Posts Tagged ‘computer’

Computer Components

Wednesday, December 31st, 2008

There are many add-ons for fancy computers, but the basic elements of the computer are simple and universal. If 1 of these key elements is missing, it is not a computer.

The 4 essential elements of any computer system are: a motherboard, a central processing unit (CPU), memory and hard disk. These components are installed in a case which is attached to a monitor, keyboard and mouse. This is the basis of your computer.

  • The motherboard (mobo, for short) is the foundation. Everything attaches to the mobo – CPU, memory, hard disk, monitor, mouse, keyboard, add-on cards, even from other devices like printers, scanners, and speakers. The motherboard is like the nervous system and the skeleton of the human body – it provides support for internal and transmit information between computer components.
  • CPU. If the motherboard is the nervous system, then the processor is the brain. Most of the mathematical manipulations that make computers operate are done by the CPU. Other components in may also have their own processors, but their results must still be approved by the CPU.The speed of the computer is usually measured by the speed of CPU. Although other factors also affect the overall speed, the CPU rating is generally regarded as the most important measure of performance.Modern processors are usually estimated at between 2.0 GHz and 3.0 GHz, while the transition of each month to see increasing performance. This measure refers to the number of calculations the processor can do in 1 second. The higher the number, the faster (more) of the computer.CPU generates much heat this work, so they need a heatsink and a fan to prevent overheating. Heat is a major enemy of the computer and directly affects its life.
  • Computer Memory. RAM (Random Access Memory) is the part of the computer that stores the information the computer needs while it is running. It is Random Access because the computer can retrieve data in any order, not necessarily the order in which it is stored. In general, the more RAM the better. 512 to 1024 megabytes is common for memory.The most common of these days is DDR-SDRAM RAM, which stands for double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory. We already know that part of the RAM. DDR means that data can be accessed twice as fast as ordinary RAM.The last type of DDR2 memory. It offers even faster access rates and is rapidly becoming the standard for computer memory.
  • Hard Drive. All data contained in RAM is lost when the computer is off, so there must be a place to store them permanently. That is what the drive is for.He holds the operating system. An operating system like Windows uses around 4 gigabytes of disk space. The additional space is used to install computer programs and store your personal data.80 GB hard drives are common, but 400 GB are available. In addition, you can install more than 1 on a computer for more security and comfort.
  • Peripherals. Just fill the base system is a computer monitor, keyboard and mouse. Accessories, such as a printer or scanner are useful for office work, and players will probably want to add speakers and joystick control.

The basic computer needs just 4 major components. For best performance, these components must integrate well. The motherboard is the most important in determining the type and specification of the other parties.