Parts of the Computer & Their Functions

Computers are assembled from several key components that make the computer functional. While most computer users are primarily familiar with the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other accessories, these components are not critical to computer functionality. The most important parts of a computer exist inside the case. 1. CPU
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The central processing unit (CPU) processes all of the data that is accessed by the machine. It is a small internal piece that is located beneath the fan. Essentially, the purpose of a CPU is to process instructions through a fourpart sequence of fetching, decoding, execution and write-back. Most new computers are sold with dual-core CPUs, which integrate two processors into one unit. However, CPUs can have many cores. Intel has built an 80-core processor that can handle a trillion operations per second.

2. RAM
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Random access memory provides a buffer between the hard drive and central processing unit. When files are requested for processing, they transfer from the hard drive to the memory. The CPU then processes the file and replaces it in the memory. The memory provides a temporary storage that will be eliminated if power is removed from the machine. It is important to save modified files to the hard drive so that they will be retained if the power turns off.

3. Hard Drive
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A hard drive provides permanent storage for the operating system, programs and files on a machine. When files are saved to the hard drive, they are retained through power outages. New computers are usually equipped with SATA drives, which have replaced the older IDE drive technology. These drives use slimmer cables, smaller power connections, and have numerous performance benefits over the older hard drive types. SATA hard drives do not get as hot and can transfer data faster.

4. Optical Drive
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An optical drive is any drive that reads the data through optic technology, such as a laser. These drives can read data from discs. Common types of optical drives include CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs and Blu-ray drives. Some of these drives can read and write data using lasers. Optical media are cheap, making CDs the most economical method for computer software distribution. While a computer can function without a CD drive, it will be extremely difficult to use a computer without it.

5. Motherboard
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The motherboard is an underlying circuit board that holds all the computer components together. Computer components, including the CPU, RAM, hard drive and optical drives, plug into the motherboard. This allows the separate components to interact with each other to create a fully functional machine. While each computer part has a unique function, they would be utterly useless without the unifying motherboard.

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Equipment (Hardware)
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COMPUTER A machine that processes information and performs computations. Tower or Desktop

The "box" or case that holds the parts that make up a computer: CPU, hard disk drive, floppy drive, memory chips, power supply, interface cards, etc.

CPU Monitor

Central Processing Unit, or "brains" of the computer An output display device (looks similar to a TV) in a computer system. You see information on the monitor's screen. The viewing area on a monitor or the information or image displayed. A device that reads data from (input) or records data onto a disk for storage (output).

Screen Disk Drive Floppy

Floppy Drive Hard Drive

. 3-1/2" Floppy Disk

The main device that a computer uses to store information. Most computers come with a hard drive, called drive C, located inside the computer case. ROM means Read-Only-Memory - you can only "read" information, not save. A CD can store a large amount of data including documents, photographs, software, and music (about 20 songs)

CD-ROM

CD Drive

Compact Disk

CD-R CD-RW A CD-Recordable drive can put data onto a disk in just one A CD-ReWritable drive can be written onto more than once session, and then is "closed" - one "burn" only - you can't add similar to a floppy or hard disk. to it after you create it. DVD-ROM Digital Video Disk - Read-Only Memory Used to store full-length movies, large programs, etc.

CD's, CD-R's, CD-RW's, and DVD's all look the same. You must read the label to determine what type of media it is. Both CD's and DVD's are optical storage media. Optical technology uses a laser or light beam to process information. USB Flash Drive These can hold documents, pictures, and music. Some flash drives are also MP3 players.

Mouse

A hand-held input device you roll on your desk to point to and select items on your screen. When you move the mouse, the mouse pointer on the screen moves in the same direction. The little symbol on your screen that you move with your mouse. You use the mouse pointer to point to and select items on your screen. The mouse pointer changes shape, depending on its location on your screen and the action you are performing.

Mouse pointer

Left Mouse Button - usually use this button Right Mouse Button - occasionally use this button for "special" actions Scroll Wheel - the mouse wheel may work differently from program to program. and it may not work in some programs. In most word processing programs, you can rotate the wheel to move up or down the page, equivalent to using the PAGE UP or PAGE DOWN keys on your keyboard or to clicking the scroll bar. Due to various problems it is best if you do not use the scroll wheel in the computer lab. Click Press and quickly release the button on a mouse

Double Click Press and quickly release the mouse button twice. Drag Move objects or data around on the screen through the use of a mouse. Keep the left mouse button pressed while you move the mouse. Output device that produces sound and music when connected to the computer. Speakers come in different shapes and may even be in the monitor's case.

Speakers

Headphones Output device for listening that is held over the ears by a band worn on the head

Microphone Input device in which sound energy is changed into electrical energy for the sending or recording sound (your voice).

Scanner Input device that reads copy as an image and digitally records the image

Digital Camera

Records and stores images as a digital file, operates similarly to a "normal" camera, but no "film" is needed

Projector

Output device for displaying onto a large surface (projection screen) what appears on the computer monitor.

Printer

A device that produces a paper copy of the information on your screen. The printer on the left is an INK JET PRINTER, and the other is a LASER PRINTER. Hub

Hubs are devices that have many ports into which network cables are plugged. A hub takes the signal from each computer and sends it to all of the other computers through the network. Hubs come in different sizes and colors. The hub must be plugged in and turned on for the network to work - be sure you see green lights Modem A device that allows computers to communicate with each other over telephone lines (Internet).