Introduction
The basics parts of a desktop computer are the computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and power cord. Each parts plays an important role whenever you use a computer.
Computer
case
The computer case is a metal and plastic box that contains
the main components of the computer, including the motherboard, central
processing unit (CPU), and power supply. The front of the case usually has On/Off
button and one or more optical drivers.
Computer cases comes in different shapes and sizes. A desktop case lies flat on a desk, and the monitor usually sits on top of it. A tower case is tall and sits next to the monitor or on the floor. All-in-one computers come with the internal components built into the monitor, which eliminates the need for a separate case.
Monitor
The monitor works with a video card, located
inside the computer case, to display images and text on the screen. Most
monitors have control buttons that allow you to change you monitor’s
display settings, and some monitors also have built-in speakers.
Newer monitors usually have LCD (liquid crystal display) or LED (light-emitting diode) displays. These can be very thin, and they are often called flat-panel displays. Older monitors use CRT (cathode ray tube) displays. CRT monitors are much larger and heavier, and they take up more desk space.
Keyboard
The keyboard is one of main ways to communicate with
a computer. There are many different types of keyboard, but most are very
similar and allow you to accomplish the same basic tasks.
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Escape key: The Escape (Esc) key allows you to stop a
function or action. For example, if a webpage is taking a long time to load,
you can press the Escape key to stop loading it.
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Function keys: The function keys are labeled F1 through F12.
Some programs use these keys as shortcuts for common tasks. For example, in
many programs, F1 open the Help file.
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Print Screen, Scroll Lock, Pause/Break: The Print Screen, Scroll
Lock, and Pause/Break keys are at the top-right corner of the
keyboard. The Print Screen keys takes a picture of your screen (called a
screenshot) that you can edit or save using a graphics program. Scroll Lock and
Pause/Break are rarely used today, so some keyboards don’t have them.
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Numeric Keypad: The numeric keypad resembles a calculator. Many
users finds that it is easier to type numbers using this keyboard. On some keyboards,
these keys double as arrow keys.
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Backspace key: The Backspace key (also known as delete key) erases
the character to the left of the cursor.
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Insert: This switches between insert mode (which inserts new text
without deleting anything) and over type mode (which deletes after the cursor
as you type).
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Delete: This erases the character to the right of the cursor.
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Home and End: These move the cursor to the beginning or end of the current
line.
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Page Up and Page Down: These scroll a document or webpage up or down.
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Tab key: The Tab key is used to create indents in word processing
programs. Also, if you’re filling out a form online, you can use the Tab key to
switch to the next field.
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Alphanumeric keys: The main part of the keyboard includes the alphanumeric keys
(letters and numbers) and the spacebar.
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Enter: The Enter key (also known as the return key) executes
commands. For example, while on the Internet, you can type a website address
and then press Enter to go to the site. It is also used to start a new line in
word processing programs.
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Arrow keys: The arrow keys are used for many different purposes, including
moving the cursor, scrolling a document, and controlling a game.
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Ctrl, Alt, and Shift: The Control (Ctrl), Alternate (Alt),
and Shift keys are designed to work in combination with other keys. Typically,
you hold down Ctrl, Alt, or Shift then type another key to perform a specific task.
For example, in many programs, typing Ctrl+S will save a file.
Mouse
The mouse is another important tool for communicating
with computers. Commonly known as a pointing device, it lets you point
to object on the screen, click on them, and move them.
There are two main mouse types: Optical and mechanical mouse.
1. Optical Mouse: The optical mouse uses an
electronic eye to detect movement and is easier to clean.
2. Mechanical Mouse: The mechanical mouse uses a
rolling ball to detect movement and requires regularly cleaning to work
properly.
Mouse alternatives
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Trackball: A trackball has a ball that can rotate freely. Instead of moving
the device, you can roll the ball with your thumb to move the pointer.
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Touchpad: A touchpad also called a trackpad––is a touch-sensitive
pad that lets you control the pointer by making a drawing motion with your
finger. Touchpad are common on laptop computers.
