Computer Hardware - Computer's Info

Computer's Info

Computer Hardware

Click on the following pictures to find out about computer components

CPU (central processing unit) is a small chip in a computer that is considered to be the brain of a computer that is in charge of all the processes happening in a it. To run a program the CPU executes a sequence of steps. It sends instructions to other components to complete the user's task. A CPU needs to match with the motherboard in order to be able to connect and function properly. The strength of a CPU is measured in MHz - million of cycles per second or GHz - billion of cycles per second. The data amount that the CPU can process at a time depends on the size of the front side bus. Enhancing any of these factors will improve computer's performance.

Hard Drive is a form of memory storage for the computer. It allows the computer to permanently store large amounts of data and access it for usage later on. Hard drive memory is measured in Terabytes = 1 000 Gigabytes = 1 000 000 Megabytes. The more memory a storage device has, the more information there can be stored. Hard drive is usually installed inside a computer case and contains vital data such as operating system.

RAM or random-access memory works as temporary computer data storage. It allows the computer or CPU to access the existing information in any order. Other storage devices like hard drive and DVDs can only read and write data in predetermined order.However, RAM losses all of its data once the computer is turned off. RAM's memory is measured in Megabytes or Gigabytes. 1 000 Megabytes = 1 Gigabyte. Increasing the amount of RAM enhances the computer's performance. The motherboard determines the maximum RAM memory that it can support.

Motherboard is the main circuit in the computer that allows data to travel through it. Motherboard is located inside of the computer case and holds a lot of important components. It motherboard accommodates the central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), expansion slots, heat sink and fan, and basic input/output system (BIOS) chip. The motherboard has to be compatible with every component in order to function properly.

Optical Drive is used to read data from optical media like CD, DVD and Blu-ray. The information can be only written to a disk once which means you would not be able to change the contents of a DVD disk. However, existing data can be freely accessed with an optical drive at any time.

Power Supply provides the whole computer with electricity from a wall outlet. It must supply enough electricity to power all of the computer's internal devices. Without a Power Supply it wouldn't even be possible to turn a computer on.

Computer Case is the base of a computer. It contains and holds all of the computer's main components as well as protection from physical damage and overheating.

Monitor is an output device that is able to display images. Computer communicates with the user by sending signals to the monitor in order to display information on the screen for user to see.

Keyboard is an input device that allows the user to give instructions to the computer and enter information. The stored information can be stored and accessed or used later on.

Mouse is an input device that is like the keyboard is used to communicate with the computer and give it instructions. However, the mouse is mostly used to navigate through out the system.