PC Hardware & Software Installation

Task 1
Identify the peripherals of a computer, components in a CPU and its
functions. Draw the block diagram of the CPU along with the
configuration of each peripheral and submit to your instructor.

AIM: Identify the peripherals of a computer, components in a CPU and its functions.
Draw the block diagram of the CPU along with the configuration of each peripheral and
submit to your instructor.
Peripherals of a computer, components in a CPU and its functions:
1. Cabinet:

This component holds all of the physical parts of a computer system. It is usually
designed in such a manner to make fitting a motherboard, wiring, and primary and
secondary storage devices as easy as possible. Cases typically have extra connectors on
the front of them for more convenience. USB ports and headphone jacks are commonly
found. Computer cases rely on fans inside them to create proper airflow to keep all the
internals cool and working reliably.

2. Motherboard
The motherboard is the main board mounted directly inside the computer case.
All other cards plug directly into the motherboard. It is a printed circuit board in
which the CPU, RAM, drives, power supply, expansion cards, and more are
plugged into it.

3. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU or central processing unit is basically like the brain of computer systems. It
processes all the information on a computational level. It takes all the processes from the
RAM and processes them to perform the tasks required by the computer system. The
faster the processor, the more instructions it can execute at any given time. The central
processing unit is usually seated in a socket that utilizes a lever or a latch with a hinged
plate with a cut-out in the center to secure the CPU onto the motherboard. It has many
copper pads underneath it for the socket contacts to push up against them to make
electrical contact. There are other ways CPUs can be attached to the motherboard. It will
run even hotter when set to a higher clock speed to make it run faster. This is called
overclocking. This is why a heatsink and fan assembly are required to draw the heat away
from the central processing unit and distribute it to thin sheets or fins of metal for the fan
to cool down. There are so many different types of computer processors. The top
manufacturers of processors are Intel, AMD, and NVidia.

4. Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is a data storage device that can provide fast read and write access. RAM is volatile
memory, meaning it loses all the stored data when power is lost. The RAM keeps data
ready for the CPU to process. RAM used on the motherboard often uses DDR (Double
Data Rate) SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) type memory.

5. Graphics Card or Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

A graphics card is an output device that processes the data from the motherboard and
sends the appropriate information to the computer’s screen for display. You can connect
monitors to it using HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA connectors.

6. Sound Card
Most of the time, the sound chip built into the motherboard is used for audio output. A
sound card can offer a wide range of connectivity with audio equipment. Examples could
be optical audio, a 1/4-inch jack, or RCA connectors.

7. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A hard drive is still found in many PCs to this day. A mechanical drive’s purpose is to
store all your information for retrieval at any time.

8. Solid State Drive (SSD)

An SSD is also a type of hard drive, but it doesn’t have any moving bits. It consists of a
bank of flash memory that can hold a reasonable amount of information. While the
capacity of SSDs is increasing, they aren’t cost-effective for storing large amounts.

9. SMPS:

The full form of SMPS is Switched Mode Power Supply. It converts the AC mains supply
from the power cord from a wall socket and supplies the correct DC voltages to all the
parts of a computer.

10. Monitor or Visual Display Unit (VDU)

A monitor is an output device to visualize the graphics information sent from the
computer’s GPU. There are various types of monitors on the market. An LED (Light
Emitting Diode) backlit LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor is the most commonly
used with a modern PC.

11. Keyboard

A keyboard is an input device that is one of the ways to communicate with a computer.
Typing a key from the keyboard sends a small portion of information to tell it which key
was pressed. Once the computer receives input from the keyboard, it can use the
keystrokes in digital form to produce a specific task in any software being used.

12. Mouse

A mouse is an input device that allows the user to move a pointer displayed on the
monitor and experience a more intuitive interaction with computer systems. A computer
mouse is a handy pointing device that can be wired or wireless.

13. Printer

A printer can take an image sent by a computer and deliver it onto a sheet of paper. It
does this by using the information from the computer, and by either using toner or ink, it
deposits one of these in a controlled and accurate manner to form the image.

14. Scanner

A scanner can take anything on paper, and it functions by scanning it to produce a

replicated digital image for a computer to save.

15. Computer Speakers

Speakers can connect to the sound card at the rear of the computer.

16. A camera or webcam

Desktop users often use cameras when they’re not using a laptop or other portable
communication device with an inbuilt camera.

17. BIOS Chip:

 BIOS controls how the operating system and hardware wok together
 BIOS identification is BIOS name is available on chip or mother board

18. CI Slots &PCI (Expansion) Cards:

a. PCI slots are used to install the PCI cards such as

i. LAN (Ethernet) Card---Back view Ethernet port

 ii. Sound Card- Back view Audio pin connectors)

iii. TV Tuner (Internal) Card - Dish Pin connecter

iv. PCI Slots are white or yellow color
v. PCI Card has Single gap only
19. North Bridge:

a. It is also called as controller

b. It is nearby socket 478
c. It placed middle of the mother board
d. It converts electronic signals to binary values and binary values to
electronic signals

20. South Bridge:

e. It is controls major components mother board and it back bone of the input
out devices
It is communicating PCI slots, IDE-1, IDE-2, floppy connecter, BIOS chip. Its
nearby CMOS battery.

21. CMOS Battery:

a. Computer is using a coin shape battery

b. It generates the clock signal and it manage system continues time.
22. Primary & Secondary (IDE-1 & IDE-2):

a. It is also called as IDE-1, IDE-2.

b. It used to connecting Hard Disk Drive, CD ROM, DVD ROM.

23. Input & Output ports:

a. IO ports are used to connecting IO device such as key boards,

mouse, monitor, printer, scanner, speakers etc...

24. AGP Slot & AGP Card:

a. AGP Slot is used install the AGP card.

b. AGP back view same as VGA port (15-female pins) and used to
connecting the monitors.
 Block Diagram of Computer:

1. Input Unit

The input unit takes all the data received by the computer. The input unit comprises
different devices such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc. All of these devices act as
intermediaries between the users and the computer. The input unit takes the data that has
to be processed. The raw data is accepted by the computer in binary form. This data is
then processed and the desired output is produced.

The major functions of the Input Unit are-

The Input Unit takes the data to be processed by the user.

The data is then converted into machine-readable form.

The Input Unit then transmits the converted data into the main memory of the computer.

The main purpose of this process is to connect the user and the computer by creating an
easy connection between them.

2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The Central Processing Unit or CPU is known as the brain of the computer. Just like the
human brain controls all human activities, the CPU also takes care of all the tasks. The
CPU is responsible for performing all the arithmetic and logical operations within the
computer. All the major calculations, operations and comparisons are performed inside
the CPU.

Some of the main functions of a CPU are-

All the components of a computer system, software, and data processing are controlled
by the CPU.

The Input devices provide data to the CPU which is then executed and then the CPU
sends the output to the Output devices.

All the operations including the arithmetical and logical are processed by the CPU.

The CPU comprises two parts- ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and CU (Control Unit).
These units work in sync to help the CPU process the whole data. Let us know about
these components-

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

The Arithmetic Logic Unit is comprised of two terms- arithmetic and logic. The two
primary functions that the ALU performs are-

Data is entered into the primary memory via the input unit. Then, the ALU carries out
essential arithmetic operations on this data, including addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division. After performing all sorts of calculations required on the
data, it sends back data to the storage.

The ALU also performs logical operations such as AND, OR, Equal to, Less than, etc. In
addition, it also handles tasks like merging, sorting, and selecting the given data.

Control Unit (CU)

As the name suggests, the Control Unit (CU) is the controller of all the activities, tasks
and operations. All these operations are performed inside the computer. The memory unit
sends a set of instructions to the control unit which is then converted by the CU. These
instructions are then converted to control signals. The purpose of these control signals is
to help in prioritizing and scheduling activities. So, the control unit ensures that all tasks
inside the computer work together smoothly, coordinating with the input and output units.

Memory Unit

The Memory Unit stores all the data that has to be processed or has been processed. The
memory unit serves as a central hub for all the data. This data is then transmitted to the
required part of the computer whenever necessary. This unit works in sync with the
Central Processing Unit to help in faster accessing and processing of the data. This results
in making the tasks easier and quicker.
Computer Memory is of two types-

Primary memory: The primary memory cannot store a vast amount of data. Hence, it is
only used to store recent data which is temporary. Once the power is switched off, the
data stored can get erased. Hence it is also called temporary memory or main memory.
An example of primary memory is Random Access Memory (RAM). This memory is
directly accessible by the CPU and is used for reading and writing purposes. The data has
to be first transferred to the RAM and then to the CPU for processing.

Secondary memory: Since the primary memory stores temporary data and it cannot be
accessed in the future. So, for permanent storage purposes, secondary memory is used. It
is also known as permanent memory or auxiliary memory. An example of secondary
memory is the hard disk. The data does not get erased easily even in case of a power
failure.

3. Output Unit: Once the information sent to the computer is processed, the user receives
the results through the output unit. Examples of output units are devices such as printers,
monitors, projectors, etc.

The output unit presents the data either as a soft copy (on the screen) or as a hard copy
(on paper). The printer is for the hard copy. The monitor is for the display. The output
unit receives data in binary form from the computer and converts it into a readable format
for the user.