5 |
Figure 2 on this page is an interactive activity listing the following requirements for connecting multiple monitors to a single computer:
Hardware Needed:
- Two or more video ports
- Additional monitors
Software Configuration:
- Click Start > Control Panel > Display.
- Click Change display settings. (The Screen Resolution window should show two monitor icons. If multiple monitors are not displayed on the screen, the monitor may not be supported.).
- Click the monitor icon that represents your main display. If the monitor is not already the main display, check the box next to Make this my main display.
- Choose Extend these displays from the Multiple displays drop-down box.
- Click Identify. Windows 7 will display large numbers to identify the two monitors. Drag and drop the monitor icons to match the physical arrangement of the monitors.
- Choose the desired Resolution and Orientation from the drop-down boxes.
- Click OK.
Advantages:
- Extending the Windows desktop across two monitors is an inexpensive way to enhance a computer.
- Dualview can also be used to add a second monitor to laptops.
- Using multiple monitors increases productivity. For example, a user can use one screen to video conference while taking notes in an application displayed on the other monitor.
1.2 Selecting Replacement Computer Parts
1.2.1 Selecting PC Components>1.2.1.1 Case and Power Supply
The image on this page shows a computer case shell and a power supply. Nothing else is in the case shell.
1.2.1 Selecting PC Components>1.2.1.2 Selecting Motherboards
The image on this page shows a modern computer motherboard.
1.2.1 Selecting PC Components>1.2.1.3 Selecting the CPU and Heat Sink and Fan Assembly
The figure on this page is a table listing the following common CPU socket types and characteristics.
Common CPU Socket Types and Characteristics |
Socket | Architecture | Examples of Supported Processors | Manufacture |
775 | LGA | Pentium 4, Celeron D, Pentium D, Pentium Dual core, core 2 duo, Core 2 Quad, Xeon, Celeron | Intel |
1155 | LGA | Celeron, Core i3, Core i5, core i7, Pentium, Xeon | Intel |
1156 | LGA | Celeron, Core i3, Core i5, core i7, Pentium, Xeon | Intel |
1366 | LGA | Core i7 (9xx series), Xeon (35xx ,36xx ,55xx ,56xx series), Celeron P1053 | Intel |
940 | PGA | Athlon 64FX, Opteron | AMD |
AM2 | PGA | Athlon 64, Athlon 64 X2, Athlon 64 FX, Opteron, Sempron, Phenom | AMD |
AM2+ | PGA | Athlon 64, Athlon 64 X2, Athlon II, Opteron, Phenom, Phenom II | AMD |
AM3 | PGA | Phenom II (Excluding 940 and 920), Athlon II, Sempron, Opteron 138x | AMD |
AM3+ | PGA | Phenom II (Excluding 940 and 920), Athlon II, Sempron, Opteron 138x, FX Series | AMD |
FM1 | PGA | A series (Llano) processors | AMD |
F | LGA | Opteron 2xxx, 8xxx series, Athlon 64 FX FX-7x series | AMD |
1.2.1 Selecting PC Components>1.2.1.4 Selecting Ram
The figure on this page shows two images. The top image shows the side view of four empty RAM slots on a motherboard. The bottom image shows a memory module inserted into one of the memory slots.
1.2.1 Selecting PC Components>1.2.1.5 Selecting Adapter Cards
The 4 images on this page show the following types of adapter cards:
- Sound Adapter
- NIC
- RAID Adapter
- Video Adapter
1.2.1 Selecting PC Components>1.2.1.6 Selecting Hard Drives and Floppy Drives
Figure 1 on this page shows images of the following types of hard drive connectors:
Figure 2 on this page shows the following two diagrams of SCSI device daisy chains:
Internal Daisy Chain:
- SCSI cable terminates at SCSI card and connects to Hard Drive1 without terminating
- Hard Drive1 connects to Hard Drive2 without terminating
- Hard Drive2 connects to Floppy Drive and terminates
External Daisy Chain:
- SCSI cable terminates at SCSI card and connects to External Drive1 without terminating
- External Drive1 connects to External Drive2 without terminating
- External Drive2 connects to External Floppy Drive without terminating
- External Floppy Drive connects to Flat Bed Scanner and terminates
Figure 3 on this page is a table listing the following SCSI types:
SCSI type | Also Called | Connector | Maximum Output |
SCSI-1 | | 50-pin Centronics 50-pin | 5 MB/s |
Fast SCSI | Plain SCSI | 50-pin Centronics 50-pin | 10 MB/s |
Fast Wide SCSI | | 50-pin 68-pin | 20 MB/s |
Ultra SCSI | Fast-20 | 50-pin | 20 MB/s |
UIltra Wide SCSI | | 68-pin | 40 MB/s |
Ultra2 SCSI | Fast-40 | 50-pin | 40 MB/s |
Ultra2 Wide SCSI | | 68-pin 80-pin | 160 MB/s |
Ultra3 SCSI | Ultra-160 | 68-pin 80-pin | 160 MB/s |
Ultra320 SCSI | | 68-pin 80-pin | 320 MB/s |
1.2.1 Selecting PC Components>1.2.1.7 Selecting Solid State Drives and Media Readers
Figure 1 on this page shows an exploded diagram of a solid state drive consisting of the following components:
- Top Cover
- Interface Connector
- Cache Chip
- Controller Chip
- NAND Memory Chips on both sides of Logic Board
- Logic Board
- Bottom Cover
Figure 2 on this page shows images of the following common media cards:
- SD
- microSD
- CompactFlash
- Memory Stick
1.2.1 Selecting PC Components>1.2.1.8 Selecting Optical Drives
The image on this page shows an optical CD drive.
1.2.1 Selecting PC Components>1.2.1.9 Selecting External Storage
The image on this page shows an external hard drive connected to a laptop computer with a USB cable
1.2.1 Selecting PC Components>1.2.1.10 Selecting Input and Output Devices
Image 1 on this page shows a profile of a motherboard that has the following common input and output ports integrated into it:
- 1 PS2 port
- 2 USB ports
- 1 Digital Audio port
- 1 x HDMI port
- 1 VGA port
- 1 DVI port
- 2 USB 3.0 ports
- 1 Ethernet port
- 2 USB ports
- 6 3.5 mm Audio ports
Figure 2 on this page shows the following USB plugs and connectors for both USB version 1.1 and version 2.0:
Plugs:
- Type A
- Type B
- Mini-B
- Micro-A
- Micro-B
Connectors:
- Type A
- Type B
- Mini-B
- Micro-AB
- Micro-B
Figure 3 on this page shows the following images:
- USB 3.0 A plug
- USB 3.0 B plug
- USB 3.0 Micro plug and connector
Figure 4 on this page shows a table listing PATA and SATA data transfer speeds.
PATA and SATA Speeds |
Interface | Speed |
ATA-1 (IDE) | 8.3 MB/s |
ATA-2 (EIDE) | 16.6 MB/s |
ATA-3 (EIDE) (Minor Revision) | 16.6 MB/s |
ATA-4 (Ultra-ATA/33) | 33.3 MB/s |
ATA-5 (Ultra-ATA/66) | 66.7 MB/s |
ATA-6 (Ultra-ATA/100) | 100 MB/s |
ATA-7 (Ultra-ATA/133) | 133 MB/s |
SATA-1.0 | 1.5 Gb/s |
SATA-2.0 | 3 Gb/s |
SATA-3.0 | 6 Gb/s |
1.2.1 Selecting PC Components>1.2.1.11 Worksheet - Research Computer Components
See IT Essentials 5.0 Labs and Worksheets Accessible Files.
1.3 Configurations for Specialised Computers
1.3.1 Specialised Computer Systems >1.3.1.1 CAx Workstations
The image on this page shows a man working at a computer workstation that has two monitors and he is also working with a tablet computer. This is used to show a high performance workstation for a specific system such as a computer aided drafting station.
1.3.1 Specialised Computer Systems >1.3.1.2 Audio and Video Editing Workstations
The image on this page shows a computer work station that has two monitors next to a large audio mixing sound board. This is used to show a dedicated audio editing workstation.
1.3.1 Specialised Computer Systems >1.3.1.3 Virtualisation Workstations
The image on this page shows four monitors connected to one computer. This is used to show a high performance virtualisation workstation.
1.3.1 Specialised Computer Systems >1.3.1.4 Gaming PCs
The image on this page shows a man sitting at a gaming PC participating in a computer gaming competition. This is used to show a high performance gaming workstation.
1.3.1 Specialised Computer Systems >1.3.1.5 Home Theatre PCs
The image on this page shows a large computer monitor sitting on top of a home entertainment system. This is used to show a dedicated home theatre computer system.
1.3.1 Specialised Computer Systems >1.3.1.6 Worksheet - Build a Specialized Computer System
See IT Essentials 5.0 Labs and Worksheets Accessible Files.
1.4 Summary
1.4.1 Summary >1.4.1.1 Summary
The image on this page shows a computer system consisting of a tower PC, keyboard, mouse and a flat panel monitor.
End of Chapter 1: Introduction to the Personal Computer.
Next - Chapter 2: Lab Procedures and Tool Use.