Like this article? We recommend
System Components
A modern PC is both simple and complicated. It is simple in the sense that over the years, many of the components used to construct a system have become integrated with other components into fewer and fewer actual parts. It is complicated in the sense that each part in a modern system performs many more functions than did the same types of parts in older systems.
This section briefly examines all the components and peripherals in a modern PC system. Each item is discussed further in later chapters.
Here are the components and peripherals necessary to assemble a basic modern PC system:
- Motherboard
- Processor
- Memory [RAM]
- Case/chassis
- Power supply
- Floppy drive
- Hard disk
- CD-ROM, CD-RW, or DVD-ROM drive
- Keyboard
- Mouse
- Video card
- Monitor [display]
- Sound card
- Speakers
- Modem
A breakdown of these items is shown in Table 2.4.
Table 2.4 Basic PC Components
Component | Description |
Motherboard | The motherboard is the core of the system. It really is the PC; everything else is connected to it, and it controls everything in the system. Microprocessors are covered in detail in Chapter 3, "Microprocessor Types and Specifications." |
Processor | The processor is often thought of as the "engine" of the computer. It's also called the CPU [central processing unit]. |
Memory [RAM] | The system memory is often called RAM [for random access memory]. This is the primary memory, which holds all the programs and data the processor is using at a given time. Memory is covered in detail in Chapter 6, "Memory." |
Case/chassis | The case is the frame or chassis that houses the motherboard, power supply, disk drives, adapter cards, and any other physical components in the system. The case is covered in detail in Chapter 21, "Power Supply and Chassis/Case." |
Power supply | The power supply is what feeds electrical power to every single part in the PC. The power supply is covered in detail in Chapter 21. |
Floppy drive | The floppy drive is a simple, inexpensive, low-capacity, removable-media, magnetic storage device. |
Hard drive | The hard disk is the primary archival storage memory for the system. Hard disk drives are also covered in detail in Chapter 10, "Hard Disk Storage." |
CD-ROM/DVD-ROM | CD-ROM [compact disc read-only] and DVD-ROM [digital versatile disc read-only] drives are relatively high-capacity, removable media, optical drives. These drives are covered in detail in Chapter 13, "Optical Storage." |
Keyboard | The keyboard is the primary device on a PC that is used by a human to communicate with and control a system. Keyboards are covered in detail in Chapter 18, "Input Devices." |
Mouse | Although many types of pointing devices are on the market today, the first and most popular device for this purpose is the mouse. The mouse and other pointing devices are covered in detail in Chapter 18. |
Video card | The video card controls the information you see on the monitor. Video cards are covered in detail in Chapter 15, "Video Hardware." |
Monitor | Monitors are covered in detail in Chapter 15. |
Sound card | It enables the PC to generate complex sounds. Sound cards and speakers are covered in detail in Chapter 16, "Audio Hardware." |
Modem | Most prebuilt PCs ship with a modem [generally an internal modem]. Modems and other Internet-connectivity devices and methods are covered in Chapter 19, "Internet Connectivity." |
System Unit The system unit, also known as a "tower" or "chassis," is the main part of a desktop computer. It includes the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and other components. The system unit also includes the case that houses the internal components of the computer.
Motherboard:-The motherboard is the main circuit board of micro computer. it is also know as main board or system board. CPU:-The CPU is the central electronic chip that determines the processing power of the computer. Bus:-A bus is an electronic line that allows is and OS to move from on place to another. Expansion Slot:-expansion slot appear on the motherboard. They are sockets into which adapters are connected Bays:-a bay is a space inside the computer case where a hard
drive, floppy drive or CD- ROM drive sits. Central Processing Unit
Today, all CPU are microprocessors 1. A microprocessor is a complete on a silicon chip 2. A microprocessor does all of the functions of a computer Store data and instructions waiting be use
1. the arithmetic logic unit [AUL] Does all of the mathematics in computer. = equal to 2. the control unit Directs flow of information into the CPU and/or storage. Control which instruction the CPU will do next. 3. register Used to story data and instructions inside the processor. Speed of CPU's The sped of CPU's measured in hertz’s. A hertz is on cycle per second. Speed or modern CPU’s Most
computers have a CPU than do more than 400 MHZ. Memory:-
Rom:- Tells the CPU to be kind of computer is it, for example a windows, Tells the CPU how to work with the different parts of the computer. ROM also hold program that are directly accessed by the CPU One The self-test to seem if all the parts on the main circuit board [motherboard] are working correctly. The instruction ROM can not usually be changed. Random Access Memory [RAM]
Store data and instruction that are used by the CPU to perform some task. How a store computer information Kilo byte [KB] Megabyte [MB] Gigabyte [GB] Processor or Virtual Storage Disk Storage · 1 Bit = Binary Digit · 1 Bit = Binary Digit Some Common Storage Devices
Hard drive
HDD
The floppy drive store and retrieves information on a floppy disk. CD ROM Drive
CD- ROM is a device that reads information stored in a compact disk. CD- ROM stand for
compact disc read only memory. One CD is equal to the space in over 40 floppy Removable Hard Disk
A zip disk is a removable disk that holds a large amount of information. A zip disk can be used achieve, protect transfer large amount of data. Motherboard
|