Identifying Parts of the Computer -
IBM PCs and Compatibles
Module H01hPC
Contents
Audience and Objectives
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System Unit
- On-Off switch - Large red switch toward the back of
the right side, system unit.
- Drive A: - Disk drive for the start-up disk; usually
for program disks.
- Drive B: - Disk drive usually used for data disks.
- Disk-in-use lights - Red lights indicate disk is being
read or written. Don't open the drive!
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Monitor
- On-Off switch, if any
- Brightness control
- Contrast control
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Keyboard
Details: see The Computer Keyboard (module H03h-PC)
The Operating System
- Operating System:
- The programs needed to control fundamental computer operations.
- MS-DOS and PC-DOS:
- IBM-compatible computers usually run under the control of
MS-DOS, the MicroSoft Disk Operating
System.
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Computer Compatibility
Three kinds of compatibility:
- File:
- A disk from one computer can be read and writen in the other.
- Software:
- A program that runs on one computer will run on the other.
- Hardware:
- A circuit board or device that runs on one will run on the
other.
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Audience:
This is for people who want to be able to identify the important
parts of a personal computer. No previous knowledge is assumed.
Objectives
When you successfully complete this lesson, you will be able
to...
- Identify the important external features of the system
unit of an IBM-compatible personal computer
- Identify the important external features of the monitor
of an IBM-compatible personal computer
- Identify the operating system of an IBM-compatible
personal computer
- List three types of compatibility between types of computers
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About this document...
Module H01hPC: Identifying Parts of the Computer - IBM PCs
and Compatibles
- Author:
- Laurence
J. Krieg
- Institution:
- Department
of Computer Information Systems,
Washtenaw Community College
- Date:
- Original 18 Jan1988
Revised HTML version 2 May 1996
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