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Introduction to Personal Computer Hardware

By Cisco Networking Academy, Allan Johnson.
Sample Chapter is provided courtesy of Cisco Press.
Date: Jan 30, 2020.

Chapter Information

Chapter Description

In this sample chapter from the Cisco Networking Academy IT Essentials Labs and Study Guide Version 7, you will review the definition of a computer, safety guidelines, computer components, and the process for disassembling a computer.

From the Book

IT Essentials Labs and Study Guide Version 7

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A computer consists of hardware and software components. Hardware is the physical equipment. It includes the case, keyboard, monitor, cables, storage drives, motherboard, and power supply. Software includes the operating system and programs. The operating system, or OS, manages computer operations such as identifying, accessing, and processing information. Programs or applications perform different functions. Programs vary widely depending on the type of information that is accessed or generated.

This chapter reviews the definition of a computer, safety guidelines, computer components, and the process for disassembling a computer.

Study Guide

Personal Computers

Assembling a computer requires following general safety guidelines and includes a variety of components, tasks, and skills.

What Is in a Computer?

Computers include input devices, output devices, and internal components.

In Table 1-1, indicate whether the computer component is an input device, output device, or internal component.

Table 1-1 Identify the Computer Component

Computer Component	Input Device	Output Device	Internal Component
Mouse
Optical drive
Camera
Keyboard
Memory sticks
Speakers
Monitor
Network card
Storage drive
CPU
Headphones
Printer
Microphone
Motherboard
Power supply
Graphics card

Electrical and ESD Safety

Computer technicians must follow electrical and ESD safety guidelines to prevent damage to sensitive components, electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities.

Match the definition on the left with a term on the right. This exercise is a one-to-one matching.

Definitions

This buildup of an electric charge exists on a surface that comes into contact with another, differently charged surface.
It takes this many volts to damage a computer component.
It takes this many volts for a person to feel an electrostatic discharge.
This device should be attached to you when working with computer components.

Terms

____ 30 volts
____ 3000 volts
____ Static electricity
____ Antistatic wrist strap

2. PC Components | Next Section

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