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Upgrading and Repairing PCs. Chapter 2: PC Components, Features, and System Design. What is a PC?. The definition of “IBM Compatible” or “Clone” Who controls Hardware and Software? Microsoft was free to sell their OS (DOS) to anyone, making IBM clones seemingly identical to their competition.
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Upgrading and Repairing PCs Chapter 2: PC Components, Features, and System Design
What is a PC? • The definition of “IBM Compatible” or “Clone” • Who controls Hardware and Software? • Microsoft was free to sell their OS (DOS) to anyone, making IBM clones seemingly identical to their competition
System Types • 8 Bit 8088 • 16 Bit 286/386SX • 32 Bit 386DX/486 • 64 Bit Pentium/Pentium Pro • PC/XT systems • AT systems
System Components • Motherboard • Processor • Memory (RAM) • Case • Power Supply • Disk Drives • Keyboard and Mouse
System Components • Video Card • Sound Card • Monitor (Display) • Speakers • Modem
The Motherboard • Processor Socket • Chipset • Level 2 cache • Memory Sockets • ROM BIOS • Bus Slots
Processor • CPU “Central Processing Unit” • The “Brain” or “Engine” of the Computer • Reads Instructions (commands) from memory then executes them • One of the most expensive, yet smallest components
Memory • RAM (Random Access Memory) • Requires power to maintain storage • ROM (Read Only Memory) • Doesn’t require power to maintain storage • SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module) • DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module”
Case and Power Supply • The shell of your computer • Protects and directs air flow • Different “Form Factors” • Power Supply converts AC into DC • Important yet often over looked
Disk Drives • Hard Disk (Fixed Disk) - primary storage area for computer. Analogous to a filing cabinet • Floppy Disk- used for storing and exchanging small files • CD-ROM Drives- Holds greater amounts of data and are faster than floppies, yet slower than hard disks
Keyboard and Mouse • Many kinds of keyboards • Only input device available prior to the invention of the GUI (graphical user interface) • After the GUI, mice followed • “Point and Click”
Video Card • Chipset • Video Ram • DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) • BIOS • Popular upgrade component, especially for gaming
Sound card and Speakers • Also popular upgrade components • Popular for home recording • Game Port • Many high quality home PC speaker systems. Can rival home stereos
Monitor • Similar to a high quality television • Video card send its memory contents to monitor • DAC chip