By: Priyank K Purohit
A typical computer system requires a user, data to process, hardware and a software to provide instructions. In order to build a working computer, you will need hardware and software.
1. CPU: CPU or Central Processing Unit is the center of the computer. It collects all the data from the user and processes it the way the user instructs
it to. A typical CPU consists of CD drive, DVD drive, Motherboard, Processor, RAM, Hard drive, Sound Card, and Video Card. All these components are then organized in a body to keep out the
dust particles from harming these components.
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2. Monitor: A monitor is a display unit that displays information as the computer tells it to. It is a very useful device as it displays information
without producing a permanent record of the information. Monitors come in all different sizes. Today, monitors have become noticeably smaller in size due to the advanced LCD technology.
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3. Mouse: A mouse is a pointing device on a computer system that is an alternative input device. Mouse today, come in all different sizes and most
connect to a computer either via USB or wireless via blue tooth.
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4. Keyboard: A keyboard is an input device that requires the user to press one of the basic 104 keys to input data. These keys include the letters,
numbers and the punctuation marks. Most modern keyboards connect to a computer via USB.
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6. Microphone: Microphone or mic is a device that allows users to store audio data on a computer. A microphone converts the audio into electrical
signals that a computer can 'understand.'
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7. Speakers: Speakers are electronic devices capable of turning computer's electrical signals into audio that our ears can hear. It is also capable of
emitting sound frequencies that we can not hear! Modern computers usually have a built in speaker system that can produce sound. Speakers can be used as an output device for people who can
not see.
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8. Web cam: Web cam or a camera is a electric device that takes pictures and stores the picture in binary code that the computer can understand. Web
cams are used to make "video calls" across the world! Modern laptops and notebooks usually have a built in small camera!
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Softwares are a set of organized instructions designed to ask the computer to achieve certain tasks. The three most important softwares are:
1. Operating System: Operating System is a set of instructions designed to tell the computer how to achieve the task using the data inputted by the
user. Without an OS, a computer can't function.
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2. Home Office Software: This pack of software includes must have softwares like Word, Excel, Power Point etc. In North America, going to school without
these softwares is becoming very difficult task.
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3. Computer Security Software: In modern days, most of the computers are connected to the Internet where users can download and upload information from
other people. With this technology comes another problem- cybercrimes. There are people who will use the internet in order to give you a computer virus that can destabilize your system and
destroy your data. In order to prevent such attempts, you must have a certified security software.
{Norton 360 - $49.99}
| Hardware | Name | Price |
| CPU | XPS 630 | $2799.99 |
| CD/DVD Drive | Dual drive 48X Combo + 16X DVD+-RW | $199.99 |
| Motherboard | Intel® Desktop Board D975XBX2 | $299.99 |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Extreme Processor | $1599.99 |
| RAM | Buffalo 2GB DDR2 Computer RAM | $49.99 |
| Hard drive | Western Digital 160GB hard drive | $99.99 |
| Display Adaptor | ATI Radeon HD 3650 1024MB PCI-E Video Card | $169.99 |
| Monitor | Dell Ultrasharp 22" monitor | $499.99 |
| Mouse | Microsoft Intellimouse 4.3 | $29.99 |
| Keyboard | Logitech diNovo Edge Keyboard | $149.99 |
| Microphone with Headphone | Dynex 740 Ear clip Headset With Microphone | $24.99 |
| Speakers | Altec lansing | $99.99 |
| Webcam with Laser Mouse | Microsoft Laptop Web cam / Laser Mouse Mobility Pack | $39.99 |
| Software | Name | Price |
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium | $249.99 |
| Home Office Software | Microsoft Office Professional 2007 | $649.99 |
| Computer Security Software | Norton 360 | $49.99 |
1. Wikipedia, Canada Computer Hardware. Retrieved September 18, 2008, from Wikipedia Web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_hardware
2. Wikipedia, Canada Computer Software. Retrieved September 18, 2008, from Wikipedia Web site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_software
3. Bestbuy, Canada Computer Add-ons. Retrieved September 18, 2008, from Futureshop Web site: http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/dept.asp?logon=&langid=EN&catid=18
4. Tigerdirect.com (2008). Computers. Retrieved September 18, 2008, from TigerDirect Web site: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/Category/category_tlcNEW.asp?CatId=6
5. MicrosoftCanada (2008). Computer-RAM. Retrieved September 18, 2008, from Microsoft Canada Web site: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/555223
