A computer system consists of mainly four basic units; namely input unit, storage unit, central processing

unit and output unit. Central Processing unit further includes Arithmetic logic unit and control unit, as
shown in the figure:. A computer performs five major operations or functions irrespective of its size and
make. These are
it accepts data or instructions as input,
it stores data and instruction
it processes data as per the instructions,
it controls all operations inside a computer, and
it gives results in the form of output.
Desktop Computer System
Contents
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1 Functional Units:
2 Memory
3 Input / Output Devices:
o 3.1 Input Devices
o 3.2 Scanner
o 3.3 Output Devices:
Functional Units:
a. Input Unit: This unit is used for entering data and programs into the computer system by the user for
processing.
Basic Computer Organisation

b. Storage Unit: The storage unit is used for storing data and instructions before and after processing.
c. Output Unit: The output unit is used for storing the result as output produced by the computer after
processing.
d. Processing: The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical operations is called
processing. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data and instructions from the storage unit and
makes all sorts of calculations based on the instructions given and the type of data provided. It is then
sent back to the storage unit. CPU includes Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and control unit (CU)

Computer Chip
Arithmetic Logic Unit: All calculations and comparisons, based on the instructions provided, are carried
out within the ALU. It performs arithmetic functions like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and
also logical operations like greater than, less than and equal to etc.
Control Unit: Controlling of all operations like input, processing and output are performed by control unit.
It takes care of step by step processing of all operations in side the computer.
Memory
Computers memory can be classified into two types; primary memory and secondary memory
RAM
a. Primary Memory can be further classified as RAM and ROM.
RAM or Random Access Memory is the unit in a computer system. It is the place in a computer where
the operating system, application programs and the data in current use are kept temporarily so that they
can be accessed by the computers processor. It is said to be volatile since its contents are accessible
only as long as the computer is on. The contents of RAM are no more available once the computer is
turned off.

ROM or Read Only Memory is a special type of memory which can only be read and contents of which
are not lost even when the computer is switched off. It typically contains manufacturers instructions.
Among other things, ROM also stores an initial program called the bootstrap loader whose function is to
start the operation of computer system once the power is turned on.
b. Secondary Memory
RAM is volatile memory having a limited storage capacity. Secondary/auxiliary memory is storage other
than the RAM. These include devices that are peripheral and are connected and controlled by the
computer to enable permanent storage of programs and data.
CD ROM
Secondary storage devices are of two types; magnetic and optical. Magnetic devices include hard disks
and optical storage devices are CDs, DVDs, Pen drive, Zip drive etc.
Hard Disk
Hard disks are made up of rigid material and are usually a stack of metal disks sealed in a box. The hard
disk and the hard disk drive exist together as a unit and is a permanent part of the computer where data
and programs are saved. These disks have storage capacities ranging from 1GB to 80 GB and more.
Hard disks are rewritable.
Compact Disk
Compact Disk (CD) is portable disk having data storage capacity between 650-700 MB. It can hold large
amount of information such as music, full-motion videos, and text etc. CDs can be either read only or read
write type.
CD Drive
Digital Video Disk
Digital Video Disk (DVD) is similar to a CD but has larger storage capacity and enormous clarity.
Depending upon the disk type it can store several Gigabytes of data. DVDs are primarily used to store
music or movies and can be played back on your television or the computer too. These are not rewritable.

Hard Disk
Input / Output Devices:
These devices are used to enter information and instructions into a computer for storage or processing
and to deliver the processed data to a user. Input/Output devices are required for users to communicate
with the computer. In simple terms, input devices bring information INTO the computer and output devices
bring information OUT of a computer system. These input/output devices are also known as peripherals
since they surround the CPU and memory of a computer system.
Input Devices
An input device is any device that provides input to a computer. There are many input devices, but the
two most common ones are a keyboard and mouse. Every key you press on the keyboard and every
movement or click you make with the mouse sends a specific input signal to the computer.
Keyboard
Keyboard: The keyboard is very much like a standard typewriter keyboard with a few additional keys.
The basic QWERTY layout of characters is maintained to make it easy to use the system. The additional
keys are included to perform certain special functions. These are known as function keys that vary in
number from keyboard to keyboard.
Mouse: A device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointer on a display screen. A mouse is a
small object you can roll along a hard and flat surface. Its name is derived from its shape, which looks a
bit like a mouse. As you move the mouse, the pointer on the display screen moves in the same direction.
Trackball: A trackball is an input device used to enter motion data into computers or other electronic
devices. It serves the same purpose as a mouse, but is designed with a moveable ball on the top, which
can be rolled in any direction.
Touchpad: A touch pad is a device for pointing (controlling input positioning) on a computer display
screen. It is an alternative to the mouse. Originally incorporated in laptop computers, touch pads are also
being made for use with desktop computers. A touch pad works by sensing the users finger movement
and downward pressure. Touch Screen: It allows the user to operate/make selections by simply
touching the display screen. A display screen that is sensitive to the touch of a finger or stylus. Widely
used on ATM machines, retail point-of-sale terminals, car navigation systems, medical monitors and
industrial control panels.

Mouse
Light Pen: Light pen is an input device that utilizes a light-sensitive detector to select objects on a
display screen.

Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR): MICR can identify character printed with a special ink that
contains particles of magnetic material. This device particularly finds applications in banking industry.
Optical mark recognition (OMR): Optical mark recognition, also called mark sense reader is a
technology where an OMR device senses the presence or absence of a mark, such as pencil mark. OMR
is widely used in tests such as aptitude test.
Bar code reader: Bar-code readers are photoelectric scanners that read the bar codes or vertical zebra
strips marks, printed on product containers. These devices are generally used in super markets,
bookshops etc.

Light Pen

Scanner
Scanner is an input device that can read text or illustration printed on paper and translates the
information into a form that the computer can use. A scanner works by digitizing an image. (Fig.
1.7)




Scanner
Output Devices:
Output device receives information from the CPU and presents it to the user in the desired from. The
processed data, stored in the memory of the computer is sent to the output unit, which then converts
it into a form that can be understood by the user. The output is usually produced in one of the two
ways on the display device, or on paper (hard copy).
Monitor: is often used synonymously with computer screen or display. Monitor is an output
device that resembles the television screen (fig. 1.8). It may use a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) to
display information. The monitor is associated with a keyboard for manual input of characters and
displays the information as it is keyed in. It also displays the program or application output. Like the
television, monitors are also available in different sizes. Printer: Printers are used to produce paper
(commonly known as hard copy) output. Based on the technology used, they can be classified as
Impact or Non-impact printers.
Impact printers use the typewriting printing mechanism wherein a hammer strikes the paper through
a ribbon in order to produce output. Dot-matrix and Character printers fall under this category.

Monitor
Non-impact printers do not touch the paper while printing. They use chemical, heat or electrical
signals to etch the symbols on paper. Inkjet, Deskjet, Laser, Thermal printers fall under this category
of printers.


Plotter: Plotters are used to print graphical output on paper. It interprets computer commands and
makes line drawings on paper using multi colored automated pens. It is capable of producing graphs,
drawings, charts, maps etc. Facsimile (FAX): Facsimile machine, a device that can send or receive
pictures and text over a telephone line. Fax machines work by digitizing an image.
Plotter
Sound cards and Speaker(s): An expansion board that enables a computer to manipulate and
output sounds. Sound cards are necessary for nearly all CD-ROMs and have become commonplace
on modern personal computers. Sound cards enable the computer to output sound through speakers
connected to the board, to record sound input from a microphone connected to the computer, and
manipulate sound stored on a disk.
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ICT Applications




Basic computer components.
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is the most important part of your computer. It basically is a component which performs the basic
operations of the computer, processes the data received and coordinates the flow of data between the various parts
of the computer. It's more commonly known as the 'brain' of the computer.

2. Random Access Memory (RAM)

This is the part of the computer that hold the data which you are currently working on (the RAM is currently holding all
the parts of the article which I've typed so far). It's a more volatile form of data storage, in the sense that if you
suddenly encounter an electricity interruption, all the data you were currently working on will be lost. The more
capacity your RAM has, the more data it can store temporarily, without slowing down your computer.

3. Hard Drive

This is a data storage medium which, unlike the RAM, saves the data even if there's a current failure or even when
you turn it off. It houses all the programs you install, including your operating system, word processor, media players
and other programmes you use. In addition, it also stores all your other data such as pictures, documents,
spreadsheets, music and games. There are 2 types of hard drives, IDE and SATA. The latter is the one which is
compatible with all modern computers.

4. Motherboard

This is the main circuit board of the computer, and all of your internal and external hardware of the computer is
plugged into the motherboard. The speed at which the data travels across the motherboard is referred to as the BUS
speed. Modern motherboards use the PCI Express (PCI-E) technology to increase the transfer rate of data across the
motherboard.

5. DVD Drive / Burner

A DVD drive is a device which can read data stored on a DVD or CD, but cannot write anything on CDs or DVDs. To
do this, you need a DVD writer (DVD Burner). Data is written on the DVD through a laser beam. A DVD Burner can
also be used to burn data to CDs.

6. Ethernet Card

This is a circuit board which is connected to the motherboard, and which will enable your computer to connect to the
Internet via an ADSL / DSL network, or to connect your computer with other computers in a network. In addition to an
Ethernet card, you will need an external component called a Router.

7. Sound and Video Card

The sound card is a circuit board plugged into your motherboard, which enable you to input sound and to provide
audio output. A video card is another circuit board which enables your computer to display high quality videos. Both
these components are embedded in the modern motherboards, and people purchase external ones only if they need
higher quality sound or graphics.

Parts of the PowerPoint screen:

Title bar - displays the document name
Menu bar - click on a menu option to see a list of commands
Standard toolbar - frequently used menu options
Formatting toolbar - displays formatting commands
Placeholder - click or double-click to add an element to a slide
Outline view button - displays document in outline form
Slide view button - displays slides one at a time
Slide Sorter view button - displays all slides in a single screen
Slide show button - displays slide show
Drawing toolbar - displays drawing tools
Status bar - shows the current page number and position of the insertion point in the document
Office Assistant - quick help when you need it

Computers come in all different shapes and forms (examples: desktops, laptops), but the main
components that make up a computer pretty much stay the same. Components can also be refereed to
as; hardware or parts. Throughout this website I will explain the various components in a PC computer.
Some of this information is considered basic computer knowledge, but there is no better place to start
with than with the basics.

Computer Components

Every computer Consists of the following basic components:
Computer Case - Where all of the components are stored.

CPU - It is basically the brain of your computer. The CPU is a used to process everything from basic to
complex functions in a computer.

RAM - RAM is memory that attaches to the motherboard. RAM is hardware used to temporarily store and
access data.

Motherboard - A Motherboard is the most important component in a computer system. All of the other
hardware in a computer system connect to the motherboard.

Power Supply - A Power Supply is the sends power to all of the other hardware so they can operate.

Hard Drive - A Hard Drive is used for permanently storing files and programs.

Disk Drives - Disk Drives can be a floppy drive, CD drive, DVD drive or other possible file storage devices
that are used in a computer.

Video Card - A Video Card is the part of a computer system that converts binary code from the CPU so
you can view it on a monitor.

Monitor - The part of a computer that allows you to see what the computer is processing.

Keyboard - A keyboard allows a computer user to enter text commands into a computer system.

Mouse - A mouse allows a computer user to use a point and click interface to enter commands.

Components of a Computer
A computer is made of a many different components, including:
Central Processing Unit (CPU) - This component is like the brain center of the computer, responsible
for processing all the functions your computer allows.This is the home of Random Access
Memory (RAM), which gives your computer the space it needs to process information. More RAM is
typically associated with faster processing time; an important feature in computer efficiency.
Attached to the CPU are other important components, including the motherboard, graphics cards
and disk drives. The motherboard comes in a variety of options, and contains all the connections
required to keep all the components of the computer communicating with one another. It operates
much like a circuit board in this regard, and comes in a wide range of sizes to ensure computer
owners have all the communication connections they need to operate their system.
Graphics cards are responsible for producing clear images on the computer monitor. These cards also
come in a wide variety of options, and should be chosen based on what the computer will be
primarily be used for. Gamers tend to need higher quality graphics cards than those who typically
use their computers for typing documents or researching websites.
Disk drives are another important feature for a home computer, allowing the user to play CDs and
DVDs on the system or store information from the computer to these disks. Floppy disk drives are
also an option, albeit a much older one, but these drives tend to store much smaller units of
information. Computer users now tend to opt for flash drives, temporary storage units that can be
transported from one device to another, for storage purposes.
A hard drive is also an essential element of the CPU, and may come in two different types; the hard
drive (HD) or solid-state drive (SSD). This drive hosts all of the programs and operating systems on
the computer. Most desktop computers use an SSD as a main hard drive. However, this drive offers
limited space and may be more expensive. A hard drive can also be added to host data, leaving the
SSD to run the operating systems. This choice often results in the best performance from the
computer.
Modem - Users that want to be able to access the Internet will need a method for connecting the PC
to other computers. A modem is a device that serves just this purpose, allowing the computer to
receive outside information over phone lines or high-speed cable.Some computers come with built-in
modems, but external devices tend to offer faster processing.
Monitor The computer monitor provides the visual image of what is being done on the computer. It
is also essential for watching movies or playing games on the computer. CRT monitors were the
popular choice for many years, until flat screen monitors using LCD technology came into existence.
These screens offer a brighter, clearer image, with much narrower components that take up less
space on the workstation.
Speakers Just as the monitor is required to see the computer work, speakers are required to hear
the computer. Monitors may come equipped with built-in speakers, but many users prefer to connect
separate speakers for better sound quality.
Keyboard and Mouse These devices allow the user to communicate with the computer, initiating
various actions by typing keys or clicking a button. Both the keyboard and the mouse provide very
similar functions, although the keyboard is necessary for typing text. The mouse operates by
pointing to a function on the screen and clicking. .
Printer - To create hard copies of work completed on the computer, a printer is necessary. This
device is hooked up to the computer so that the two devices can communicate with one another.
Printers can be used for strictly printing images and words on the screen, but they can also provide
additional functions, such as scanning and faxing documents and making copies.
Options - In addition to the basic components necessary to run the computer for daily operations,
user may choose a variety of optional components to broaden functionality and enhance
performance. Video cards, headphones and a microphone are all fun additions that can create a
whole new purpose for the computer.
Computers are complex pieces of equipment, with many components required to help them run
properly. Users who understand the various elements and their functions will be better prepared to
ensure their computer systems are running at peak performance level.
The PowerPoint Window has toolbars and panes to help you quickly create presentations.
Most of the toolbars are common in Office applications but may feature options unique to
PowerPoint.
Title Bar - displays the document name followed by a program name.
Menu Bar - contains a list of options to manage and customize documents.
Standard Toolbar - contains shortcut buttons for the most popular commands.
Formatting Toolbar - contains buttons used for formatting.
Status Bar - displays slide position and the type of design in PowerPoint.
Drawing Toolbar - contains tools for drawing lines, shapes and objects.
Task Pane - located on the right side of the computer screen, this pane allows you to select
tasks in different categories and allows you to quickly enhance your slides in a few steps. It
provides quick access to the most common actions and features in PowerPoint.
Outline and Slides Tabbed Pane - allows the user to easily view the presentation in
outline format (text), as well as a list of all the slides in the presentation (with visuals).

Parts of the PowerPoint 2010 Screen
For anyone new to PowerPoint, it is always a good practice to get accustomed to the parts of the
screen.
Note - Click on the image above to enlarge it for better clarity.
For those of you who got on board with PowerPoint 2007, this screen will look very familiar. However,
there are some new additions to PowerPoint 2010 in terms of features, and some subtle additions in
terms of slight changes to existing features in PowerPoint 2007.
File Tab - The new File tab in the left corner of the ribbon, replaces the Office button. Many of the same features are present
and some new features have been added.


Ribbon - The ribbon replaces the toolbar in older versions of PowerPoint, prior to PowerPoint 2007.


Quick Access Toolbar - This toolbar appears in the top left corner of the PowerPoint 2010 screen. This is a customizable
toolbar, so that you may add icons for features that you use frequently.


Tabs on the Ribbon - These tabs on the ribbon are headings for groups of tasks. These tabs look similar to the headings on
the menus in older versions of PowerPoint.


Help Button - This tiny question mark icon is how to access help for PowerPoint 2010.


Slides/Outline Pane - The Slides/Outline pane is located on the left side of the window. The Slides pane
shows thumbnail versions of each of the slides in the presentation. TheOutline pane shows a text outline of all the information
on the slides.


Notes - The Notes section is a place for the speaker to jot down any hints or references for his presentation. Only the
presenter will see these notes.


Status Bar - The Status bar shows current aspects of the presentation, such as the current slide number and what design
theme was used. A tiny Common tools toolbar gives quick access to features that the presenter would use often.