COMPONENT OF HARDWARE

COMPONENT OF HARDWARE

•System unit

 

—The "System unit" is the name given to the main PC box which houses the various elements which go together to make up the PC. Within the System unit is the computer system's motherboard, which contains all the main components, such as the CPU. 

 

•Motherboard

 

—The Motherboard is contained inside your system unit and all the vital computer systems plug directly into the motherboard. The CPU is normally housed on your motherboard along with all other electronic components. Other items such as the hard disc are attached to the system board, either directly or via cables. 

•Hard disk

The hard disk is typically the fastest and largest in terms of data, for example 40 -80 GB storage device in a PC.  It is the main storage device and is found inside the System Unit.

•Central Processing Unit (CPU)

—The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is normally an Intel Pentium (or equivalent) and it is one of the most important components within your computer.

 

•Random Access Memory (RAM)

—The RAM (Random Access Memory) inside your computer is where the operating system is loaded when you switch on your computer and also where your applications are copied to when you start an application, such as a word processor or database programme. 

•CD ROM

—The CD ROM is a special type of memory which does not allow the contents to be altered (written to), only read. Once written the contents of the CD cannot be changed. Also ROM us not volatile - you do not need to supply power to your CDs for them to retain the information!

•Output devices

 

These are the most common output devices for displaying the results of processing carried out by the computer 

—Flat Screen Monitors

—Laser Printer

—Printer Memory 

•Input devices

 

These are some of the main items used for inputting data into a computer.

—Mouse

—Keyboard