Computer Parts

Let's take a look at the main components of a typical desktop computer:

• Central processing unit (CPU) - The microprocessor "brain" of the computer system is called the central processing unit. It's a chip that holds a complete computational engine. It uses assembly language as its native language. Everything that a computer does is overseen by the CPU.

• Memory - This is very fast storage used to hold data. It has to be fast because it connects directly to the microprocessor. There are several specific types of memory in a computer:

• Random-access memory (RAM) - Used to temporarily store information with which the computer is currently working
• Read-only memory (ROM) - A permanent type of memory storage used by the computer for important data that doesn't change
• Basic input/output system (BIOS) - A type of ROM that is used by the computer to establish basic communication when the computer is first powered on
• Caching - The storing of frequently used data in extremely fast RAM that connects directly to the CPU
• Virtual memory - Space on a hard disk used to temporarily store data and swap it in and out of RAM as needed
• Flash memory - a solid state storage device, Flash memory requires no moving parts and retains data even after the computer powers off

• Motherboard - This is the main circuit board to which all of the other internal components connect. The CPU and memory are usually on the motherboard. Other systems may be found directly on the motherboard or connected to it through a secondary connection. For example, a sound card can be built into the motherboard or connected through an expansion slot.

• Power supply - An electrical transformer regulates the electricity used by the computer

• Hard disk - This is large-capacity permanent storage used to hold information such as programs and documents. Traditional hard drives contain moving parts -- the drive has platters on which it stores data. The drive spins the platters to record and read data. But some newer hard drives are flash-based with no moving parts. These drives are called solid-state drives.

• Operating system - This is the basic software that allows the user to interface with the computer.

• Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) Controller - This is the primary interface for the hard drive, CD-ROM and floppy disk drive.
• Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) - This is a very high-speed connection used by the graphics card to interface with the computer.
• Sound card - This is used by the computer to record and play audio by converting analog sound into digital information and back again.
• Graphics card - This translates image data from the computer into a format that can be displayed by the monitor. Some graphics cards have their own powerful processing units (called a GPU -- graphics processing unit). The GPU can handle operations that normally would require the CPU.

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