For most of us we use computers because they make mundane tasks easier and we typically don’t think twice or concerned about how they are able to accomplish all that they do. Have you ever wondered what makes your computer tick? It would be helpful to be aware of the basic components that make up your computer. Whether it is to understand a sales person, identify a problem, or for a general understanding, knowing the basics about your computer can be very useful.
You probably know that your computer is made up of both hardware and software. Software is the programming that tells the computer what to do, how to do it, and which devices to use. The following are hardware devices located in your computer.
#1 – CPU
A CPU or Central Processing Unit is the processor or brain of your computer. This small device is the most important component of your computer. It understands the programs, receives instructions from the user, and delivers the results.
#2 – RAM
Random Access Memory or Computer Memory enables space for the computer to read and write temporary data. The data that is stored in the RAM is only available to the CPU while the computer is running and once the computer is turned off the data being stored in RAM will be cleared.
#3 – Hard Drive
The hard drive is the storage center of your computer. It keeps the contents of your desktop and is accessed by RAM. The RAM displays the information while the hard drive stores it.
#4 – Video Card and Sound Card
These cards have their own RAM and although it is this RAM that holds the data you need to hear or see, it is the video and sound card that transfers it into actual images or sounds. A video card transfers the data to the monitor whereas the sound card transfers the data to the speakers or headphones.
#5 – Network Interface Card (NIC)
A NIC is used to pass on information from your PC to a broadband modem. It both sends and receives data over a local area network (LAN).
#6 – Mother Board
A Mother Board is the largest component of a computer is a circuit board that holds or connects to all of the other components.
Computer Software is any program that has written instructions or machine code that is to be carried out by the computers components. Software basically tells the hardware what to do and how to do it.
Additional components include input and output devices. Input devices are used to communicate messages or instructions from the user to the computer and output devices transmit the results from the computer to the user.
| Input | Output |
| Microphone
Keyboard Mouse Joystick Scanner Webcam Digital Camera Touch pad Touch screen |
Speaker
Monitor Printer Headphone |
It’s clear that you don’t necessarily need to know what makes up your computer or how it gets things done. But it is still always good to have some understanding of what is going on behind the scenes.
For more information on computer components check out the following links:
Have a Great Day!
Dustin
