Typical Personal Computer Set Up

Typical Personal Computer Set Up

Computer

 A computer is a general purpose programmable device that is used for processing data into the desired out. A computer consists of a visual display unit or monitor along with miniature electronic components mounted on electronic boards that are then placed on a chassis or tower. The internal hardware components are responsible for performing the required operations and computations. The monitor serves to display the output that results from data processing on a screen for user perusal. A computer usually has some peripheral devices connected to it to ease the process of entering data and outputting information. A typical computer configuration has a keyboard, mouse and printer connected to the tower and monitor (Blundell, 2008).

Monitor

The computer monitor, screen or display is used to output content to the screen for user perusal. A typical monitor consists of a cathode ray tube or LCD device that is then attached to the computer chassis. It enables a user to have a visual representation of any operations or changes that are being carried out on the data at any point in time (Roman, 1998).

Tower

A computer case also known as a computer chassis, tower, system unit, cabinet, base unit or simply case is used to house the major internal components of the computer and afford them protection against the elements. Since the internals of a computer system are typically sensitive electronic equipment, this protection ensures that they are not harmed by dust or moisture and therefore do not become faulty (Clements, 1985).

Mouse

The mouse is a pointing device that enables the coordination with an on-screen pointer therefore enabling user interaction with the graphical user interface the computer presents. The mouse allows the selection of actions to execute by moving the cursor onto a target area or button and clicking (Blundell, 2008). The latest models use wireless technology to guide this interaction.

Keyboard

A keyboard is a typewriter-style device which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys and acts as the primary text entry device for the computer. A typical keyboard consists of letters, numbers and some special function keys. A user types on the keyboard and in that way enters the desired text into the computer system (Clements, 1985). The keyboard is the default input device for computer systems. Like the mouse, keyboards can also be wireless.

Printer

A printer is an external hardware device that converts computer data into a hard copy representation. Data in the computer is usually in soft format represented to the user on computer screen. Printers are used to represent a text, images or a mixture of both on paper. Modern printers include the functionality to scan documents and take their carbon copies (photocopies) as well.

Webcam

 A computer webcam is a video device that is used to stream video data through a computer or computer network. The video stream can then be sent to a user at another computer or in another location, and in this way the two can communicate as if they were face to face. The webcam can also capture still images although its use for this purpose is limited (Blundell, 2008)

References

Blundell, B. (2008). Computer hardware. London: Thomson.

Clements, A. (1985). The principles of computer hardware. Oxford, OX: Oxford University Press.

Roman, S. (1998). Understanding personal computer hardware. New York: Springer.