What are the major parts of a computer system and their

functions?
A computer is composed of multiple components that perform specific functions. In many
computers, a component may be replaced independently without replacing the other
components.

This allows only a specific part to be replaced as the item breaks down or becomes obsolete…

Motherboard - The motherboard provides connections for all the peripheral (child) devices. It's
becoming increasingly common for a motherboard to perform these peripheral functions
without a separate device.

Central Processing Unit - The central processing unit (CPU) is the "brain" of the computer and
performs most of the actual computing functions. The CPU determines how quickly the
computer can perform most tasks.

Hard Drive - The hard drive provides the permanent storage for information. This information is
still recorded when the computer is turned off.

Memory Card - The memory card holds information temporarily while the computer is turned
on. The retrieval and storage of memory is much faster than that of the hard drive.

Monitor - The monitor is similar to a television and displays visual information to the user.

Ten Types of Computer Ports and Their Functions – Hardware

A computer is a set of systems with its hardware components which are connected using
different types of computer ports. All parts of computer hardware have their specific functions.
In which, one of the can work to process data and delivers information, one works to storage
data from another device or data processing work to the computer, while another one works to
display graphic or visualize data.

Some of that computer hardware components or devices have a particular type of port to
maximize their functions. Your computer ports can connect your computer to a number external
hardware device and other hardware utilities to sync with your computer properly.

Types of Computer Ports

There are ten types of computer ports that we usually use on our computer, as well as the
functions of each of them are different. The following are the ten types of computer ports.

1. Parallel Port-The parallel port is one of the types of computer ports that works to plug a
certain hardware component or device that requires speed connection. Typically, a type of
parallel port works with 8 bits at a time and capable of sending 50 to 100 kilobytes of data per
second. Such capabilities make it suitable for close-range data transmission and fast.

The Functions of Parallel Port

A parallel port is widely used to connect a computer to a set of parallel printers, zip drives, and
external hard drives. This type of port uses a DB-25 connector with 25 pins. Again, the use of the
parallel port is also quite rare as it’s less practical if it’s compared to a USB port.

2. Serial Port-This type of computer port is a typical port that works to connect a keyboard,
mouse, or a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). Most of the serial ports use a type of RS-232C
connector with a set of pins between 9 and 25 pins.

In the fifth generation computers, serial ports are rarely used, given that most of the today’s
computers use standard USB ports to connect many types of computer hardware devices.

3. USB Port-You must be familiar with this type of port. The USB port is a standard port for the
fifth generation of computer technology. USB stands for Universal Serial Bus which has various
purposes (universal).

The functions of USB ports on a computer can displace the role of the serial and parallel ports
because standard hardware devices support USB connection. Today’s computers even don’t
support serial and parallel ports anymore, which makes computers more tiny, practical, and
simple.

The Functions of USB Port

A USB port has many functions, such as connecting any data storage device, mouse, keyboard,
data transfer between computer and flash or portable hard disk, and even charging gadgets. The
universal function of the current USB port is not only available for PCs or laptops, but it is widely
used in many types of media players, televisions, mobile phones, and head unit in a car.

4. Infrared Port-This type of port is now rarely used on today’s computers. Although the primary
function of an infrared port is to connect wireless devices to a computer, the use of the infrared
port is rarely used now as many wireless devices have already included infrared (in the form of
USB) nowadays. However, there are many laptop products still support infrared port.

5. VGA Port-There are still many computers support VGA port. In a computer, VGA port belongs
to the VGA card or graphic card. The connector of this VGA port uses DE 15 connectors with 15
pins.

The Functions of VGA Port

The primary function of a VGA port is to transmit the graphic data from the computer to the
screen display or output. The screen display or output that can be used is a screen display
monitor, television, and projector. However, the downside of VGA port is its connector cannot
transmit voice signal.
6. PS/2 Port-PS/2 port is a type of classic port which is often found on desktop PC that uses CPU
to connect the keyboard and mouse. The shape its connector is round with many pins. However,
the PS/2 port is very rarely used nowadays, given that the use of USB ports have dominate the
current computer products to support external computer devices connections. PS/2 ports are
usually used to connect mouse and keyboard. But, most recent computer and laptop products
have replaced the role of PS/2 ports with USB ports.

7. LAN port-LAN Port is a type of port that works to connect a computer with many types of
network devices and hardware. The type pf the network can be an Ethernet or LAN Card. If you
want to connect your PC or laptop to one or more computers, you need to use LAN port. To
understand how to build a LAN network between two or more than two computers, you need to
specify your network topology type.

8. Audio Port-The function of an Audio Port audio port is to transmit the sound produced by the
computer to the external audio output, such as speakers or headphones. An audio port of a
computer works with a sound card, where the quality of the sound output depends on the
quality of the soundcard.

A standard computer usually supports only one audio port for producing a stereo output.
However, on a computer with a more sophisticated soundcard, it supports sound output from
5.1 to 9.1 for specific purposes.

9. HDMI Port-The HDMI port is a type or computer port development to support the external
graphic card of a computer. HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. An HDMI port
supports all types of multimedia hardware devices.

The functions an HDMI port are the same as a VGA Port. However, HDMI is capable of
transmitting media with HD quality and can transmit voice signals. HDMI port is currently an
option you can use to display a computer graphics on particular types of computer monitors
such as large TV monitors or large projectors.

10. Power Source Port-You should now ignore Power Source Port. Without a power source port,
a computer will not work at all. The power source port is assigned to provide the power supply
for the computer.

The Functions of Computer Ports

As what has been mentioned above, the primary role of all types of computer ports is to connect
the computer to a certain external hardware component or device. Most of the fifth generation
of computer computers still use one of the types of cables to plug in a hardware component or
device to the computer. For examples, USB port, the keyboard port, HDMI port, etc. But for a
more remote device use, some fifth generation computers have been developing to realize
wireless devices interconnection in making the applications of a computer becoming more
mobile. Furthermore, it will be possible the wireless devices interconnection of the sixth
generation of computers becomes more familiar.

Types of Input Devices

Computer input devices are accessories that control how a computer processes information. For
instance, a mouse is an input device that controls the pointer and helps users interact with the
windows on the screen. Input devices are the accessories that give the computer's central
processing unit (CPU) data with which to work. The CPU processes the information and then
displays results to the user. Without input devices, the computer would just display data without
any interaction.

Mouse-The mouse is a basic input device for the computer. Mice were an enhancement to the
keyboard, which is the main input device of a computer. A mouse allows the user to click on a
button or interact with the computer without using both hands for typing. It is also an integral
part of a Windows machine. Although most Windows forms have alternate key functions, the
use of a mouse is more intuitive for end-users.

Joystick-The joystick is used mainly for playing games. Joysticks were first used in console
gaming, such as the Atari and Commodore 64. When computers began to be a part of every
home, video games flooded the market. To improve on gamers' experiences, the hardware
manufacturers developed joysticks that connected to computers. Joysticks give video games
commands, so they are a part of the input device category.

Keyboard-The keyboard is the main input device for computers. For instance, boot up a
computer without a keyboard and it stops, warning the user that no keyboard is attached. The
keyboard is the only tool available at the command prompt, so it is a necessity for a computer. It
is also used in almost every application, including spreadsheets, email, word processing
documents and coding.

Scanner-Scanners are devices that record images from documents or photographs. The scanner
runs over the colors and writing on the paper, and the device sends it to the computer. Users
normally have custom software that is included with the scanner. This software displays the
images that were taken from the scanner's surface.

Cameras-Two types of cameras are used for input on a computer. The digital camera is a device
that takes digital images and saves them to memory. The user then connects the camera to the
computer, where images are uploaded and saved. Web cams are the other type of camera that
connects to the computer. Web cams are video cameras that enable communication with other
users over the Internet.

Types of Computer Output Devices

An output device is a part of the computer that receives the processing

from the computer and presents or displays it. Output devices come in
several forms, including display monitors, printers and speakers, and they
are distinct from input devices, which are the parts of the computer that
give the machine instructions.

Display-The display is how you see the output of the computer. The display
is the external monitor on a desktop or the attached monitor on a laptop.
Although displays used to be made with cathode-ray tubes (CRT), flat-
screen panels have replaced that technology. Flat-screen liquid-crystal
display (LCD) monitors are lighter and have better display quality than older
CRT monitors.

Printer-A printer is a device that prints output to a page. Printers come in

color or simply black and white. Inkjet and laser printers are the most
common home devices. Most businesses have laser printers since the
quality is better and the output is faster. Printers can be connected to the
computer or networked using a print server.

Speakers-Speakers are attached to computers for the output of sound.

Sound cards are required in the computer for speakers to function. Speakers
range from simple, two-speaker output devices to surround-sound multi-
channel units

DVD or CD-ROM-A DVD or CD-ROM is a media device on which the user can
write data and information. DVDs have replaced CD-ROMs since they hold
more information than legacy discs. DVDs are normally used as storage
backups to save documents and applications in case of a hard drive failure.
They are also used to create installation discs for software development.

Headsets-Headsets are a combination of speakers and microphone. A

headset is used mostly by gamers, but it is also great tool for
communicating with family or friends over the Internet using VOIP
software.