The System Unit
The System Unit is regarded as the most vital part of the computer system by its functionalities. This is parts that contain data processing sections internally called Central Processing Unit (CPU).
Due to the performances of some components in the system unit, it is therefore necessary to protect them from other external gargets from generating radiation (process of transmitting energy or waves through space) with a container called Casing.
The Front View
The front view of system unit contains some button and their functions as stated below:
Power switch – Is used to turn the system unit ON and OFF. It can be represented on the system by I and O meaning ON and OFF.
Reset button – Is used to restart the computer without turning it off completely.
Turbo button – Is used to alternate between two speeds of the computer.
Power light – Comes on when the power switch is turned on.
Hard Disk Light – Comes on when the hard disk is being accessed to either retrieve or store data
The Back View
Looking at the back view of the system unit, the following components can be observed:
Fan – The fan is incorporated with the power unit. The fan helps to cool the inside of the system unit by drawing out warm air that is generated by the system’s internal components including that of the power unit.
Parallel connector – A parallel connector enables one to attach a parallel device such as a printer to the computer.
Mouse connector – The mouse is connected to the system through this connector.
Keyboard connector – The keyboard communicates with the system unit through connector.
USB Port – This port accepts any peripheral that is configured to its specification as input, output, or storage device.
Some Interior Parts
Many components that are not visible are housed inside the system unit case and here are few of such components:
Motherboard – This is the computer’s main circuit board. It is the largest board in the system unit to which other smaller boards or units are plugged.
Central Processing Unit – This is also called micro-processor. It is mounted on the motherboard. This is the unit that determines the speed and capacity of the computer. It is also regarded as the computer brain where processing and computation of data takes place.
Memory Chips – They are made of tiny electronic circuits built in a special form. They are designed to hold programs being currently working on or in execution.
Hard Disk Drive – It is a storage medium, which stores unprocessed data and processed data (information) for the computer. It is the store house of all System and application software used by the computer.
Random Access Memory (RAM) – It is the temporary workspace of the computer. When the computer is turned off, all data in the RAM is erased and for this reason it is said to be volatile.
Read Only Memory (ROM) – It is the permanent memory that contains programs and instructions that the computer accesses to manage the flow of information through the computer. The contents cannot be lost when the system is switched off, therefore it is said to be non-volatile.
Tests and Exercises
1. The brain of the computer is called __________
a. Output unit b. Input unit c. Memory unit d. Central processing unit Answer: Central processing unit
2. The external garget or container used to protect the system unit from generating radiation is called ________
a. Casing b. Aluminium c. Rapper d. Housing Answer: Casing
3. Which of the following is not part of the system unit front view?
a. Chipset b. Turbo button c. Hard disk light d. Power light. Answer: Chipset
4. Motherboard is regarded as part of the interior parts of the system unit along with
a. Reset button b. USB port c. Hard drive d. Fan Answer: Hard drive
5. __________ is regarded as the temporary workspace in computer memory.
a. RAM b. ROM c. Memory Chips d. Motherboard Answer: RAM
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