Parts of a computer

If you use a desktop computer, you might already know that there isn't any single part called the "computer." A computer is really a system of many parts working together. The physical parts, which you can see and touch, are collectively called hardware. (Software, on the other hand, refers to the instructions, or programs, that tell the hardware what to do.) The following illustration shows the most common hardware in a desktop computer system. Your system might look a little different, but it probably has most of these parts. A laptop computer has similar parts but combines them into a single, notebook-sized package.

Desktop computer system

Let's take a look at each of these parts.

System unit
The system unit is the core of a computer system. Usually it's a rectangular box placed on or underneath your desk. Inside this box are many electronic components that process information. The most important of these components is the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor, which acts as the "brain" of your computer. Another component is random access memory (RAM), which temporarily stores information that the CPU uses while the computer is on. The information stored in RAM is erased when the computer is turned off. Almost every other part of your computer connects to the system unit using cables. The cables plug into specific ports (openings), typically on the back of the system unit. Hardware that is not part of the system unit is sometimes called a peripheral device or device.

System unit

Storage
Your computer has one or more disk drivesdevices that store information on a metal or plastic disk. The disk preserves the information even when your computer is turned off.

Hard disk drive

Your computer's hard disk drive stores information on a hard diska rigid platter or stack of platters with a magnetic surface. Because hard disks can hold massive amounts of information, they usually serve as your computer's primary means of storage, holding almost all of your programs and files. The hard disk drive is normally located inside the system unit.

Hard disk drive

CD and DVD drives

Nearly all computers today come equipped with a CD or DVD drive, usually located on the front of the system unit. CD drives use lasers to read (retrieve) data from a CD; many CD drives can also write (record) data onto CDs. If you have a recordable disk drive, you can store copies of your files on blank CDs. You can also use a CD drive to play music CDs on your computer. DVD drives can do everything that CD drives can, plus read DVDs. If you have a DVD drive, you can watch movies on your computer. Many DVD drives can record data onto blank DVDs.

CD

Tip If you have a recordable CD or DVD drive, periodically back up (copy) your important files to CDs or DVDs. That way, if your hard disk ever fails, you won't lose your data.

Floppy disk drive

Floppy disk drives store information on floppy disks, also called floppies or diskettes. Compared to CDs and DVDs, floppy disks can store only a small amount of data. They also retrieve information more slowly and are more prone to damage. For these reasons, floppy disk drives are less popular than they used to be, although some computers still include them. Why are these disks called "floppy" disks? The outside is made of hard plastic, but that's just the sleeve. The disk inside is made of a thin, flexible vinyl material.

Floppy disk

Mouse
A mouse is a small device used to point to and select items on your computer screen. Although mice come in many shapes, the typical mouse does look a bit like an actual mouse. It's small, oblong, and connected to the system unit by a long wire that resembles a tail. Some newer mice are wireless.
Mouse

A mouse usually has two buttons: A primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary button. Many mice also have a wheel between the two buttons, which allows you to scroll smoothly through screens of information.

Mouse pointers

When you move the mouse with your hand, a pointer on your screen moves in the same direction. (The pointer's appearance might change depending on where it's positioned on your screen.) When you want to select an item, you point to the item and then click (press and release) the primary button. Pointing and clicking with your mouse is the main way to interact with your computer. For more information.

Using your mouse

Just as you might use your hands to interact with objects in the physical world, you can use your mouse to interact with items on your computer screen. You can move objects, open them, change them, throw them away, and perform other actions, all by pointing and clicking with your mouse.

Basic parts
A mouse typically has two buttons: a primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary button (usually the right button). You will use the primary button most often. Most mice also include a scroll wheel between the buttons to help you scroll through documents and webpages more easily. On some mice, the scroll wheel can be pressed to act as a third button. Advanced mice might have additional buttons that can perform other functions.
Parts of a mouse

Holding and moving the mouse

Mouse pointers

Place your mouse beside your keyboard on a clean, smooth surface, such as a mouse pad. Hold the mouse gently, with your index finger resting on the primary button and your thumb resting on the side. To move the mouse, slide it slowly in any direction. Don't twist itkeep the front of the mouse aimed away from you. As you move the mouse, a pointer (see picture) on your screen moves in the same direction. If you run out of room to move your mouse on your desk or mouse pad, just pick up the mouse and bring it back closer to you.
Hold the mouse lightly, keeping your wrist straight.

Pointing, clicking, and dragging

Pointing to an item on the screen means moving your mouse so the pointer appears to be touching the item. When you point to something, a small box often appears that describes the item. For example, when you point to the Recycle Bin on the desktop, a box appears with this information: "Contains the files and folders that you have deleted."

Pointing to an object often reveals a descriptive message about it.

The pointer can change depending on what you're pointing to. For example, when you point to a link in your web browser, the pointer changes from an arrow to a hand with a pointing finger .

Most mouse actions combine pointing with pressing one of the mouse buttons. There are four basic ways to use your mouse buttons: clicking, double-clicking, right-clicking, and dragging.

Clicking (single-clicking)
To click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then press and release the primary button (usually the left button). Clicking is most often used to select (mark) an item or open a menu. This is sometimes called singleclicking or left-clicking.

Double-clicking
To double-click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then click twice quickly. If the two clicks are spaced too far apart, they might be interpreted as two individual clicks rather than as one doubleclick. Double-clicking is most often used to open items on your desktop. For example, you can start a program or open a folder by double-clicking its icon on the desktop.

Tip If you have trouble double-clicking, you can adjust the double-click speed (the amount of time acceptable between clicks). Follow these steps: 1. Open Mouse Properties by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type mouse, and then clickMouse. Click the Buttons tab, and then, under Double-click speed, move the slider to increase or decrease the speed.

2.

Right-clicking
To right-click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then press and release the secondary button (usually the right button). Right-clicking an item usually displays a list of things you can do with the item. For example, when you right-click the Recycle Bin on your desktop, you'll see a menu with options to open it, empty it, delete it, or see its properties. If you're ever unsure of what to do with something, right-click it.
Right-clicking the Recycle Bin opens a menu of related commands.

Dragging
You can move items around your screen by dragging them. To drag an object, point to the object on the screen, press and hold the primary button, move the object to a new location, and then release the primary button.

Dragging (sometimes called dragging and dropping) is most often used to move files and folders to a different location and to move windows and icons around on your screen.

Using the scroll wheel

If your mouse has a scroll wheel, you can use it to scroll through documents and webpages. To scroll down, roll the wheel backward (toward you). To scroll up, roll the wheel forward (away from you).

Customizing your mouse

You can change your mouse settings to suit your personal preferences. For example, you can change how fast your mouse pointer moves around the screen, or change the pointer's appearance. If you're left-handed, you can switch the primary button to be the right button.

Tips for using your mouse safely

Holding and moving your mouse properly can help you avoid soreness or injury to your wrists, hands, and arms, particularly if you use your computer for long periods of time. Here are some tips to help you avoid problems: Place your mouse at elbow level. Your upper arms should fall relaxed at your sides. Don't squeeze or grip your mouse tightly. Hold it lightly. Move the mouse by pivoting your arm at your elbow. Avoid bending your wrist up, down, or to the sides. Use a light touch when clicking a mouse button. Keep your fingers relaxed. Don't allow them to hover above the buttons. When you don't need to use the mouse, don't hold it. Take short breaks from computer use every 15 to 20 minutes.

Practice your mouse skills

This is the way I hold the mouse when I'm at the computer. I'm actually right handed, but I use my left hand for the mouse.

If you hold the mouse with a right hand.

I keep my finger on the left button. To single click I gently press down and then release the mouse button. To double click, I quickly press the button twice in a row. I keep my finger resting on the button, I do not take my finger off while double clicking. I've seen people raise their finger up to click or double click. For clicking that works, but for double clicking it is easier to leave your finger on the button and press down twice. To drag, I press the mouse button down, and keep it down. Then I move the mouse. In some programs you drag and drop items. You first click on the object you want to drag, hold the mouse button down, and then drag the object to some location. Now you release the mouse button and the object is in a new location.

Practice movement, Single clicking, and double clicking Make sure your mouse pointer is inside the applet for things to work. Please wait for the applet to load some images. The box above will turn yellow when it's finished. You can practice single clicking and double clicking the left or right button on your mouse. When you single click or hold down the button on your mouse, the same button will light up on the screen.

If you double click a button, it will light up with a picture of a butterfly. To double click, lightly press the button twice quickly. You can practice moving your mouse, by moving it inside and outside the applet to have the picture of the mouse appear or disappear. Practice Dragging and Dropping Something With The Mouse

Click on the red box and hold down the mouse button. Now drag the mouse in any direction. You will see that the box will move with you. When you release the mouse button, the box is where you left it. If you need to reset the box, click the applet and then press the R key on your keyboard .

Keyboard
A keyboard is used mainly for typing text into your computer. Like the keyboard on a typewriter, it has keys for letters and numbers, but it also has special keys: The function keys, found on the top row, perform different functions depending on where they are used. The numeric keypad, located on the right side of most keyboards, allows you to enter numbers quickly. The navigation keys, such as the arrow keys, allow you to move your position within a document or webpage.
Keyboard

You can also use your keyboard to perform many of the same tasks you can perform with a mouse.

Using your keyboard

Whether you're writing a letter or calculating numerical data, your keyboard is the main way to enter information into your computer. But did you know you can also use your keyboard to control your computer? Learning just a few simple keyboard commands(instructions to your computer) can help you work more efficiently. This article covers the basics of keyboard operation and gets you started with keyboard commands.

How the keys are organized

The keys on your keyboard can be divided into several groups based on function: Typing (alphanumeric) keys. These keys include the same letter, number, punctuation, and symbol keys found on a traditional typewriter. Control keys. These keys are used alone or in combination with other keys to perform certain actions. The most frequently used control keys are Ctrl, Alt, the Windows logo key , and Esc.

Function keys. The function keys are used to perform specific tasks. They are labeled as F1, F2, F3, and so on, up to F12. The functionality of these keys differs from program to program. Navigation keys. These keys are used for moving around in documents or webpages and editing text. They include the arrow keys, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, Delete, and Insert. Numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is handy for entering numbers quickly. The keys are grouped together in a block like a conventional calculator or adding machine.

The following illustration shows how these keys are arranged on a typical keyboard. Your keyboard layout might be different.

How the keys are arranged on a keyboard

Typing text
Whenever you need to type something in a program, e-mail message, or text box, you'll see a blinking vertical line ( ). That's the cursor, also called the insertion point. It shows where the text that you type will begin. You can move the cursor by clicking in the desired location with the mouse, or by using the navigation keys (see the "Using navigation keys" section of this article). In addition to letters, numerals, punctuation marks, and symbols, the typing keys also include Shift, Caps Lock, Tab, Enter, the Spacebar, and Backspace.

Key name

How to use it

Shift

Press Shift in combination with a letter to type an uppercase letter. Press Shift in combination with another key to type the symbol shown on the upper part of that key.

Caps Lock

Press Caps Lock once to type all letters as uppercase. Press Caps Lock again to turn this function off. Your keyboard might have a light indicating whether Caps Lock is on.

Tab

Press Tab to move the cursor several spaces forward. You can also press Tab to move to the next text box on a form.

Enter

Press Enter to move the cursor to the beginning of the next line. In a dialog box, press Enter to select the highlighted button.

Spacebar

Press the Spacebar to move the cursor one space forward.

Backspace

Press Backspace to delete the character before the cursor, or the selected text.

Using keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are ways to perform actions by using your keyboard. They're called shortcuts because they help you work faster. In fact, almost any action or command you can perform with a mouse can be performed faster using one or more keys on your keyboard. In Help topics, a plus sign (+) between two or more keys indicates that those keys should be pressed in combination. For example, Ctrl+A means to press and hold Ctrl and then press A. Ctrl+Shift+A means to press and hold Ctrl and Shift and then press A.

Find program shortcuts

You can do things in most programs by using the keyboard. To see which commands have keyboard shortcuts, open a menu. The shortcuts (if available) are shown next to the menu items.

Keyboard shortcuts appear next to menu items.

Choose menus, commands, and options

You can open menus and choose commands and other options using your keyboard. In a program that has menus with underlined letters, press Alt and an underlined letter to open the corresponding menu. Press the underlined letter in a menu item to choose that command. For programs that use the ribbon, such as Paint and WordPad, pressing Alt overlays (rather than underlines) a letter that can be pressed.
Press Alt+F to open the File menu, then press P to choose the Print command.

This trick works in dialog boxes too. Whenever you see an underlined letter attached to an option in a dialog box, it means you can press Alt plus that letter to choose that option.

Useful shortcuts
The following table lists some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts.

Press this

To do this

Windows logo key

Open the Start menu

Alt+Tab

Switch between open programs or windows

Alt+F4

Close the active item, or exit the active program

Ctrl+S

Save the current file or document (works in most programs)

Ctrl+C

Copy the selected item

Ctrl+X

Cut the selected item

Ctrl+V

Paste the selected item

Ctrl+Z

Undo an action

Ctrl+A

Select all items in a document or window

F1

Display Help for a program or Windows

Windows logo key +F1

Display Windows Help and Support

Esc

Cancel the current task

Application key

Open a menu of commands related to a selection in a program. Equivalent to right-clicking the selection.

Using navigation keys

The navigation keys allow you to move the cursor, move around in documents and webpages, and edit text. The following table lists some common functions of these keys.

Press this

To do this

Left Arrow, Right Arrow, Up Arrow, or Down Arrow

Move the cursor or selection one space or line in the direction of the arrow, or scroll a webpage in the direction of the arrow

Home

Move the cursor to the beginning of a line or move to the top of a webpage

End

Move the cursor to the end of a line or move to the bottom of a webpage

Ctrl+Home

Move to the top of a document

Ctrl+End

Move to the bottom of a document

Page Up

Move the cursor or page up one screen

Page Down

Move the cursor or page down one screen

Delete

Delete the character after the cursor, or the selected text; inWindows, delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin

Insert

Turn Insert mode off or on. When Insert mode is on, text that you type is inserted at the cursor. When Insert mode is off, text that you type replaces existing characters.

Using the numeric keypad

The numeric keypad arranges the numerals 0 though 9, the arithmetic operators +(addition), (subtraction), * (multiplication), and / (division), and the decimal point as they would appear on a calculator or adding machine. These characters are duplicated elsewhere on the keyboard, of course, but the keypad arrangement allows you to rapidly enter numerical data or mathematical operations with one hand.
Numeric keypad

To use the numeric keypad to enter numbers, press Num Lock. Most keyboards have a light that indicates whether Num Lock is on or off. When Num Lock is off, the numeric keypad functions as a second set of navigation keys (these functions are printed on the keys next to the numerals or symbols). You can use your numeric keypad to perform simple calculations with Calculator. Operate Calculator with the numeric keypad

Three odd keys

So far, we've discussed almost every key you're likely to use. But for the truly inquisitive, let's explore the three most mysterious keys on the keyboard: PrtScn, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break.

PrtScn (or Print Screen)

A long time ago, this key actually did what it saysit sent the current screen of text to your printer. Nowadays, pressing PrtScn captures an image of your entire screen (a "screen shot") and copies it to the Clipboard in your computer's memory. From there you can paste it (Ctrl+V) into Microsoft Paint or another program and, if you want, print it from that program. More obscure is SYS RQ, which shares the key with PrtScn on some keyboards. Historically, SYS RQ was designed to be a "system request," but this command is not enabled in Windows.

Tip Press Alt+PrtScn to capture an image of just the active window, instead of the entire screen.

ScrLk (or Scroll Lock)

In most programs, pressing Scroll Lock has no effect. In a few programs, pressing Scroll Lock changes the behavior of the arrow keys and the Page Up and Page Down keys; pressing these keys causes the document to scroll without changing the position of the cursor or selection. Your keyboard might have a light indicating whether Scroll Lock is on.

Pause/Break
This key is rarely used. In some older programs, pressing this key pauses the program or, in combination with Ctrl, stops it from running.

Other keys
Some modern keyboards come with "hot keys" or buttons that give you quick, one-press access to programs, files, or commands. Other models have volume controls, scroll wheels, zoom wheels, and other gadgets. For details about these features, check the information that came with your keyboard or computer, or go to the manufacturer's website.

Tips for using your keyboard safely

Using your keyboard properly can help avoid soreness or injury to your wrists, hands, and arms, particularly if you use your computer for long periods of time. Here are some tips to help you avoid problems: Place your keyboard at elbow level. Your upper arms should be relaxed at your sides. Center your keyboard in front of you. If your keyboard has a numeric keypad, you can use the spacebar as the centering point. Type with your hands and wrists floating above the keyboard, so that you can use your whole arm to reach for distant keys instead of stretching your fingers. Avoid resting your palms or wrists on any type of surface while typing. If your keyboard has a palm rest, use it only during breaks from typing. While typing, use a light touch and keep your wrists straight. When you're not typing, relax your arms and hands. Take short breaks from computer use every 15 to 20 minutes.

Monitor
A monitor displays information in visual form, using text and graphics. The portion of the monitor that displays the information is called the screen. Like a television screen, a computer screen can show still or moving pictures. There are two basic types of monitors: CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors and the newerLCD (liquid crystal display) monitors. Both types produce sharp images, but LCD monitors have the advantage of being much thinner and lighter.

LCD monitor (left); CRT monitor (right)

Printer
A printer transfers data from a computer onto paper. You don't need a printer to use your computer, but having one allows you to print e-mail, cards, invitations, announcements, and other material. Many people also like being able to print their own photos at home. The two main types of printers are inkjet printers and laser printers. Inkjet printers are the most popular printers for the home. They can print in black and white or in full color and can produce highquality photographs when used with special paper. Laser printers are faster and generally better able to handle heavy use.

Inkjet printer (left); laser printer (right)

Speakers
Speakers are used to play sound. They can be built into the system unit or connected with cables. Speakers allow you to listen to music and hear sound effects from your computer.

Computer speakers

Modem
To connect your computer to the Internet, you need a modem. A modem is a device that sends and receives computer information over a telephone line or high-speed cable. Modems are sometimes built into the system unit, but higher-speed modems are usually separate components.

Cable modem

Computer Hardware
The term computer hardware refers to the various electronic components that are required for you to use a computer along with the hardware components inside the computer case. As you know your computer equipment is made of several common components. These include: The main computer box. A monitor - Looks like a television screen. A keyboard. A mouse. Speakers. An optional printer

The main computer box is the main component of the computer. It has computer hardware parts inside that perform the following functions:

Temporary storage of information (known as data in more technical terms) - This function is done by memory. Permanent storage of information - This function is done by a hard disk, floppy disk, or CD ROM. Manipulation or processing of data - Used to determine where data is stored and perform calculations which support operations that the user is doing. Interfacing to the outside components or to the outside world - This supports the ability for the user to communicate with the computer and know how the computer is responding to commands which are done primarily through the monitor, keyboard, and mouse along with their interface components in the main computer box. A power supply which provides the electrical power to the components in the computer box.

Fundamental Computer Competency

Familiarization with The Desktop Environment Graphical user interfaces called GUIs (pronounced GOO-ee) only started becoming widely used in the mid 1980s. Prior to that, interactive interfaces to computers were text-based and keyboard oriented, and users had to remember a list of commands in order to run applications on their computers. Nowadays, most operating systems provide a graphical user interface. This interface typically uses metaphors for objects familiar in real life, such as the desktop, folders and views through windows. Interaction with the GUI is done using both keyboard and mouse, although the mouse specifically is an abstraction of the users hand it can grab, move and manipulate objects on the screen.

Getting Started Before you can do anything on the system, you must first log in. Logging in is the process which identifies and authenticates you to the system. This is done by entering your username which tells the system who you are and password that confirms that you are who you say you are. This is why it is critical to change your password after the first time you log in. Once you are done using the system, always remember to log out.

Logging In To log in, press Ctrl-Alt-Del (hold down the keys labelled Ctrl and Alt and press the key labelled Del or Delete, then release all three). The windows login screen will be displayed.

Type in your username at the User name prompt and press the Tab key. Then type in your password at the Password prompt and press the Enter key. Note that your password will not be displayed on the screen. Note also that the system is case-sensitive (it treats capital letters and small letters differently), so care should be taken to enter the characters in the correct case (i.e. make sure the Caps Lock key is not accidentally activated). Once your username and password are accepted by the system, the login screen will disappear, and the desktop and desktop items will begin to load.

Your Desktop After you have logged in, you will see your desktop. The image below shows an example of a Windows desktop and identifies the important features on the desktop.

Logging Out It is extremely important that you log out once you have finished working on the system, especially in a shared laboratory where other users have access to the machines. To log out, press the Start Button (labeled 1 in the diagram below) and select the Log Off option (labeled 2) from the Start menu.

Running Applications

As Wits Students you will be required to submit assignments and presentations as part of your curriculum and this means you will have to use application/programs to achieve this. Below are some of the applications you will most probably use during the course of your wits years

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Internet explorer

Most applications have shortcut placed on the desktop. To run your desired application you can either 1. 2. Click on the icon, and when its selected press the <ENTER> key You can double click on the icon

Both these procedures will allow you to open the application, than you can proceed in using the application.

For instance, click on the WORD icon on your desktop and press the <ENTER> key and you will see the application open up as evidenced below