Basic Parts of a Computer Computer Applications Part 1: Hardware What is hardware? Motherboard The motherboard is the main board of the computer and it allows all the parts of your computer to receive power and communicate with one another.It also has some of the main input and output components pre-installed. CPU The central processing unit or CPU is the electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logic, controlling and input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions. It is the brains of the computer where most calculations and processing take place. RAM Stands for Random Access Memory (or the slang term Memory). It is the short term memory of the computer where data is stored for a short period of time. RAM (pronounced ramm) is found in servers, PCs, laptops, tablets, smartphones and other devices, such as printers. A lightweight system today can get by with 4GB of RAM. 8GB should be plenty for current and near-term future applications, 16GB gives you comfortable space for the future, and anything over 16GB is likely overkill unless you specifically know you need it (such as for video editing or audio post-production). Hard Drive A hard disk drive (HDD), hard disk, hard drive, or fixed disk, is an electromechanical data storage device that uses magnetic storage to store and retrieve digital information using one or more rigid rapidly rotating disks (platters) coated with magnetic material. This is the long term memory on a computer. This is where the operating system, all software, and all data is stored. Most non-professional users will be fine with 250 to 320GBs of storage. For example, 250GB can hold more than 30,000 average size photos or songs. If you're planning on storing movies, then you definitely want to upgrade to at least 500GB, maybe even 1TB. Granted, this is all for conventional hard drives. Nov 30, 2012 Power Supply The device that delivers power to the components of the computer. Expansion Cards The card that sometimes is added to the motherboard for both input and output of audio. Often times, sound cards are built into the motherboard itself. Video Card The card that sometimes is added to the motherboard for output of video. Often times, simple video cards are built into the motherboard itself. If you are looking for better quality for faster video (like gaming), you would add a high end video card. Case The metal (most of the time) box that surrounds the computer’s hardware components. Peripherals Input/Output (or I/O) peripherals can be added to a computer outside of the case. Storage Peripherals Part 2: Software What is software?
