Introduction
The basic parts of a desktop computer are the computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord. Each part plays an important role whenever you use a computer.
Computer
Case
Computer Case
The computer case is the metal and plastic box that contains
the main components of the computer, including the motherboard, central
processing unit (CPU), and power supply. The front of the case usually has On/Off
button and one or more optical drives.
Computer cases in different shapes and sizes. A desktop
case lies flat on a desk, and the monitor usually sits on top of it. A tower
case is tall and sits next to the monitor or on the floor. All-in-one
computers come with the internal components built into the monitor, which
eliminates the need for a separate case.
Monitor
The monitor works with a video card, located
inside the computer cease, to display images and text on the screen. Most
monitors have control buttons that allows you to change monitor’s
display settings, and some monitor also have built-in-speakers.
Newer monitors usually have LCD (Liquid Crystal
Display) or LED (Light-emitting Diode) displays. These can be made very
thin, and they are often called flat-panel-displays. Older monitors use CRT
(Cathode ray tube) displays. CRT monitors are much larger and heavier, and they
take up more desk space.
Keyboard
Keyboard and its different parts
The Keyboard is one of the main ways to communicate
with a computer. There are many different types of keyboards, but most are very
similar and follow you to accomplish the same basic tasks.
Different
parts of the Keyboard:
·
Escape Key: The Escape
key (Esc) key allow you to stop a function or action. For example,
if a webpage is taking a longtime to load, you can press the Escape key to stop
loading it.
·
Function Keys: The
function key are labeled F1 through F12. Some programs use these
keys as shortcuts for common tasks. For example, in many programs, F1
opens the Help File.
·
Print Screen, Scroll
Lock, Pause/Break: The Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break
keys are at the top-right corner of the keyboard. The Print Screen key takes a
picture of your screen (called a screenshot) that you can edit or save
using a graphics programs. Scroll Lock and Pause/Break are rarely used today,
so some keyboard don’t have them.
·
Numeric Keypad: The numeric
keypad resembles a calculate keypad. Many users find that it is easier to
type numbers using this keypad. On some keyboards, these keys double as arrow
keys.
·
Backspace key: The Backspace
key (also known as the delete key) erases the character to the left of the
cursor.
·
Insert: This
switches between insert mode (which inserts new text without deleting anything)
and overtype mode (which deletes text after the cursor as you type).
·
Delete: This erases
the character to the right of the cursor.
·
Home and End: These
move the cursor to the beginning or end of the current line.
·
Page Up and Page Down:
These scroll a document or webpage up or down.
·
Tab key: The Tab
key is used to create indents in word processing programs. Also, if you are
filling out a form online, you can use the Tab key to switch to the next field.
·
Alphanumeric Keys: The
main part of the keyboard includes the alphanumeric keys (letters and numbers)
and the spacebar.
·
Enter: The Enter
key (also known as the return key) executes commands. For example, while on the
Internet, you can type a websites address and then press Enter to go to the
site. It is also used to start a new line in word processing programs.
·
Arrow Keys: The
arrow keys are used for many different purposes, including moving the cursor,
scrolling a document, and controlling a game.
·
Ctrl, Alt, and Shift:
The Control (Ctrl), Alternate (Alt), and Shift keys are
designed to work in combination with other keys. Typically, you hold down Ctrl,
Alt, or Shift and then type another key to perform a specific tasks. For
example, in many programs, typing Ctrl+S will save a file.
Mouse
The mouse is another important tool for communication
with computers. Commonly known as a pointing device, it lets you a point
to objects on the screen, click on them, and move them.
There two main mouse types:
▶ Optical Mouse: The optical mouse uses an
electronic eye to detect movement and is easier to clean.
▶ Mechanical Mouse: The mechanical mouse uses a
rolling ball to detect movement and requires regular cleaning to work properly.
Mouse
alternatives
There are other devices that can do the same things as a
mouse. Many people find them easier to use, and they also require less desk
space than a traditional mouse. The most common mouse alternatives are below.
▶ Trackball: A trackball has a ball that can rotate freely.
Instead of moving the device like a mouse, you can roll ball with your thumb to
move the pointer.
▶ Touchpad: A touchpad also called a trackpad––is
touch-sensitive pad that lets you control the pointer by making a drawing
motion with your finger. Touchpads are common on laptop computers.
