Parts and function of Computer System

1. The processor
This is the core of any computer and does the job of, well, processing all the instructions
given to the computer.

2. Memory
This component is used to temporarily store data while the processor is executing some
instructions. You can compare this to your fingers when you were doing basic addition problems in
school.

3. Storage
Although it can be classified as an I/O device in some sense, the Disks ( hard disks, the optical
drives ) are important pieces of a computer system. Disks are used for long term storage, all your
files, the operating system all reside on the disk(s).
4. The Motherboard
This is the main electronics circuit board. It has sockets where you plug-in the processor(s) and the
memory.

There are various other kinds of sockets where other hardware can be plugged into the
motherboard for various functionality. Supporting hardware for the display/graphics, sound,
network connection are some of the examples.

The mother board has main circuitry called the bus, to which all these hardware are attached.
5. Input/Output (I/O)
This term is applied to any kind of device that is used to bridge between the user and the computer
system. Keyboard, mouse, the display, the speakers are the most common ones.

Other things needed are a power supply ( SMPS ), cables to connect the I/O devices to the
motherboard, a cabinet to house the motherboard along with all the other components.
6. Firmware and Software

This is not a tangible part of a computer, but essential for using one. In very simple language,
firmware are instructions for various parts of the computer for their internal working. Other software
needed to use a computer are an Operating system ( Linux, MacOS, Windows are examples )
and the device drivers ( for communication between the Operating system and the various
hardware ).

7. Other hardware
a. UPS Uninterruptible Power Supply
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that allows a computer to keep running for at least a short time when the
primary power source is lost. It also provides protection from power
surges.

b. AVR Automatic Voltage Regulator The function of the Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) is to maintain
constant voltage and power line conditioning to the equipment load under a wide variety of conditions, even when the utility
input voltage, frequency or system load vary widely.
Parts of Computer System