ICT IV (Lecture V) 2012

Computer Care 

1. Always plug the computer to the correct power source.
2. Make sure the computer is placed on a flat and stable surface.
3. Keep the computer away from direct sunlight or any heat- emitting devices.
4. Do not block the ventilation slots of the monitor and the system unit which may cause them to overheat.
5. Keep the computer away from dust, magnets and static electricity.
6. Do not eat or drink nor work with dirty hands while using the keyboard.
7. Do not open the computer while the power is on.
8. Use a clean damp cloth to clean the computer’s external casing.

The System Unit Parts and Functions 

 Power Supply - Regulates the flow of electric current to the motherboard and drives.
Ports – allow data cables of devices to be connected to the system unit so that data and information can pass in and out of the unit.
Motherboard – Contains all the components that controls the computer – the microprocessor , the memory chips, and many other chips.
Microprocessor or the CPU (Central Processing Unit) – Processes all the data that flow through the system unit.
Random Access Memory (RAM) – Temporarily stores data and instructions entered from the keyboard, the disk drive, or other input devices.
Read- Only Memory (ROM) – Stores programs permanently. This means, these programs cannot be changed nor erased; they can only be read. These programs are already present in the computer when it was bought. They are used by the computer to start and to function.
Expansion Slots – Allows you to connect additional circuit or expansion boards to the motherboard. Floppy Disk drive – Allows the computer to read the data on floppy disks and write data into the disks. Hard Disk Drive – stores large amount of data and information. The hard disk is usually inside the system unit. It contains non-removable disks.
CD – ROM Drive - Allows compact disks (CDs) or optical disks to be read.