4 Main parts of a computer

There are four main parts which a computer system needs to function effectively and that are critical to system performance. If a part is malfunctioning, it can cause the system to stop operating, it can cause program errors or it can slow down the performance of other devices. Understanding how these parts and devices interact within the system can optimize hardware and software performance.

Motherboard

The motherboard is a printed circuit board which uses "bus" architecture to map out critical system components and provides connectors for devices such as, the power supply, memory, hard drive, input/output slots and the central processing unit (CPU). If you examine a motherboard, it looks like a street map. The lines on the motherboard are physical addresses to a device which carries instructions to the central processing unit which is the brain or scheduler of the computer system.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The central processing unit (CPU) or brain of the computer system processes complex functions in the system. The CPU chip receives instructions from the system board and software applications. Today's CPUs can process data measured in milliseconds. The CPU also has a co-math processor built into the chip to handle mathematical functions. For example, when a spreadsheet program, such as Microsoft Excel calculates formulas, the program is accessing the co-math processor function of the CPU.

Hard Drive

Since the days of 20 megabyte storage, hard drive devices have come a long way. A hard drive stores programs, data and information. The most important attribute of the hard drive is the boot sector record which reads information from the disk to "boot up" the operating system for a person to use software applications. Modern hard drives have RAM memory chips sets built in to help send a program application to the CPU.

RAM/ROM Memory

Random Access Memory (RAM) is an integrated computer chip used to access any memory location or address on the motherboard directly. The RAM chips are made up of millions of circuits and capacitors. RAM is active when the computer is turned on and while the computer is on, it helps allocate memory to system operations, especially the CPU while releasing other devices and processes which are not actively using RAM resources. Random Access Memory (ROM) can only be read from the system and primarily holds the instructions for the performance of low-level system devices. Without instructions located in ROM, a user would not be able to power up a computer.

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FACTS ABOUT COMPUTERS

Computers organize business information, manage household budgets, provide entertainment and fun, and connect us with the world. In short, modern life would be unimaginable without these technological marvels. However, the computer is not just a single device, but a system of different parts.

System Box

The computer case is what we normally think of when they talk about a computer. This box contains, at minimum, the CPU (Central Processing Unit), a collection of electronic circuits that act as the brain. It can also house RAM (Random Access Memory), which stores temporary information as you operate the computer.

Hard Drive

The hard drive is a long-term storage device that preserves information on a disk even when the computer is turned off. Though typically stored within the system box, a hard drive can also be external and attached via cable. The cost of hard drives are constantly dropping, making it cheaper to buy a system with less capacity, and then to expand storage by buying drives later.

Input Devices

Input devices let you enter information into the system. Common examples include a keyboard, for entering text, and a mouse, for moving and activating icons in a graphical environment. Other devices include: for multimedia, a webcam for captures of still and moving images, and a microphone for transmitting audio communications.

DVD/CD Drives

CD and DVD drives are typically built into the system box, and allow the transfer of information through the use of hard media. CDs typically play music while DVDs play videos. However, both types store files and documents, since the typical drive cannot only retrieve data, but record it as well.

Monitor

1. A monitor is how we receive information in a visual form, which can consist of text, images and video. Though these display devices used to consist of bulky CRTs (Cathode Ray Tubes), they now appear as compact, energy-saving LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays). This external device is controlled by video card, which is located inside the system box.

Speakers

2. Speakers deliver audio information such as music from CDs, sound from games or voice from Internet chat. Though they may be built into the box or monitor, the best ones typically stand alone and may consist of an amplifier, multiple speakers and a subwoofer. They require an audio card that is located inside the system box.

Printer

3. A printer produces hard copy versions of computer information in color, and black and white. This information can consist of text from word-processing documents, photographs from digital cameras or artwork from graphics programs. Inkjet printers are initially cheap, but use expensive inks. Laser printers are faster and initially expensive, but their long-lasting cartridges produce cheaper printouts.