Computer Hardware

1. Computer Hardware Unit 1 Computer Applications A

2. Hardware defined • Physical parts of a computer • Four main components of hardware • Input devices • Processing unit • Output devices • Storage devices

3. Input Devices • Transport data into the computer • Keyboard • Mouse • Scanner • Digital camera • Microphone • Joy stick • Game controller • Web cams • Light pen

4. Processing Unit • Commonly known as CPU (central processing unit) • The “brain” of the computer • Contains computer chips and circuits that control and manipulate data

5. Output devices • Allows the user to see or hear the information that the computer compiles • Printer • Monitor • Speakers • Hard drive • Flash drives

6. Care of Computer and Peripherals • System case should be cleaned, inside and out • Wipe with a damp cloth • Use compressed air to blow out dust • Use a small handheld vacuum to remove dust • Check the power supply fan periodically to be sure that it has good ventilation and is free of dirt and dust buildup • Turn monitors off at night to increase life span

7. Care, con’t. • Keyboards can develop keys that stick • Develop a “no eating and drinking” policy at computer • Clean key caps every six months • Use compressed air to blow out dust from between keys • Mice • Clean with damp cloth monthly