The Anatomy of Your Computer The motherboard, hard drive, electro-lizards, RAM, CPU, dust monsters, and noodle boosters are all pieces of hardware humming and clicking away inside of your computer. Some are intended to be there in order for your computer to function. Others are just words I made up or uninvited guests, but do you know the difference? Let’s take a look at and discuss the basic anatomy of your computer. Motherboard – Functions like the central nervous system of your body. It is responsible for sending the electrical signals to and from every other piece of hardware inside your PC. Everything in your PC is connected to the motherboard in some way, shape, or form. CPU – The CPU, or central processing unit, is the brain of your computer. The CPU is one of the largest deciding factors in the speed of your computer. It “processes” all of the calculations and functions that take place. The CPU interprets all of the instructions you give it and then tells the other components what they need to do. Hard Drive – The hard drive is where all of your files, like pictures and documents, are stored. Hard drives can vary in size, but the bigger the drive the more “stuff” it can store. Think of it as a file cabinet. RAM – Random access memory, or RAM, functions like your short term memory. How fast can you recall recent events? RAM is what allows you to switch between applications you’re working in and helps your computer keep track of what you’re working on. RAM is another large contributing factor to the speed of your PC. Other Components - Other pieces of hardware in your computer include things like video, sound, network cards, etc. Typically these are built onto to the motherboard but can also plug into expansion slots. Dust Monster Motherboard This is a very basic explanation of the main components of your computer and what they do. It may come in handy the next time you’re computer shopping and trying to decide what is better, a bigger hard drive or faster processor? Who knows though, maybe I just helped you answer the bonus question on Jeopardy! PS – My grandma is celebrating her 76th birthday this month. She can’t turn a computer on and has no interest in learning… Yet she still reads my newsletter every month. Happy birthday Grandma and thanks for reading!