Lunes, Agosto 6, 2012

Basic Parts Of The Computer



Parts of a computer

If you use a desktop computer, you might already know that there isn't any single part called the "computer." A computer is really a system of many parts working together. The physical parts, which you can see and touch, are collectively called hardware. (Software, on the other hand, refers to the instructions, or programs, that tell the hardware what to do.)
The illustration below shows the most common hardware in a desktop computer system. Your system may look a little different, but it probably has most of these parts. A laptop computer has similar parts but combines them into a single notebook-sized package.
Picture of a desktop computer systemDesktop computer system
Let's take a look at each of these parts.

System unit

The system unit is the core of a computer system. Usually it's a rectangular box placed on or underneath your desk. Inside this box are many electronic components that process information. The most important of these components is the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor, which acts as the "brain" of your computer. Another component israndom access memory (RAM), which temporarily stores information that the CPU uses while the computer is on. The information stored in RAM is erased when the computer is turned off.
Almost every other part of your computer connects to the system unit using cables. The cables plug into specific ports (openings), typically on the back of the system unit. Hardware that is not part of the system unit is sometimes called a peripheral device ordevice.
Picture of a system unitSystem unit

Storage

Your computer has one or more disk drives—devices that store information on a metal or plastic disk. The disk preserves the information even when your computer is turned off.

Hard disk drive

Your computer's hard disk drive stores information on a hard disk, a rigid platter or stack of platters with a magnetic surface. Because hard disks can hold massive amounts of information, they usually serve as your computer's primary means of storage, holding almost all of your programs and files. The hard disk drive is normally located inside the system unit.
Picture of a hard disk driveHard disk drive

CD and DVD drives

Nearly all computers today come equipped with a CD or DVD drive, usually located on the front of the system unit. CD drives use lasers to read (retrieve) data from a CD, and many CD drives can also write (record) data onto CDs. If you have a recordable disk drive, you can store copies of your files on blank CDs. You can also use a CD drive to play music CDs on your computer.
Picture of a CDCD
DVD drives can do everything that CD drives can, plus read DVDs. If you have a DVD drive, you can watch movies on your computer. Many DVD drives can record data onto blank DVDs.
Tip

Tip

If you have a recordable CD or DVD drive, periodically back up (copy) your important files to CDs or DVDs. That way, if your hard disk ever fails, you won't lose your data.

Floppy disk drive

Floppy disk drives store information on floppy disks, also called floppies or diskettes. Compared to CDs and DVDs, floppy disks can store only a small amount of data. They also retrieve information more slowly and are more prone to damage. For these reasons, floppy disk drives are less popular than they used to be, although some computers still include them.
Picture of a floppy diskFloppy disk
Why are floppy disks "floppy"? Even though the outside is made of hard plastic, that's just the sleeve. The disk inside is made of a thin, flexible vinyl material.

Mouse

A mouse is a small device used to point to and select items on your computer screen. Although mice come in many shapes, the typical mouse does look a bit like an actual mouse. It's small, oblong, and connected to the system unit by a long wire that resembles a tail. Some newer mice are wireless.
Picture of a computer mouseMouse
A mouse usually has two buttons: a primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary button. Many mice also have a wheel between the two buttons, which allows you to scroll smoothly through screens of information.
Picture of mouse pointers
When you move the mouse with your hand, a pointer on your screen moves in the same direction. (The pointer's appearance might change depending on where it's positioned on your screen.) When you want to select an item, you point to the item and then click (press and release) the primary button. Pointing and clicking with your mouse is the main way to interact with your computer. For more information, see Using your mouse.

Keyboard

A keyboard is used mainly for typing text into your computer. Like the keyboard on a typewriter, it has keys for letters and numbers, but it also has special keys:
  • The function keys, found on the top row, perform different functions depending on where they are used.
  • The numeric keypad, located on the right side of most keyboards, allows you to enter numbers quickly.
  • The navigation keys, such as the arrow keys, allow you to move your position within a document or webpage.
Picture of a keyboardKeyboard
You can also use your keyboard to perform many of the same tasks you can perform with a mouse. For more information, see Using your keyboard.

Monitor

monitor displays information in visual form, using text and graphics. The portion of the monitor that displays the information is called the screen. Like a television screen, a computer screen can show still or moving pictures.
There are two basic types of monitors: CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors and LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors. Both types produce sharp images, but LCD monitors have the advantage of being much thinner and lighter. CRT monitors, however, are generally more affordable.
Picture of an LCD monitor and a CRT monitorLCD monitor (left); CRT monitor (right)

Printer

A printer transfers data from a computer onto paper. You don't need a printer to use your computer, but having one allows you to print e‑mail, cards, invitations, announcements, and other materials. Many people also like being able to print their own photos at home.
The two main types of printers are inkjet printers and laser printers. Inkjet printers are the most popular printers for the home. They can print in black and white or in full color and can produce high-quality photographs when used with special paper. Laser printers are faster and generally better able to handle heavy use.
Picture of an inkjet printer and a laser printerInkjet printer (left); laser printer (right)

Speakers

Speakers are used to play sound. They may be built into the system unit or connected with cables. Speakers allow you to listen to music and hear sound effects from your computer.
Picture of computer speakersComputer speakers

Modem

To connect your computer to the Internet, you need a modem. A modem is a device that sends and receives computer information over a telephone line or high-speed cable. Modems are sometimes built into the system unit, but higher-speed modems are usually separate components.
Picture of a cable modem

Miyerkules, Hulyo 11, 2012


Comedy King

Kung hindi mo pa alam kung ano ang pinakahuling balita tungkol kay Comedy KingDolphy, baka sa kweba o sa bundok ka nakatira. Kung hindi naman, baka abala ka lang sa iba’t-ibang bagay tulad ng trabaho, eskwela, kasintahan, kaibigan at pamilya. Pero sige ka, baka multuhin ka n’ya dahil di mo man lang napansin ang nangyari nitong gabi lang.
Ngayong araw, Hulyo 10, 2012, ay pumanaw na ang nag-iisang Hari ng Komedya sa Pilipinas, walang iba kundi si Dolphy. Sa maraming taon ng kanyang pagpapatawa ay hindi na kataka-takang marami ang nalungkot nang malaman nila ang balita. Trending topic sa twitter at patuloy pa ring pinag-uusapan sa facebook, ang pagpanaw ni Mang Dolphy ay nagbigay senyales sa lahat ng Pilipino na isang di matatawarang alagad ng sining ang kinuha na ng Panginoon.
Ayon sa opisyal na pahayag ng Makati Medical Center, pumanaw si G. Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon sa oras na 8:34 ng gabi dahil sa Multiple Organ Failure sanhi na rin ng kumplikasyong dulot ng mga sakit na Severe Pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease at Acute Renal Failure.
Isa ako sa milyun-milyong Pinoy napatawa ni Mang Dolphy. At dahil yan sa mga karakter na ginampanan niya mula pa noong araw. At sa lahat ng mga iyon, pinakanagustuhan ko ang karakter n’yang Mang Kevin Kosme sa Home Along Da Riles. Lahat na yata ng mga batang Pinoy na nabuhay noong Dekada ’90 ay alam ang karakter na Mang Kevin. At bakit naman hindi, talaga naman kasing tinutukan ang nasabing sitcom tuwing Huwebes ng gabi. Pinakita rito ng Hari ng Komedya ang kanyang walang kupas na galing sa pagpapatawa habang nagbibigay aral sa mga manonood. Naaalala kong tinuturo ng kanilang palabas noon na kahit mahirap ang buhay nila ng kanyang pamilya, masaya sila basta’t sila ay sama-sama.
Tiyak na magkakaroon ng interes ang mga taong panooring muli ang mga magagandang palabas at pelikula ni Mang Dolphy, kahit yung mga lumang-luma pa at naka-black and white lamang. Sana magkaroon ng ideya ang ABS-CBN ( o iba pang channel) na ipalabas muli ang mga ito upang mapanood ng marami ang iniwang yaman ng Hari ng Komedya. Alam naman natin kasing hindi lang saya pati mga ngiti ang maidadala nito sa ating mga labi kundi mga iba’t-ibang aral sa buhay, ipinadaan man sa komedya o madadramang eksena ng kanyang mga likha.
Sa huli, isama na lang natin sa pagdarasal ang ikapapayapa ng kaluluwa ni Mang Dolphy. Siya man ay lumipas na sa ating mundo, tandaan na lang nating ang kanyang naging kontribusyon sa kulturang Pilipino ay di matatawaran kailanman. Pangalan ng komedya na mismo ang magsisilbing ala-ala natin para sa kanya.
Tatanda at lilipas din ako/ Ngunit mayroong awiting/ Iiwanan sa inyong ala-ala/ Dahil minsan tayo’y nagkasama.”