Basic Computer Hardware Components I - JSS 1
BASIC COMPUTER HARDWARE COMPONENTS I
Subject: Digital Technologies | Class: JSS 1 | Term: First Term | Week: 4
Duration: 80 Minutes
INTRODUCTION
A computer system is made up of different parts that work together to receive data, process information, store data and produce results. Some of these parts can be physically seen and touched.
The physical parts of a computer are known as hardware. Examples include the keyboard, mouse, monitor, system unit, printer and speakers.
Understanding computer hardware is important because it helps us know the different parts of a computer, what they do and how to use and maintain them properly.
1. MEANING OF COMPUTER HARDWARE
Hardware includes both the main computer components and the devices connected to the computer. For example, a keyboard can be touched and used to enter information, while a monitor can be seen and used to display information.
Examples of Computer Hardware
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Monitor
- System unit
- Printer
- Speakers
- Scanner
- Microphone
- Webcam
- Projector
2. HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
Computer hardware and software work together to make a computer system useful. Hardware is the physical part of the computer, while software consists of programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
| Hardware | Software |
|---|---|
| Can be physically seen and touched. | Cannot be physically touched. |
| Includes keyboard, mouse, monitor and printer. | Includes operating systems, word processors and web browsers. |
| Provides the physical equipment needed to run programs. | Provides instructions that tell the computer what to do. |
3. INPUT DEVICES
Input devices allow users to communicate with a computer. Different input devices are designed for different types of information.
| Input Device | Function |
|---|---|
| Keyboard | Used to enter letters, numbers, symbols and commands. |
| Mouse | Used to point, select, click, drag and interact with items on the screen. |
| Scanner | Captures text or images from paper and converts them into digital form. |
| Microphone | Used to enter sound or voice into a computer. |
| Webcam | Captures images and video for use by a computer. |
4. OUTPUT DEVICES
| Output Device | Function |
|---|---|
| Monitor | Displays text, pictures, videos and other information on the screen. |
| Printer | Produces a physical copy of information on paper. |
| Speakers | Produce sound from the computer. |
| Projector | Displays computer information on a larger screen or surface. |
5. THE KEYBOARD
The keyboard is one of the most common input devices. It contains keys that allow the user to enter letters, numbers, symbols and commands into the computer.
Common Groups of Keyboard Keys
- Alphabet keys: Used to type letters.
- Number keys: Used to enter numbers.
- Function keys: Used to perform specific commands in different programs.
- Arrow keys: Used to move the cursor in different directions.
- Enter key: Used to confirm commands or move to a new line.
- Spacebar: Used to create spaces between words.
- Backspace: Used to delete characters to the left of the cursor.
6. THE MOUSE
A mouse is a pointing input device used to control the pointer or cursor on the computer screen.
Common Mouse Actions
| Action | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Click | Pressing a mouse button once to select an item. |
| Double-click | Pressing the mouse button twice quickly, often to open an item. |
| Right-click | Opening a shortcut or context menu. |
| Drag and drop | Moving an item from one location to another using the mouse. |
7. THE MONITOR
A monitor is an output device that displays information from the computer. It allows users to see text, pictures, videos, menus and other information.
The monitor is sometimes called the display screen. Modern computers commonly use flat-panel displays such as LCD or LED-based screens.
8. THE SYSTEM UNIT
The system unit is the main enclosure of a desktop computer. It contains important internal components that perform processing and other functions.
Components commonly found inside a system unit include the motherboard, processor, memory, storage devices and power supply.
The system unit should not be confused with the entire computer system. A computer system includes the system unit and other devices such as the monitor, keyboard and mouse.
9. THE PRINTER
A printer is an output device that produces information from a computer on paper. The printed result is called a hard copy.
Printers are commonly used in schools, offices, homes, banks and businesses to produce documents, reports, pictures and other materials.
10. SIMPLE COMPUTER HARDWARE MAINTENANCE
Computer hardware should be handled carefully to keep it working properly and to reduce damage. Some simple maintenance practices include:
- Keep computer equipment clean and free from dust.
- Handle the keyboard, mouse and other devices carefully.
- Keep liquids away from computer equipment.
- Do not pull cables roughly.
- Keep computers in a well-ventilated area.
- Protect equipment from excessive heat and moisture.
- Use appropriate electrical protection where available.
- Shut down the computer properly when finished using it.
- Do not eat or drink directly beside computer equipment.
- Report damaged equipment to the appropriate person instead of attempting unsafe repairs.
11. IMPORTANCE OF HARDWARE MAINTENANCE
Proper maintenance helps computer equipment remain useful and reliable. It can also help reduce unnecessary damage and repair costs.
- It helps extend the useful life of equipment.
- It helps prevent avoidable damage.
- It keeps equipment clean and functional.
- It improves the reliability of computer equipment.
- It promotes safety in the computer laboratory.
12. INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES AT A GLANCE
| Input Devices | Output Devices |
|---|---|
| Keyboard | Monitor |
| Mouse | Printer |
| Scanner | Speakers |
| Microphone | Projector |
| Webcam | — |
13. CLASS ACTIVITY
Activity 1: Identify the Hardware
The teacher displays different computer hardware components or pictures of them. Students should identify each component and state its function.
Activity 2: Classification
Classify the following devices as either Input or Output:
- Keyboard
- Monitor
- Mouse
- Printer
- Scanner
- Speakers
- Microphone
- Projector
14. SUMMARY
Computer hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer that can be seen and touched. Examples include the keyboard, mouse, monitor, system unit and printer.
Input devices are used to enter data and instructions into a computer, while output devices present processed information to the user.
Computer hardware must be handled and maintained properly. Keeping equipment clean, protecting it from liquids and excessive heat, handling devices carefully and shutting down computers correctly are important maintenance practices.
15. EVALUATION
- Define computer hardware.
- Mention five examples of computer hardware.
- What is an input device?
- Mention five input devices.
- What is an output device?
- Mention four output devices.
- State two functions of a keyboard.
- What is the function of a computer mouse?
- What is the function of a monitor?
- Mention five ways of caring for computer hardware.
16. ASSIGNMENT
1. Draw and label any five computer hardware components.
2. List five input devices and five output devices.
3. State one function of each device you listed.
4. Explain five ways of maintaining computer hardware.
17. INTERACTIVE PRACTICE QUIZ
1. Which of the following is an input device?
2. Which device displays information from a computer?
3. Which of the following is a good hardware maintenance practice?
4. Which device is mainly used to produce a hard copy?
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