Processor/CPU:
The CPU, also known as the processor, stands for the Central Processing Unit in a computer. The processor is the brain of the computer; small in size and usually has a Fan or a Heat Sink on top of it. One use of the processor is to carry out instructions for peripherals (Hardware input/output devices). In addition, it is also used to carry out instructions for computer programs. In order to increase the speed, it is now possible to have more than one processor inside a processor due to the advancement in technology.
There are three main types of processors: a single core, dual core and a quad core processor. This is because it depends on our needs. Firstly, if someone simply uses their computer to do things such as basic school work (which requires word processing) or web surfing, then they should go with the single core processor. Secondly, for the gamers, they will need a dual core processor. Lastly, if somebody was to do a video or audio editing then they would be suitable with a quad core processor.
Some processors can be single core and can still be used for purposes that a higher processor is used for. In addition, the power of the processor is more important than its type. The latest quad core processor can work the same speed as a four single core processor on PCs. CPU is a type of processor that runs the system. The faster the CPU ( through its speed - measured in GHz), the better it is.
The CPU, also known as the processor, stands for the Central Processing Unit in a computer. The processor is the brain of the computer; small in size and usually has a Fan or a Heat Sink on top of it. One use of the processor is to carry out instructions for peripherals (Hardware input/output devices). In addition, it is also used to carry out instructions for computer programs. In order to increase the speed, it is now possible to have more than one processor inside a processor due to the advancement in technology.
There are three main types of processors: a single core, dual core and a quad core processor. This is because it depends on our needs. Firstly, if someone simply uses their computer to do things such as basic school work (which requires word processing) or web surfing, then they should go with the single core processor. Secondly, for the gamers, they will need a dual core processor. Lastly, if somebody was to do a video or audio editing then they would be suitable with a quad core processor.
Some processors can be single core and can still be used for purposes that a higher processor is used for. In addition, the power of the processor is more important than its type. The latest quad core processor can work the same speed as a four single core processor on PCs. CPU is a type of processor that runs the system. The faster the CPU ( through its speed - measured in GHz), the better it is.
Motherboard:
Motherboard is the base that the computer is built on. It is a thin plate which has attached (one way or the other) to it some of the most important components of the computer such as the CPU. A normal motherboard includes a CPU socket - where the processor is attached; plus the expansion slots - where RAMs and other components such as the graphic card/network card are attached to.
Motherboard is the base that the computer is built on. It is a thin plate which has attached (one way or the other) to it some of the most important components of the computer such as the CPU. A normal motherboard includes a CPU socket - where the processor is attached; plus the expansion slots - where RAMs and other components such as the graphic card/network card are attached to.
RAM (Random Access Memory):
A computer can't run without a RAM as it is used for the memory basis on a computer. Computers have many different kinds of memory such as video, direct memory and hard drives. RAM is also known as Flash memory. Flash memory is very fast and it is used for a number of tasks in the computer such as multi-tasking. RAM's are measured in MB and GB; they are usually up to 600 MB - 2 GB each. The RAM is not used for long - term storage because since it is flash memory, it means that when the computer is turned off, the memory saved on the RAM is being cleared. However, hard disk drives (HDD) can be used as long-term storage.
A computer can't run without a RAM as it is used for the memory basis on a computer. Computers have many different kinds of memory such as video, direct memory and hard drives. RAM is also known as Flash memory. Flash memory is very fast and it is used for a number of tasks in the computer such as multi-tasking. RAM's are measured in MB and GB; they are usually up to 600 MB - 2 GB each. The RAM is not used for long - term storage because since it is flash memory, it means that when the computer is turned off, the memory saved on the RAM is being cleared. However, hard disk drives (HDD) can be used as long-term storage.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD), IDE and SATA
The hard drive stores data and is a computer’s biggest memory device. Even though it is not the fastest storage device in the computer (as it much slower than a RAM), its use is mainly for storage in a computer - which means that everything will still be saved even if you have turned off your computer, whereas RAM is used for temporary storage of data. There are two types of hard drives:
A solid state drive (SSD) has no parts moving so this makes it expensive. In addition, it contains the hard drive's controller and memory. However, a magnetic disk (HDD) has moving parts which makes it take longer to find things, but it is cheap because it can break if dropped as it has a moving part to read and write, whereas the solid state has no moving parts so it would not get damaged as easily.
There are two different types of hard drives in a computer. They are called SATA and IDE. There are many other different types of hard drives since different computers use different hard drives and some hard drives are slower than others.
When SATA ( Serial ATA ) came out, people started using PATA (Parallel ATA) to refer back to the older parallel connected bus (those using ribbon cable), to be more precise than the term ATA, which can refer to either. Both are part of the ATA, and use the same rational command sets, but SATA has a different electrical interface. Both types of drives (SATA and PATA) are IDE devices.
IDE - IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) also known as ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment), is an interface attachment for the motherboard in order for it (the motherboard) to connect to storage devices like the computer's hard drive. This is why the name refers to how the IDE technology "integrates" the electronics controller into the drive itself.
Currently, The IDE interface, which could only support drives up to 540 MB, has been replaced by an improved interface called EIDE (Enhanced-IDE) technology which supports over 50 GB and enables for over twice as fast data transfer rates.
SATA - SATA stands for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. The most important feature that SATA has it is that it can transfer data faster, than any other type of hard drive. The reasons for using SATA over PATA it is due to the increased data transfer speeds with that SATA. PATA is capable of data transfers speeds of 66/100/133 MBs/second, whereas SATA is capable of 150/300/600 MBs/second. This results in allowing programs, large documents and pictures to load faster. This can be an advantage to video game users because since the transfer of data is faster, it will lead to a better gaming experience.
The hard drive stores data and is a computer’s biggest memory device. Even though it is not the fastest storage device in the computer (as it much slower than a RAM), its use is mainly for storage in a computer - which means that everything will still be saved even if you have turned off your computer, whereas RAM is used for temporary storage of data. There are two types of hard drives:
A solid state drive (SSD) has no parts moving so this makes it expensive. In addition, it contains the hard drive's controller and memory. However, a magnetic disk (HDD) has moving parts which makes it take longer to find things, but it is cheap because it can break if dropped as it has a moving part to read and write, whereas the solid state has no moving parts so it would not get damaged as easily.
There are two different types of hard drives in a computer. They are called SATA and IDE. There are many other different types of hard drives since different computers use different hard drives and some hard drives are slower than others.
When SATA ( Serial ATA ) came out, people started using PATA (Parallel ATA) to refer back to the older parallel connected bus (those using ribbon cable), to be more precise than the term ATA, which can refer to either. Both are part of the ATA, and use the same rational command sets, but SATA has a different electrical interface. Both types of drives (SATA and PATA) are IDE devices.
IDE - IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) also known as ATA (Advanced Technology Attachment), is an interface attachment for the motherboard in order for it (the motherboard) to connect to storage devices like the computer's hard drive. This is why the name refers to how the IDE technology "integrates" the electronics controller into the drive itself.
Currently, The IDE interface, which could only support drives up to 540 MB, has been replaced by an improved interface called EIDE (Enhanced-IDE) technology which supports over 50 GB and enables for over twice as fast data transfer rates.
SATA - SATA stands for Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. The most important feature that SATA has it is that it can transfer data faster, than any other type of hard drive. The reasons for using SATA over PATA it is due to the increased data transfer speeds with that SATA. PATA is capable of data transfers speeds of 66/100/133 MBs/second, whereas SATA is capable of 150/300/600 MBs/second. This results in allowing programs, large documents and pictures to load faster. This can be an advantage to video game users because since the transfer of data is faster, it will lead to a better gaming experience.
Graphics card:
A graphic card is also known as a video card. Graphics cards are usually inserted in one of the expansion slots in order to make things visible on the display screen.
A faster GPU added onto the expansion slots can result in a better performance. In addition, some graphics cards have their own CPU because other GPUs can perform graphics calculations faster than others. e.g. in order to be used for gaming. However, it/they can also be modified if the user enjoys playing video games for example. Therefore, it depends on the type of graphic card used by the user as it is usually down to a matter of personal choice due to their needs from the graphic card. For example, if someone wants a graphic card just to view photos then they could just use a basic graphic card as it can support their needs. However, if someone would want to play games, which what most of the graphic cards are used for, then a higher quality graphic card would be suitable as it results in a better gaming quality.
It is not a necessity to have a graphics card as some computer come with a chip which helps to display the visuals on a computer, but the chip is usually very basic.
A graphic card is also known as a video card. Graphics cards are usually inserted in one of the expansion slots in order to make things visible on the display screen.
A faster GPU added onto the expansion slots can result in a better performance. In addition, some graphics cards have their own CPU because other GPUs can perform graphics calculations faster than others. e.g. in order to be used for gaming. However, it/they can also be modified if the user enjoys playing video games for example. Therefore, it depends on the type of graphic card used by the user as it is usually down to a matter of personal choice due to their needs from the graphic card. For example, if someone wants a graphic card just to view photos then they could just use a basic graphic card as it can support their needs. However, if someone would want to play games, which what most of the graphic cards are used for, then a higher quality graphic card would be suitable as it results in a better gaming quality.
It is not a necessity to have a graphics card as some computer come with a chip which helps to display the visuals on a computer, but the chip is usually very basic.
Network card:
It gives you access to the Internet by connecting through either a cable or a wireless connection.
Most of the motherboard have it built in already, but a network card can be added to the expansion slots.
NIC (Network interface card) usually comes built in into most modern day computer. NIC is used to connect to a network in order to gain access to the internet. Without NIC people cannot use the internet to transfer data wirelessly.
NIC usually connects to networks in two ways: Wired - this requires an Ethernet cable connected to the NIC, or/and Connecting wirelessly through a USB adapter or in some cases without the USB adapter.
The problem with the NIC however, it is that it contains the MAC address which can be tracked - and so it gives hackers more help with their activities.
It gives you access to the Internet by connecting through either a cable or a wireless connection.
Most of the motherboard have it built in already, but a network card can be added to the expansion slots.
NIC (Network interface card) usually comes built in into most modern day computer. NIC is used to connect to a network in order to gain access to the internet. Without NIC people cannot use the internet to transfer data wirelessly.
NIC usually connects to networks in two ways: Wired - this requires an Ethernet cable connected to the NIC, or/and Connecting wirelessly through a USB adapter or in some cases without the USB adapter.
The problem with the NIC however, it is that it contains the MAC address which can be tracked - and so it gives hackers more help with their activities.
Power Supply:
Power Supply Unit (PSU) is one part of the computer which is key for the computer to run. Without the PSU, a computer just cannot operate properly, as it will get no power to start running the essential components. In addition, this is because the computer cannot transfer alternating current (AC) line from your home to the direct current (DC) needed by the computer. The PSU also provides power to the main components of the computer. It is usually connected to the computer with a PC Main cable. The connector for the switch is at the back of the PSU.
Power Supply Unit (PSU) is one part of the computer which is key for the computer to run. Without the PSU, a computer just cannot operate properly, as it will get no power to start running the essential components. In addition, this is because the computer cannot transfer alternating current (AC) line from your home to the direct current (DC) needed by the computer. The PSU also provides power to the main components of the computer. It is usually connected to the computer with a PC Main cable. The connector for the switch is at the back of the PSU.
Fan/Heat sink:
As the processor keeps on working (at a rapid pace), it begins to produce heat. This means that if the processor isn’t cooled down from the heat, it would then start overheating itself which will result in it being destroyed overall. Hence, the Heat sink comes in as a device that cools down the processor in the computer in order to prevent it from overheating. It isn't aiming to cool down only the processor. It also cools down any component that produces heat as they could be under the same risk. Everything is kept cool by passing air to or from the computer or component from the fan.
As the processor keeps on working (at a rapid pace), it begins to produce heat. This means that if the processor isn’t cooled down from the heat, it would then start overheating itself which will result in it being destroyed overall. Hence, the Heat sink comes in as a device that cools down the processor in the computer in order to prevent it from overheating. It isn't aiming to cool down only the processor. It also cools down any component that produces heat as they could be under the same risk. Everything is kept cool by passing air to or from the computer or component from the fan.
ROM (Read Only Memory):
ROM is a chip in the computer where data is pre-recorded. Once that data has been saved on to that ROM, it can never be deleted again, hence it is the contrary of RAM. The difference between ROM and RAM it is that once the computer has turned off the data stays on the chip. In addition, ROM is referred to as being nonvolatile, whereas RAM is volatile since RAM is more likely to change in an extreme way.
The data that has been stored on the ROM contains important programs that are needed to run the computer. ROM helps run peripherals such as a laser printer as the fonts for laser printer are stored on the ROM.
It is impossible to delete data on the ROM, but it can only be destroyed by destroying the ROM itself.
ROM is a chip in the computer where data is pre-recorded. Once that data has been saved on to that ROM, it can never be deleted again, hence it is the contrary of RAM. The difference between ROM and RAM it is that once the computer has turned off the data stays on the chip. In addition, ROM is referred to as being nonvolatile, whereas RAM is volatile since RAM is more likely to change in an extreme way.
The data that has been stored on the ROM contains important programs that are needed to run the computer. ROM helps run peripherals such as a laser printer as the fonts for laser printer are stored on the ROM.
It is impossible to delete data on the ROM, but it can only be destroyed by destroying the ROM itself.
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System):
The BIOS is a small chip in the computer (more specifically located in the ROM chip) that contains software. It is the first component the computer reads when it is turned on. The component it contains is used to check if the important components in the computer are working properly. BIOS is used to give the user control over the computer and can change settings that you couldn't make changes to on the operating system. It also makes decisions such as memory allocations and password changing.
The BIOS is a small chip in the computer (more specifically located in the ROM chip) that contains software. It is the first component the computer reads when it is turned on. The component it contains is used to check if the important components in the computer are working properly. BIOS is used to give the user control over the computer and can change settings that you couldn't make changes to on the operating system. It also makes decisions such as memory allocations and password changing.
Cache:
Although there are many types of Cache in a computer, they all serve the same purpose. Cache memory stores frequently used instructions and data in a storage area that is close to the CPU. Its access time is higher than the RAM. Cache is mainly made for the convenience of computer users as it is used to access recently stored memory rapidly. Clock speed refers to the bandwidth (the speed at which it processes the data to be stored)that the computer is running at, therefore caches are also vital for good user experience as well as bandwidth, making it as important as clock speed
Although there are many types of Cache in a computer, they all serve the same purpose. Cache memory stores frequently used instructions and data in a storage area that is close to the CPU. Its access time is higher than the RAM. Cache is mainly made for the convenience of computer users as it is used to access recently stored memory rapidly. Clock speed refers to the bandwidth (the speed at which it processes the data to be stored)that the computer is running at, therefore caches are also vital for good user experience as well as bandwidth, making it as important as clock speed
PORTS:
A port allows the user to connect peripheral devices to the motherboard. Devices are usually connected through the USB, Ethernet and headphone ports.
Currently, the most common type of port used in/for computers is the USB port. They are able to connect with most of the devices e.g. keyboard and webcam.
Serial Port - Serial port is one of the oldest type of ports that is still commonly used today. Currently, computers have one or two of these ports in a computer but manufactures prefer a USB, so peripherals with serial ports are decreasing. It transfers data one bit at a time, and they are still used with some printers and digital cameras.
Parallel Port - Parallel ports are used to connect your computer to devices that require a high bandwidth connection in order to have the best experience with them. It is not used in most modern computers but it can transfer data eight bit at a time (faster than serial) and it is also bigger than a serial port in size and has more pin spaces. Examples of its uses is in scanners and printers.
A port allows the user to connect peripheral devices to the motherboard. Devices are usually connected through the USB, Ethernet and headphone ports.
Currently, the most common type of port used in/for computers is the USB port. They are able to connect with most of the devices e.g. keyboard and webcam.
Serial Port - Serial port is one of the oldest type of ports that is still commonly used today. Currently, computers have one or two of these ports in a computer but manufactures prefer a USB, so peripherals with serial ports are decreasing. It transfers data one bit at a time, and they are still used with some printers and digital cameras.
Parallel Port - Parallel ports are used to connect your computer to devices that require a high bandwidth connection in order to have the best experience with them. It is not used in most modern computers but it can transfer data eight bit at a time (faster than serial) and it is also bigger than a serial port in size and has more pin spaces. Examples of its uses is in scanners and printers.