How To Assemble A Desktop PC/Software

Now that youve got a functioning computer, youll need to install some software if youre going to do anything with it. An operating
system or two must come first, then hardware drivers (so that the operating system can access your hardware) followed by security
software and utilities. And thats as far as were going to go with you, but youll also want to install some application software
games, word processors, databases, programming languages whatever floats your boat... Thats pretty much the point of this
whole computer business after all, though I hope youve found the journey of building it yourself has been worthwhile in its own
way.
In this section well consider what software youll want to install and how you might go about doing so.
BIOS updates[edit]
One important step that can be required as the starting point after you have a working PC, depending on how stable your BIOS is
(bugs or any lacking specific software and hardware support), is to do an update of it (called "flashing" the BIOS). This step can be
overlooked if you are sure that any later versions of your BIOS will not solve any issues or requirements you have. The simplest
way it to as an initial step is to, another computer, download the flash update and put it on a USB thumb drive (or another a
bootable support media) and boot the new computer with it. If you do not have another computer or thumb drive, you will need to
put off this step until after you install the operating system (you can also use a boot disk that permits you to get an OS running out
of it) to get the new computer connected to the network.
Operating system(s)[edit]
If you have a workable machine that recognizes the basic hardware (CPU, memory, HD, mouse and keyboard) you can now start
installing an operating system (OS). You may select from several available on the Internet or from your local computer store.
Options can be varied, there are many operating systems to choose from, including commercial ones like Microsoft Windows (of
which the current version is Windows 10) or free ones like GNU/Linux distribution (a Free Software operating system) or BSD. It all
depends on the uses you will be giving to your machine (function and required software) and the price tag you are willing to pay
and the support you require. Simply put, can you accomplish your day to day tasks with the software that will run under the
operating system in question? Do you require some special software availability, ability to run on older equipment ? Have you
considered the costs ? Determine your needs before installing an operating system.
Note that you also have the option of installing more than one operating system in what is called a multiboot setup. Having installed
an OS, you can always install another later. The complexity of doing so may vary, depending on how the last one automates (or not
at all) the process. If your multi-boot setup is Windows-only, install the oldest Windows version first.

Note:
If you are going to install Windows OS in a multiboot setup, you should start by installing Windows first. This is because Windows tends to overwrites
up, even if something is already there. Newer versions of Windows will tend to be more cooperative.

Installing Windows[edit]
The installation of Windows is relatively easy. Push the power button on the front of the PC, put the CD-ROM or DVD-ROM in your
optical drive, and follow the on-screen instructions (you may have to restart with the CD in place). If you are doing a Windows-only
install, just allocate all of the hard drive to Windows. Again, for a Windows only install, the NTFS file system is faster and more
efficient.
Some people find that it's useful to create separate partitions for the operating system and data. This means that if something goes
wrong with the operating system, the partition can be formatted and the operating system can be reinstalled possibly without losing
data. If you have already allocated the whole disk to 1 partition and you want to change it later, you can do so and create new
partition(from the existing partition) using Disk Management in Windows Vista and later. Windows XP and lower users can find 3rd
party tools to do the same.
If you are installing Windows on a RAID drive, or a SATA drive in some cases, you are going to have to provide drivers to the
Windows installer so that it can access the hard drive on the raid controller. To do this during the Windows install wait for "Press F6
to install any third party SCSI or RAID drivers." to appear at the bottom of the screen and duly hit F6. Then you will see a screen
that says "Setup could not determine the type of one or more mass storage devices installed in your system, or you have chosen to
manually specify an adapter." At this screen you are going to want to hit 'S' to "Specify Additional Device," another screen will pop
up asking you to insert the floppy disk containing the drivers, followed by a screen asking you to choose the appropriate driver out
of the set contained. Windows Vista and later handles this differently. Usually at the prompt where you are asked to choose a
partition, you can click Load Driver and browse(or ask Windows to search) for the driver. Unlike XP, you are not limited to floppies.
A USB flash drive suffices.

If you do have a copy of Windows 7 or later , you can install that and then upgrade to Windows 10 for free , though there are some
minor restrictions.
Installing Windows to dual-boot with GNU/Linux[edit]
If you are dual-booting, some extra factors must be considered. NTFS, which is the default file system that Windows uses, is fairly
well supported in Linux. NTFS-3g has reached a usable stage, with users reporting no data corruption or loss during ordinary use
of the latest versions of the driver, providing GNU/Linux users with a reliable way to read and write NTFS partitions. This system is
now in widespread use and most up-to-date Linux distros will support the NTFS file system. Previously only read support was safe,
and this may still be the case for some distributions. However, NTFS does have some advantages over FAT32, in that a 4GB file
size limit no longer exists. Though Linux supports NTFS, Windows does not have built-in support for any of the standard
GNU/Linux file systems. However, there are Windows applications, such as Ext2 IFS that can be used to read/write ext2 and ext3
systems.
When it comes the time to partition the hard disk(s), remember to leave space for GNU/Linux (a good amount is on the order of a
third of your total hard disk space). You may want to have a spare FAT32 partition (of around 1 third of your disk space) on which to
share documents between Windows and GNU/Linux, though this will most likely not be necessary unless you are using a distro
which cannot read/write NTFS. You should also modify the partition table as necessary - you may not need as much space for
Windows or you may need more in your FAT32 transfer area. But you must ensure that you leave at least 3GB(Windows XP/2000)
or 20GB(Vista and higher) for your Windows installation, since the standard installation of Windows takes up about 2 GB(7.6 GB for
Vista and 11GB for Windows 8) of hard drive space, and it is always wise to leave extra on, to allow for any changes that may
occur. Windows 8 in particular blocks installing on drives less than 16GB(20GB for 64-bit) free space. If you have 16 GB or higher
RAM, you'll need more space.
Installing GNU/Linux[edit]
See also: Linux Guide
See also: Wikipedia:List of Linux distributions
See also: Wikipedia:Comparison of Linux distributions
The primary problem faced in installing GNU/Linux is choosing between distributions. Of the many variants of
GNU/Linux, Fedora, SuSE, and Ubuntu are generally recommended, as they are updated regularly and compatible
with a broad range of hardware:

Fedora, currently at version 17. Used to be the de facto GNU/Linux.

openSuSE, currently at version 13.2.

Ubuntu, currently at version 15.4. Increasingly gaining popularity as an easy to use desktop GNU/Linux.

Debian , currently at version 8.1

Some GNU/Linux variants may support hardware that these do not. If you have obscure or old hardware, you may
want to search forum sites for various GNU/Linux variants to ensure compatibility. For example, Puppy Linux is a
small Linux distro designed to run on older systems, as is Damn Small Linux.
For example, lets consider Ubuntu. It's a variant of Debian, and is the current standard for easy-to-use GNU/Linux
distributions. One can download the .iso image or order a CD set (containing a combined installation CD and
LiveCD) from its website. An .iso is nothing more than a special file format that your CD drive burning software uses
to create a copy of the software, in this case a copy of Ubuntu GNU/Linux.
The installation of most distros GNU/Linux is relatively easy. Push the button on the front of the PC, put the CD-ROM
in your optical drive, and follow the on-screen instructions. By default, the installation version of Ubuntu will erase all
files on the hard drive and partition 1.8 GB for the OS. If you want to customize, follow the on-screen instructions
carefully. The LiveCd version does not erase your hard drive and is intended solely for a user to test drive Ubuntu
GNU/Linux.
When installing a GNU/Linux distro, you may be asked to choose between alternatives whether to run KDE or
Gnome, for instance, or to install vi or Emacs or nano. If the terms are unfamiliar a quick Google will usually bring
enlightenment. Also, as in these two examples, most such choices are a matter of preference and either choice will
work.
Security[edit]
After installation, security should be your priority.

Updates[edit]
From time to time, software companies and independent programmers release new and improved versions to their
software; these are known as updates. Updates usually install new features or fix problems. Usually, you should
download the latest updates to improve system performance though it's sometimes wise to wait a little while to be
sure the update itself does not cause problems. Many programs update themselves and this process is know as an
automatic update. If you have to manually update your software, do so through the software developer's site, not
through a secondary source. This approach will reduce the chance of contracting a virus or other piece of malicious
software.
Windows[edit]
A newly installed Windows computer using a broadband connection can be attacked within moments of being
connected to the Internet. In severe cases, the attacks can render a system unbootable or make a second
reinstallation faster or easier than manually removing the malicious programs causing the problems. The SANS
Institute provides a PDF guide called Windows XP: Surviving the First Day, which explains how to update a new
Windows XP box without immediately becoming infected by viruses and worms. To avoid having your new computer
attacked, install a firewall, or activate the one that came with your OS. Both Windows and GNU/Linux have in-built
firewalls: In some GNU/Linux distributions, it is enabled by default; in Windows XP Service Pack 2, it can be found by
going to the Start button and choosing "Control Panel" then double-clicking the "Windows Firewall" icon. Windows 8
includes antivirus however, but still it is recommended to use Windows Update.
As soon as you are on the Internet, run your operating system's update facility to fix any security flaws that have
been found since your CD was printed. To do this under Windows, simply click on your Start Menu, click on 'All
Programs', and then click on Windows Update, and follow the instructions(Open Settings and click Update and
Security in Windows 10). If you use other Microsoft products, such as Microsoft Office, then it can be valuable to
use Microsoft Update, which covers updates for all Microsoft products , and can be done within Windows Update.
For either of these, you can also switch on "Automatic Updates" from the Security Center program mentioned above.

as the root user inside a terminal window.

It is perhaps easiest to update the OS from Debian-based distributions such as Debian, Ubuntu and Linspire.
For Debian and Linspire you type the following into a terminal window while running as the root user:
Ubuntu has you run sudo to switch run a program as root. Type the following into a terminal:
Most distros, including Ubuntu, also have a GUI-based updater program.
Anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-spam programs (which generically are all called anti-malware programs) of
commercial quality or better can be found for free online quite easily and can protect your computer from various
nasties you might get while surfin' on the Internet. Windows programs are listed in the software section below. (Usually
these are not needed for non-Windows OSes). Third-party firewalls for Windows are recommended as the built-in
default one Windows provides is not nearly powerful as, for example, ZoneAlarm, a third-party Firewall solution that not
only monitors incoming traffic, but monitors outgoing traffic as well. Windows 8 and higher include antivirus(Windows
Defender), though you can still use any antivirus you want if you want extra features or protection. Windows 7 and
Vista, through they include Windows Defender, do not include antivirus protection(only spyware).
Security software is important and should be set up first. The best procedure is not to connect to the Internet at all until your
choice of anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall software is installed and activated, then connect to the Internet and update each
of these programs.
If you are using software that must be downloaded from the Internet for this purpose, you can use another computer to
download and burn the installation files to a CD or thumb drive. If this is not possible, download, install and update your antivirus solution of choice first, disconnect from the Internet and run a complete system scan. Then you can reconnect and install
your other security software and be reasonably confident that you are not infected.
Once secured, your system should be safe for prudent Internet browsing, remember to schedule regular scans and keep your
security software up to date.
Drivers[edit]
Now that your computer is relatively secure, you will need to install software to control your various hardware components. This
type of software is known as a driver.

Although, most of your hardware will come with a CD containing the necessary driver, consider downloading the driver straight
from the company's Internet site. This will ensure you have the latest edition of the software. Knowing where to download the
driver is also good in case you lose the CD that came with the device.
If you do not have a fast Internet connection (broadband), the company usually provides an option to receive the driver cd in the
mail, in which case you'll want to use the CD you have now and update the driver later. Even if something seems to be working
fine, downloading new drivers may help increase computer efficiency, though there is always a risk that a brand new version
may break something. Downloading drivers for your motherboard's chipset can often help if you are having a problem. Finally,
many monitors will not go above a certain refresh rate without the proper driver, which may be of great concerns to gamers.
If you are using Microsoft Windows, you can generally find drivers for your selected hardware on the manufacturer's website.
Most GNU/Linux systems already have all of the drivers installed, with the exception of proprietary modem and graphics drivers.
If you can't find the driver you need, a simple Google search will often yield the best results. Windows Update also often can
install the latest drivers(though you'll mostly have to atleast go to Windows Update to install it, as they may not be considered
important).
Software[edit]
Before buying software for your new PC, remember that there is an abundance of useful software, free for the downloading,
available on the Internet. From web browsers to word processors to graphic manipulation programs, there is plenty of software
available online.
Though most of what is available is safe and useful, its always a good idea to do a little research and make a backup before
installing anything new. The following are some proven and reliable programs that are available, free (or gratis), for individual
use (and sometimes more, check the license).
Broadly speaking, there are three types of licenses:

Proprietary - This is the type of license that comes with most software that is purchased. Source code is not available, and
you cannot make copies for others.

Freeware - The software is zero cost (free), and you may share copies with others. You cannot make copies and sell them,
however. The source code is usually not available.

Free software/Open Source - The source code is available. This means that if you know how to program, you can make
and distribute variations of the program yourself, fix bugs you find, etc. You may share copies with others, and you may pay for
the software on disk, or download it for free. (The "free" in "free software" refers to "free" as in "free speech", not as in "free
beer".)
Of course, there is a lot of overlap and many exceptions to these generalizations. Be sure to check the license that comes with
your software to be sure of what your rights are!
Windows[edit]

Web Browser: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome/Chromium, or Opera. Microsoft's Internet Explorer is already included with
Windows systems and is updated though Windows Update or manually. Microsoft Edge is included as the default browser in
Windows 10.
E-mail Client: Windows Live Mail, Mozilla Thunderbird, Novell Evolution(Mail is included in Windows 8+)
Office Suite: LibreOffice(If you have an Office 365 subscription , you can also download Office for Touch apps from the
Windows Store)

Disc Tools: DVD Decrypter CD Burner XP, Burn at Once(You can burn DVD's directly from Explorer)

Instant Messenger: Pidgin, Trillian, Miranda

Media Player: DivX Player, Nullsoft Winamp, iTunes, SnackAmp, VLC media player(Windows Media Player is included ,
and you may have Windows Media Center(version-dependent , not available in Windows 10) or Windows DVD Player(Windows
10 only))

Anti-virus: AVG Anti-Virus, Free Edition, avast!Antivirus Home edition, ClamWin(Windows Defender is included with
antivirus protection in Windows 8+)

Security: Spybot: Search & Destroy, Ad-Aware Personal Edition, K9 Anti-Spam, ZoneAlarm Free Edition

Compression: 7-Zip, IZArc, TUGZip(You can compress and decompress ZIP files in Explorer)

Desktop Search: Google Desktop, Copernic Desktop Search(Windows includes built-in Search functionality)

PDF Reader: Adobe Acrobat Reader or Evince PDF Reader(Reader is included in Windows 8+)

Photo Editing: Paint.Net, GIMP(Paint is included in Windows)

To ease out the installation process for utilities and other basic software, you can use Ninite. Check all the software that you
need and download the installation utility. However, note that this utility will only install in your Windows partition and you cannot
manually specify the directories in which you want the applications installed.
You can also get many of these programs(or alternatives) from the Windows Store

The Motherboard
The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer. It contains the central processing unit (CPU), the Basic
Input/Output System (BIOS), memory, mass storage interfaces, serial and parallel ports, expansion slots, and all the
controllers for standard peripheral devices like the keyboard, disk drive and display screen.
The chipset and other motherboard circuitry are the "smarts" of the motherboard. Their job is to direct traffic and control the
flow of information inside the computer.
The chipset is a critical part of any computer, because it plays a big role in determining what sorts of features the computer
can support.

BIOS

BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System.

lowest-level software in the computer
Acts as an interface between the hardware (especially the chipset and processor) and the operating system.
The BIOS provides access to the system hardware and enables the creation of the higher-level operating systems
that you use to run your applications.
The BIOS is also responsible for allowing you to control your computer's hardware settings, for booting up the
machine when you turn on the power or hit the reset button, and various other system functions.

ROM: Read Only Memory

ROM is nonvolatile. ROM chips contain permanently written data, called firmware (your BIOS lives here).
ROM contains the programs that direct the computer to load the operating system and related files when the
computer is powered on.
ROM chips are usually recorded when they are manufactured.
PROM -Programmable Read Only memory chip cannot be changed to update or revise the program inside
EPROM Erasable Programmable Read Only memory Data can be erased and chip can be reused Can be erased by shining
high intensity UV light through the window
EEPROM Electrical Erasable Programmable Read Only memory under high voltage

FROM -Flash ROM is reprogrammable memory using normal voltage inside the PC- You can upgrade the logic capabilities
by simply downloading new software. This saves the expense of replacing circuit boards and chips.

Processing Devices

Cache
Pronounced cash.
It is a small, high-speed memory area that is placed between the processor and the system memory.
The value of the cache is that it is much faster than normal system memory.
The most frequently used instructions are kept in cache memory so that the CPU can look in there first - allows the CPU to
run faster because it doesn't have to take time to swap instructions in and out of main memory.
Large, complex programs such as complex spreadsheets or database management programs benefit the most from having
a cache memory available. Pentium II processors generally come with at least 512 KB of cache memory.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is Primary Storage, also called internal storage.

Serves as computers workspace, storing all or part of the program that is being executed, as well as data being
used by the program.
RAM provides instructions and data to the CPU.
These instructions/data are coded in bytes.
Each byte is placed in a precise location in memory, called an address.
To access data or instructions in memory, the computer references the addresses containing the bytes.

The amount of memory available is therefore measured in bytes

RAM chips consist of millions of switches that are sensitive to changes in electric current.
RAM chips are typically packaged on small circuit boards called memory modules, which are inserted into special
slots on the motherboard.
RAM is Volatile storage: Power goes, data goes!
Data/instructions are copied into memory as needed.
Not enough memory or corruption of data/instructions in memory can cause crash.
On booting, operating system files are loaded from a storage device (the hard disk, usually) into RAM, and they
remain there as long as your computer is running.
RAM contents changes as programs are executed.
RAM chips consist of millions of switches that are sensitive to changes in electric current.

RAM chips are typically packaged on small circuit boards called memory modules, which are inserted into special
slots on the motherboard.

On booting, operating system files are loaded from a storage device (the hard disk, usually) into RAM, and they
remain there as long as your computer is running.

RAM contents changes as programs are executed.

The amount of RAM needed depends on the types of applications you intend to run on the computer. S/w indicate
the minimum amount of RAM required to run.
Two basic types of RAM are Dynamic RAM (DRAM), and Static RAM (SRAM).
Most computers today use DRAM, which are also of two types:

SDRAM Synchronous Dynamic RAM runs at the same pace as the system clock runs
DDR SDRAM DDR stands for Double Data Rate - runs at double the pace the system clock runs - available in
speeds from 266 MHZ upto 600MHZ
DDR2 SDRAM runs at four times the pace the system clock runs - available in speeds from 400 MHZ upto 800MHZ
Most desktops and notebooks use one of the three most popular types of synchronous dynamic random access memory
(SDRAM) for the main system memory. Single data rate (SDR) SDRAM is the older type of memory, commonly used in
computers prior to 2002. Double data rate (DDR) SDRAM hit the mainstream computer market around 2002, and DDR2based systems hit the market in mid-2004.
DDR SDRAM is a straightforward evolution from SDR SDRAM. The big difference between DDR SDRAM and SDR SDRAM
is that DDR reads data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal, so the DDR module can transfer data twice
as fast as SDR SDRAM.
While DDR has a limited clock rate, the evolutionary changes to DDR architecture enable DDR2 to achieve speeds beyond
of DDR, delivering bandwidth of 5.3 GB per second and beyond! Because DDR2 is able to operate with faster bus speeds,
your memory doesn't hold back the performance of your processor.

Generally speaking, motherboards are built to support only one type of memory. You cannot mix and match SDRAM, DDR,
or DDR2 memory on the same motherboard in any system. They will not function and will not even fit in the same.

Why is RAM so important?

Aside from the processor, the two most important factors affecting a PC's performance are RAM and hard disk capacity.
Hard disks are typically huge, so the primary limiting factor is the amount of installed RAM.
Without enough RAM, the operating system must swap out storage space with the hard disk. The OS creates a Paging File
(swap file) to supplement RAM (workspace). This is Virtual Memory.
Virtual memory is inherently slow! RAM speed can typically be 120,000 times FASTER than the hard disk so the less you
must rely on virtual memory (swapping files between RAM and hard disk), the faster your system will perform.

Microprocessor

Heart and brain of the PC

One electrical circuit in control of another
Successive generation of processors
80286,80386,80486 -32 bit interface
Pentium family P1, P2, P3, P4 64 bit interface
Dual-core technology is like having two processors - A dual core processor is a CPU with two separate cores
residing on the same chip

What is a Computer?

o
o
o
o

An electronic machine
that can be programmed to
accept data (input), and
process it into
useful information (output).
Kept in secondary storage (storage) for safekeeping or later use.
The processing of input into output is directed by the software, but performed by the hardware.

Bits & Bytes

Computers
are
devices
powered
Two digits represent these states:

by

electricity,

which

has

two

discrete

states:

On

or

Off.

To be processed, all data in a computer system (words, symbols, pictures, videos, sounds) must be reduced to a
string of binary digits.
A binary digit 1 or 0 is called a bit,
Eight bits grouped together as a unit are called a byte, which provides enough combinations of 0s and 1s to
represent 256 individual characters, including numbers, upper and lower case alphabet letters, punctuation marks and
other characters
Name

Abb

Approx. Bytes

Exact Bytes

Approx. Pages of Text

Byte

One

One character

Kilobyte

KB (or K)

One thousand

1,024

One-half page

Megabyte

MB

One million

1,048,576

500 pages

Gigabyte

GB

One billion

1,073,741,824

500,000 pages

Terabyte

TB

One trillion

1,099,511,627,776

500,000,000 pages

Coding Schemes
Define the patterns of bytes
Coding schemes, such as ASCII, EBCDIC, and Unicode, provide the means to interact with a computer
When a letter is pressed on a keyboard, the electronic signals are converted into binary form and stored into memory.
The computer processes the data as bytes of information and converts them to the letters we see on the monitor screen or
on a printed page.

Terminology

o
o

Hardware (H/w) All machinery & Equipments Computer & Peripherals

Peripherals Any piece of hardware connected to the PC
Software (S/w) programs- tells the Computer how to perform a task
Systems Software (S/w) For managing internal activities & run applications s/w Interpreter bet S/w & H/w
Application Software (S/w) - to perform a specific task Custom or Packaged

Hardware components
Input devices accept data or commands in a form useable by computers
Output devices
display the processed information - printers, monitors, speakers.

Processing devices
in system unit and are comprised of circuitry.

Storage devices Drives read from and write to storage media (the physical material that can store data and programs).

Communication devices
provide connections between computers and communication networks, allowing for exchange of information and data with
other computers via transmission media such as cables, telephone lines, and satellites

Input Devices

Keyboards
Pointing Devices mouse, trackballs, joysticks, touchpads and light pens
Source Entry devices Scanners, Audio input devices, video input devices, digital cameras

Output Devices
Softcopy
Monitor /Display Screens CRT and Flat Panel (LCD), EL and gas plasma
Monitor /Display Screen clarity
Resolution
refers
to
the
number
of
dots
displayed
in
the
expressed
in
terms
of
horizontal
Typical screens are capable of displaying 640x480 dots

(across)
pixels

and
X

(down)
vertical

co-ordinates.
pixels.

Dot
Pitch
measurement of how close together the pixels, or phosphor dots, are that make up an image.
The smaller the dot pitch, the crisper the image,0.31 or less provides a sharp image, especially when displaying text.

Refresh
rate
the vertical frequency, or the rate at which each pixel on a screen is re-drawn. A low refresh rate results in an image that
flickers,
resulting
in
eye-strain.
A refresh rate of 60Hz means the images is redrawn 60 times a second. Typical refresh rates are 60Hz, 72Hz and 75Hz.

Video Display Adapters

Display
graphics
- Visual
output
from
your
Works
between
the
system's
processor
and
Relays the information received from the programs and applications running on the system to the monitor

system.
monitor

VDAs come with their own memory chips (RAM or VRAM for video RAM) which determines how fast the card processes
images,
the
resolution,
and
how
many
colours
it
can
display.
VDA embody
certain
standards.
Todays PCs commonly use VGA and SVGA standards

Hardcopy Output : Printers

Impact Printers
The general features of impact printers are uses force by applying hammer pins to strike the paper

slow speed
prints on most paper types
transparencies not supported
multiple copies may be printed at once
Advantages : Less expensive, Fast (some types) , Can make multiple copies with multipart paper
Disadvantages : Noisy! Print quality lower in some types. Poor graphics or none at all.

Dot-Matrix and Daisy-Wheel.

Dot matrix printers form characters using row(s) of pins, 9, 18, or 24 which impact the ribbon on top of the paper.
Daisy wheel printers use a spoked wheel with characters placed at the end of each spoke. A print hammer is used to strike
the desired character onto the ink ribbon and then the paper.

Hardcopy Output : Printers

Non Impact Printers
General features print head does not make contact with the paper

higher speed in characters per second is possible

prints on most paper types but better quality obtained with better paper
transparencies usually supported
Uses ink spray or toner powder
Offer superior quality and greater options (in terms of the number of fonts and quality of graphic pictures)
Disadvantages : more expensive.
The three main types of non-impact printers are laserjet, inkjet and thermal

Characters of printers
Speed: The speed of a printer is measured in: cps= characters per second, lpm= lines per minute ppm= pages per minute
The faster the printing, the more expensive the printer.
Resolution: A more numerical measure of print quality is printer resolution. Measured in dots per inch (dpi), this determines
how smooth a diagonal line the printer can produce.

Cable connection:
Serial Cables- send data only 1 bit at a time- Distance from PC 1000 ft
Parallel Cables- send data 8 bits at a time. Distance from PC 50 ft.- Most popular - USB cable which has a maximum data
transfer speed of 12 megabits/s (1.5 MBYTES/s).

The System Unit

The System Unit houses the central processing unit, memory modules, expansion slots, and electronic circuitry as well as
expansion cards that are all attached to the motherboard; along with disk drives, a fan or fans to keep it cool, and the power
supply.
All other devices (monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc., are linked either directly or indirectly into the system unit.

Front of the System Unit

Drives are housed in drive bays which are accessed at the front of the case.
Internal drives, such as the hard disk drive, are installed in internal bays that are not typically as accessible as the external
drives pictured here.

System Unit cases come in a huge array of types and styles, depending upon hardware needs.

Types of Ports

Serial ports
transmit data one bit at a time, like the picture on the left illustrates.

Parallel ports
transmit more than one byte at a time.

These types of port designs are based on whether or not fast data transmission rates are required by the device or not.
Most computers come with basic types of ports (serial, parallel, keyboard, mouse, and USB); and expansion cards allow you
to expand the available types needed by specific devices.

Different Types of Connectors

Understanding the differences among connector types is useful and important, as the cable required to attach a device to
your computer is specific to its connector, not to mention the port on the computer.

Non-Volatile Storage Devices

Disk drives

Internal & External

Hard drives

Removable disk drives

Floppy disks (1.4 MB)

ZIP disks (100/250 MB)

CD-ROM (700MB), DVD-ROM (~5GB/side)

read only (-ROM), write once (-R), re-writeable (-RW)

Combination drive

CD-RW/DVD-ROM, CD-RW/DVD-R
Many
other
Memory Stick, MultiMediaCard, CompactFlash, and SmartMedia

forms