Computer Fundamentals

Computer Peripherals and their Importance

Computer Process
Occupational Health and Safety
Computer Fundamentals
Computer Peripherals and their Importance

The computer cannot fully function to its finest

performance without a keyboard and a mouse. Thus,
computer peripherals are gradually more becoming
basics in every personal computer.
Computer Fundamentals
Computer Peripherals and their Importance

Computer hardware components are becoming very

essential in a way that they allow people to
communicate and interact with the computer.

Although other computer peripherals may be

considered only as an optional component, they can
be extremely useful in a unique way.
Computer Fundamentals
Computer Peripherals and their Importance

To make the PC work, you need all the parts (or at

least the most). A typical PC is more than one device.
The most important part of the PC is the system unit,
the box that usually sits underneath your deskthe
one that all the other parts connect to.
Computer Fundamentals
Computer Peripherals and their Importance

All of the processing and storage takes place in the

system unit. All of the other parts of the PCthe
printer, the keyboard, the monitorconnect to the
system unit and are known collectively as
peripherals.
Computer Fundamentals
Computer Peripherals and their Importance

Monitor

Speakers
System
Unit
Printer

Mouse

Keyboard

Figure 1.1 Typical desktop computer with peripherals

Computer Fundamentals
Computer Peripherals and their Importance

To provide input and output, most computers must have a

standard set of peripherals. The following are the standard
set:
Monitor - The big television thing that provides a visual output for the
computer.
Keyboard - Keypad for providing keyed input. Based on a typewriter.
Mouse - Pointing device used to control a graphical pointer on the
monitor for input.
Speakers/headphones - Speakers provide sound output.
Printer- Provides printed paper output.
Computer Fundamentals
Computer Peripherals and their Importance

Theres no law that requires a PC to have all of these peripherals.

Plenty of PCs may not have a printer. Some PCs wont have
speakers. Some computers dont even have a keyboard,
mouse, or monitor but other PCs may have many more
peripherals. You add or remove peripherals depending on
what you need from the system. The only limit is the number
of connections for peripherals available on the system unit.
Computer Fundamentals
Computer Process

From the IT perspective, the computer functions

through four stages: input, processing, output and
storage.

A computer inputs information, process it, stores

and makes the output of the information.
Computer Fundamentals
Computer Process

Input
Inputs are any data or instruction entered into
the computer. Various pieces of hardware enable you
to input data, the most common of which are the
keyboard and mouse.
Computer Fundamentals
Computer Process

Processing
Next, the computer processes your data.
Processing takes place inside the system unit with
the help of the Central Processing Unit (CPU). (*CPU
is the main chip that is used to perform calculations,
process instructions and manage the flow of
information through a computer system.)
Computer Fundamentals
Computer Process

Output
The third stage of the computer process is the
output. Output is the result we get through output
devices. Often it places data on the monitor so you
can see what youve just typed. It might send the
data over to the printer. A printer and monitor are
examples of output devices.
Computer Fundamentals
Computer Process

Storage
Once the computer finishes processing data or
provides an output, storing procedure comes next. A
lot of devices are used in the storage process, the
most visible of which are the external storage parts,
such as floppy diskettes and CD-R discs.
Computer Fundamentals
Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

refers to the policies, procedures and activities
that aim to protect the health, safety and
welfare of all people at the workplace. Every
worker has a right to healthy and safe work and
to a work environment that enables them to live
a socially and economically productive life.
Computer Fundamentals
Occupational Health and Safety

1. Always ground yourself before touching any part of

the computer to avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Anti-static devices you can use:
b. Anti-static mat it can be purchased in combination with an
anti-static wrist strap that can keep you, the computer, and any
loose components at the same electrical potential

Figure 1.3 Anti-static wrist strap and mat combination

Computer Fundamentals
Occupational Health and Safety

1. Always ground yourself before touching any part of

the computer to avoid electrostatic discharge (ESD).
Anti-static devices you can use:
c. Anti-static bag a specially designed bag that sheds whatever
electricity you have, thus preventing any damage to components
stored within

Figure 1.4 Anti-static bag

Computer Fundamentals
Occupational Health and Safety

2. Use the right kind of tools. Be careful with tools that

may cause short circuit.

The basic technician toolkit consists of a star-

headed Torx wrench, a nut driver or two, a pair of
tweezers, a little grabber tool, a hemostat to go
along with Phillips-head and flat-head screwdrivers
Computer Fundamentals
Occupational Health and Safety

2. Use the right kind of tools. Be careful with tools that

may cause short circuit.

Figure 1.5 Typical technician tool kit

Computer Fundamentals
Occupational Health and Safety

3. Wear safety glasses for protection against sparks

and metal fragments.
4. Use only grounded plugs and receptacles.
5. Working area should have proper lighting and
ventilation, trash can and fire exit.
6. Ensure that you have a first-aid kit and fire
extinguisher at hand.
Computer Fundamentals
Occupational Health and Safety

7. Wear rubber sole shoes when standing on the

ground or in a concrete floor.
8. Always power off and unplug the computer before
working on it.
9. When making circuit changes switch off and unplug
the power cord from the equipment then discharge
the capacitors.
10. Always unplug equipment before cleaning or repair.
Computer Fundamentals
Occupational Health and Safety

11. Keep one hand in your pocket when working with

live circuit
12. Never use damaged or frayed electrical cords or
cords with damaged plugs.
13. Never use extension cords as permanent wiring.
14. Dont overload circuits by using multiple plugs or
extension cords.
15. Make sure all extension cords are unplugged after
use.
Computer Fundamentals
Occupational Health and Safety

16. Never use electrical equipment in a wet or damp

environment.
17. Never pull an electrical cord out by the cable.
Always firmly grip the plug and pull it out that way.
18. Avoid wearing jewelry when working.
19. Check voltage requirement.
20. Beware of sharp edges.