Input Devices

Every PC user needs a number of input devices to allow them to interact with the PC the most commonly used are the mouse and keyboard others include scanners and graphics tablets. Joysticks and Gaming pads are also known as input devices.

Mice

Allows us to navigate around our systems easily. The standard mice are the ones with a ball and roller system. This are fine the only drawbacks can be they can collect dirt and grime and require cleaning.

Optical Mice are now pretty standard. As with all mice they come in various colours and sizes, instead of a ball and roller. They work by shining a light beam onto the desk or mouse mat surface.

Trackball - these use a ball mounted on the mouse unit these allow your hand to mould round the unit and use your thumb or finger to move a marble or ball to move the pointer around the screen.

Cordless/Wireless - Instead of using the normal cable method, these normally use either infa-red or Bluetooth. The PC has a receiver connected via USB with the mouse housing a transmitter. These allow for greater freedom and can be operated from a distance.

Keyboards

These are traditionally corded although many are now moving towards being cordless.

These can include many programmable buttons which you can setup for bookmarks or to launch favourite programs.

Connection Methods/Types

PS/2 & USB - The standard way with corded mice or keyboards is to use the PS/2 or USB connectors. As the mice and keyboards don't need to use the transfer rates of USB you can use a USB to PS/2 adapter which allows you to save a USB port and use the PS/2 connector instead.

Wireless and cordless devices typically use a USB receiver device to pickup the signal from the mouse or keyboard and relay it through the PC.

Motherboards the different parts explained

The motherboard is the centre piece of you system it contains all the circuitry and components either directly on the board or via additional components which connect directly to it. The motherboard is also often referred to as the main board.

The motherboards many connectors and slots include a socket for the processor to be installed along with memory slots, a number of expansion slots, connectors to IDE/SATA devices and smaller connectors for USB, serial and printer connectors.

The motherboard plays an essential role in the following aspects of your computer system:

Organization of devices: Everything is eventually connected to the motherboard. The way that the motherboard is designed and laid out dictates how the entire computer is going to be organized.

Control of the devices: Built-in to the motherboard is the chipset and BIOS program, which between them control the majority of data flow throughout the different computer systems.

System Communication: Almost all communication between the PC and its peripherals, other PCs, and you, the user, goes through the motherboard.

Processor Support: The motherboard socket depicts which choice of processor you can use in your system.

Peripheral Support: The motherboards components determine what type of peripherals you can use in your PC. For example, you can not use AGP cards if you only have PCI slots.

System Performance: The motherboard is a major factor in your system's performance; it dictates which type of processors, memory, system buses, and hard disk interface speed your system can have via its connectors or BIOS settings. Often if you are upgrading after a number of years you will need to replace the board, CPU, and memory.

Upgradeability: As motherboards are developed newer processors may not be compatible with your hardware as limitations of the circuitry built-in to the board itself will not allow them to run. As a result you can look for any upgrades via your maker's website but may need to consider upgrading.

Motherboard connector's close-up

The block of connectors on the motherboard which include the Ethernet, USB, serial, com and mouse/keyboard ports is often referred to as the I/O Panel, the often silver surround which sits between the panel and the outer edge of your system case is called the I/O shield.

Expansion slots

Usually PCI to allow for other devices to be installed, AGP cards are used solely for video cards. Newer versions including PCI-Express functions still remain the same.

Processor socket

Here your processor (CPU) is connected to the motherboard. Usually they have a socket design with a lever on one edge once lifted you can insert the processor. Normally a small notch or marked corner indicates the only way that the processor can fit the socket. Once secured the heat sink and thermal paste is installed over the processor and secured into place.

Memory slots

Also known as memory banks as each slot on the motherboard is termed a bank of memory. You will need to check that you are using the right type of memory for you board. They will only fit into the slots one way by noting the notch in the middle of the module and the number of pins on each side. Once the clips at either end have been opened the module can then be pressed firmly into the slot and the clips secured to hold the module in place.

IDE Connectors

These connect to your IDE devices of either hard drives or CD/DVD Drives or a combination of both. A smaller IDE connector is also used for Floppy disk drives.

Pin outs

Every switch on the front panel of your case including the power switch, reset, power led, hdd led, and any USB ports all need to be connected to the pin outs on the motherboard to function.

Others

Other connectors on your motherboard include additional pins to connect fans to. If you have built-in sound you will also see AUX and CD-in which connect to the DVD drive to allow for playback directly from the drive.

How to Install or add Computer Memory (RAM) to your computer

Installing more memory is the cheapest upgrade for your computer. By increasing the amount of RAM you have in your system the greater the temporary storage for it to work with when running programs and applications.

Especially when using software to edit large files such as digital photos and videos alongside simple tasks such as just loading your computer with more RAM Windows will load faster and allow you to open and close programs quicker so that you can truly multitask.

Power down your PC and switch it off at the wall. Remove the screws holding the sides of the case on and carefully slide off both panels.

Wearing an anti-static wristband is preferable whenever working with sensitive electrical equipment. Keeping one hand on a metal part of the case will have the same effect, though you may need both hands when installing certain items of hardware.

There are differences between types of memory, so it is wise to make sure you have the correct type before attempting to install it to avoid damaging your motherboard and/or RAM.

First, locate your RAM slots, which are typically located near to the CPU. You may need to unplug a few power cables to give yourself enough room to work with, though make sure you remember what you have unplugged.

Remove the RAM from its anti static bag and hold it by the edges as shown in the adjacent image. This will minimise contact with the working parts hence reduce the risk of static damaging the RAM.

Line the RAM up with one of the slots on your motherboard. Make sure you have the RAM the correct way round, otherwise it will not fit into the slot correctly. You should also note whether or not the RAM is dual channel, in which case you will need two identical sticks of RAM in adjacent slots to get the full effect. Refer to your motherboard manual if you are unsure of this.

Begin to push down on the RAM module. In some cases, fairly significant pressure is required, so push down gently at first and increase the pressure until the RAM slots into the motherboard. Ensure that the white tab at either side is locked in the vertical position which will keep the RAM module secure.

Finally, replace any cables you removed and put the sides of the case back on. Boot up your machine and check that your new memory is accounted for by the RAM check at POST.

If you are in any doubt, go to Start - Settings - Control Panel - System once in Windows, and check the amount of RAM reported matches what should be in your system.

If you have any problems, remove the case and check the RAM is seated correctly.