Take apart a computer, learn what every part does, then build the best PC you can for a real customer on a budget.
Your progress is saved on this computer only.
Unit 3 — How Computers Work
Choose an activity
Work through the three activities to learn the parts of a computer, then take on the Build Challenge.
My results
When you have finished, copy this into your Class Notebook.
Lesson 1 · Activity 1
Take the computer apart
Strip a real computer down to its bare case. Unplug everything on the desk, unscrew the side panel, then pull out the parts inside — finding out what each one does as you go.
Step 1 — Unplug the peripherals
Click each device to unplug it from the tower and put it on the bench.
1 · Unplug2 · Open the case3 · Strip it down
🔧 Parts on the bench — 0 removed
Part 3 — Input, output, or both?
Data goes IN to a computer through an input device, and comes OUT through an output device. Some devices do both!
Lesson 2 · Activity 2
Build it back up
You left this machine in pieces. Put everything back where it belongs, then fit the parts that keep your files when the power goes off and the cards that give the computer extra powers.
Step 1 — Fit a hard drive
Pick which kind of drive to slide into the empty bay.
1 · Rebuild2 · Hard drive3 · Cards4 · Other storage
🔧 Parts you removed — put them back
📦 New parts to fit
True or false?
Decide whether each statement is true or false.
Lesson 3 · Activity 3
Switch it on
The hardware is built — but press the power button and nothing useful happens. Hardware is the part you can touch; software is the instructions that make it do something. Install an operating system, then fill the desktop.
Step 1 — Install an operating system
Without an OS the computer cannot even start. Choose one to install.
1 · Install OS2 · Add apps
💿 Install discs — choose an operating system
📁 Apps to install — choose an operating system first
Sort the software
Software comes in three types. Click a piece of software, then click the box it belongs in.
Which utility is it?
Utilities work quietly in the background keeping your computer healthy.
The Build Challenge
Build a PC for a customer
Each customer needs something different from their computer — and each has a budget. Choose a customer, spend their money wisely, and see how well your build suits them.