Familiarizing Yourself with the Parts of a Talking Computer

Tangerang, Kartunet - For a visually impaired person, understanding the devices that make up a computer unit requires special orientation. Furthermore, the differing backgrounds of visually impaired individuals—whether totally blind or low vision, and whether they were born blind or became blind as a child/adult—certainly necessitate different approaches. For a visually impaired person who still has Low Vision (limited sight) or was not born blind, this orientation might not be too much of a problem because they can still see the form of computer devices, or have seen computers before. So, they already have an idea of what a monitor, CPU, keyboard, mouse, speaker, etc., look like. However, for those who are totally blind or have never seen what a computer looks like, special orientation is necessary to understand the shape and position of each part. Therefore, for this second group of visually impaired individuals, a computer instructor needs to guide their hands to feel and trace the surface of each computer part while it is not connected to electricity.

Main Parts of a Computer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU can be likened to the body of a computer. All processes, such as data processing, storage, modification, etc., occur within it. Inside, there is what is called a processor, a kind of brain that regulates the computer's performance. From the CPU, other computer parts like the monitor, mouse, keyboard, printer, etc., are connected, which will be explained later. CPUs generally come in two models: the horizontal desktop type, where the monitor is usually placed on top, and the vertical tower type, which is separate from the monitor. However, most new CPUs are tower-type and can be placed on a desk or the floor. On the front of the CPU, there are usually several important parts, including:

• Power Button. Functions to turn on the computer. It is usually a circular, triangular, or other varied shape button and is somewhat large, perhaps the size of a thumb tip, depending on the model.
• Reset Button. Functions to restart the computer process from the beginning, which is usually needed when the computer hangs or cannot accept any commands. This button is typically located near the power button and is smaller in size.
• Floppy disk drive. Also commonly called a diskette drive. It is a slot used to insert a storage medium called a floppy disk with a capacity of 3.5MB. Generally, when a floppy disk is inserted into the slot, a small button will protrude, and pressing it will eject the floppy disk. However, floppy disk drives are rarely found on newer CPU models, as many other larger storage media have emerged.
• CD / DVD ROM. This is a device for inserting CDs or DVDs into the computer. Usually, below the slot for placing a CD or DVD, there are two buttons that can be pressed. One button is for playing audio CDs, while the other button functions to insert or eject a CD / DVD.
• USB Port. This is a type of opening for inserting USB flash drives or other computer peripherals that use USB. If the CPU model provides USB ports on the front, they are usually in the middle or bottom section. There are also typically 4 USB ports provided on the back of the CPU.
• Other Ports. On the back of the CPU, there are many ports or openings, each with its own function. Some are for connecting internet LAN cables, power cables, a mouse, keyboard, or audio speakers. However, when exploring this rear section, it is advisable for the computer to be turned off and the power cable unplugged.

Monitor

The part of the computer that functions to display the visual output of the work being done on the computer. Its shape is like a television set, and there are models with a cathode-ray tube (CRT) screen with an extended back, or the flat LED or LCD screens widely available on the market today. If explored, there is usually an on/off button for the screen located on the bottom edge or other positions depending on the model. The monitor is typically positioned directly in front of the computer user. For a visually impaired person, the monitor screen might not be heavily used, so it can be turned off during work to save electricity.

Keyboard

Literally translated, "Keyboard" means "Key Board." A keyboard indeed contains a collection of keys that, individually or in combination, are the keys to executing commands on a computer. For a visually impaired person, it is essential to master and memorize the various keys on the keyboard, as all commands will be entered via the keyboard without a mouse. The numerous keys on a keyboard can be categorized as follows:

1. Typing Keys. Consist of letters, numbers, and punctuation marks. For letters, QWERTY format keyboards are generally used. This means that the arrangement of letters on the keyboard is not alphabetical but follows a specific system that can be easily memorized with the ten-finger typing technique. If this technique is mastered, a visually impaired person can type at a speed comparable to that of other computer users.
2. Numeric Keypad. This is a set of keys containing numbers and mathematical operations, usually located to the right of the typing keys. The number arrangement is similar to that on a calculator and is very useful for quickly entering mathematical data. However, for screen reader users, this numeric keypad can be transformed into a set of keys that are very helpful for navigation with the screen reader.
3. Function Keys. There are 12 keys arranged at the top of the keyboard called function keys. These keys are named F1 through F12. Each key has its own function, whether pressed individually or combined with control keys on the keyboard.
4. Control Keys. This is a set of keys that function for navigation or performing specific special commands. These keys include:
   1. The ALT key functions when paired with other keys, such as F4, for example, which is useful for shutting down or closing an active Windows program. The ALT key is usually located to the left and right of the spacebar.
   2. The CTRL key functions when paired with other keys, such as the C key for copying text, or V for pasting copied text, or other keys which are then called shortcuts. The CTRL key is usually located in the bottom left and right corners of the typing keys.
   3. The ESC (Escape) key has the same function as the CANCEL option, which is to cancel one stage of a task. This key is usually located in the top left corner of the keyboard.
   4. The Enter key has the same function as the OK button option, which is to confirm that the operation performed is correct and complete. Enter can also mean inserting a blank line or a new line during text input. This key is usually located on the right edge of the typing keys; some are horizontal or shaped like an inverted L.
   5. The Tab key. Very useful in navigation for moving between fields or input columns on the computer. It can also function to create indents when editing documents. This key is usually located on the left edge of the typing keys.
   6. The Arrow keys function to move the character pointer (cursor) according to the direction of the respective arrow. There are up, down, left, or right arrows. They are usually located at the bottom between the typing keys and the numeric keypad.
   7. The Backspace key is useful during the typing process. Pressing the Backspace key will delete the character (letter) to the left of the cursor. It is usually located in the top right corner of the typing keys.
   8. The Delete key. Useful during the typing process. Pressing the Delete key will delete the character (letter) to the right or at the cursor's current position. This key is usually located above the arrow keys.
   9. The Home key. Useful during the typing process. Pressing the Home key will move the cursor to the beginning of the line where the cursor is located. It is located near the Delete key, above the arrow keys.
   10. The End key. Useful during the typing process. Pressing the End key will move the cursor to the end of the line where the cursor is located. It is the counterpart to the Home key, so they are usually adjacent.
   11. The Page Up key. Useful during the typing process. Pressing the Page Up key will move the cursor up by one screen length from its current position.
   12. The Page Down key. Useful during the typing process. Pressing the Page Down key will move the cursor down by one screen length from its current position. It is usually located above the arrow keys and adjacent to the Page Up key.

Keyboard models today are also diverse. While keyboards were generally connected with a cable to the back of the CPU in the past, today some use cables that can be connected to a USB port on the front of the CPU, or wireless keyboards that are cable-free. However, regardless of the model, the keyboard's function remains the same and is extremely important for the visually impaired because all commands are absolutely entered via the keyboard.

Mouse

The mouse, which means "rat" in English, is indeed a computer peripheral whose shape resembles a mouse. It is usually placed on the edge of the desk according to the user's hand preference, whether left or right. The mouse can be moved in various directions, which will correspond to the movement of the cursor or pointer on the monitor screen. There are two main buttons: left-click and right-click. Left-click is for executing icons or commands, while right-click is for opening menus. A mouse is absolutely not necessary for a visually impaired person, as all commands can be replaced by the keyboard. For sighted individuals, however, the mouse is very useful for speeding up work by directing the cursor to icons or symbols representing specific commands, then clicking directly.

Loud Speaker

For the sound produced by a screen reader program to be heard, a Loud Speaker is needed. This device might already be familiar to visually impaired individuals. There are stereo and mono types, usually two of them, placed next to the monitor. These Loud Speakers are connected to the CPU and also to an additional power source. However, current developments show that computer Loud Speaker models are increasingly diverse; some are even wireless or can simply be connected to a USB port. As an alternative to Loud Speakers, small earphones or larger headsets can also be used to help users concentrate better and avoid disturbing others.

Additional Computer Peripherals

There are several additional peripherals that are very beneficial for a visually impaired person and can be installed on a computer. Some of them are as follows:

Scanner

A scanner is a device used to record the visual appearance of an object into a digital format and store it on a computer. Generally, scanners are widely used by sighted people to copy photos and documents, then save them in image format on the computer. This format, of course, cannot be accessed by visually impaired screen reader users. But with additional software like Open Book, a person can independently use a scanner to scan book pages and then read them on the computer. Scanner devices come in several models: some are flatbed, some are wand-shaped, and some are integrated with a printer and can function as a photocopier.

Printer

A printer functions to print text, photos, or digital documents from a computer onto paper. For a visually impaired person, having a printer has added value because it allows them to produce printed letters that can be read directly by sighted people. For those still in school or college, it will be very helpful when completing assignments such as papers or essays. Those who are working can also benefit because reports or assigned tasks can be printed directly and read by the relevant parties.

Stabilizer

This device functions to stabilize the electrical current flowing into the computer. It comes in large or small forms and is usually placed under the computer desk. Computers using a stabilizer typically last longer because they are protected from fluctuating electrical voltage. When a computer is equipped with a stabilizer, after shutting down the computer from the system, there's no need to unplug the cable from the power outlet, as simply pressing the on/off switch on the stabilizer is sufficient. Nowadays, there are UPS devices that can replace stabilizers and have the additional function of storing electrical charge. So, if the PLN (state electricity company) power suddenly goes out, the computer will remain on for a moment before the backup power stored in the UPS runs out. This gives the user an opportunity to safely complete and save their work before the computer can be shut down from the system.

Braille Display

This device is like a board that displays the text currently pointed to by the cursor on the monitor in braille characters. It is quite helpful if a visually impaired user is more accustomed to reading braille characters than listening to the voice from a screen reader. However, due to its very high cost, a Braille Display is less efficient, and its function can be entirely replaced by a screen reader program. Above are some parts and supporting devices for a computer. If you are totally blind and have never seen what a computer looks like before, ask your instructor for help with the orientation of each computer part. As the saying goes, "tak kenal maka tak sayang" (roughly, "if you don't know it, you won't love it"), it's good to get to know the physical form of a computer before mastering it and being able to accomplish extraordinary things that might have previously been considered impossible for a visually impaired person, with a computer.