Major Hardware Components CzN91JicA

4 Major Components Input Input Storage Storage Processing Processing Output Output

Computer? No part of computer is actually called “computer.” It’s the collection of all the components that make it a computer.

Let’s Look Inside Go to Go to

Motherboard of the computer Every other part is connected to or sits on the motherboard.

CPU=microprocessor Brand examples: Intel Pentium, Celeron Brand examples: Intel Pentium, Celeron Runs software Runs software Processes data you’re working on Processes data you’re working on Can be dual or quad core Can be dual or quad core Determines how fast your computer performs Determines how fast your computer performs of the computer

RAM Random Access Memory Random Access Memory Remembers data of software currently running Remembers data of software currently running Comes in “sticks” Comes in “sticks” Snaps into slot on motherboard Snaps into slot on motherboard

Power Supply Usually at the top of the case Usually at the top of the case Supply goes directly to components Supply goes directly to components

Video & Sound Cards Video Card creates images that appear on the computer screen Interface between CPU and monitor Sound Card creates the sound that is transmitted through the speakers Most new motherboard have an audio chipset by default

Hard Drive Holds all information even when computer is off Holds all information even when computer is off Upon startup, software and data are loaded from the HD into the RAM Upon startup, software and data are loaded from the HD into the RAM

Optical Drive CD or DVD drives CD or DVD drives Uses lasers to “read” (play) or “write” (record/burn) information onto disc Uses lasers to “read” (play) or “write” (record/burn) information onto disc

Practice You can either… You can either… –Sketch a diagram of the inside and outside of a computer by hand and label the parts listed below. Give a brief description of the part with the label. –Use AutoShapes in either MS Word or Publisher to diagram the inside and outside of a computer and label the parts listed below. Give a brief description of the part with the label. Monitor Mouse Keyboard Speakers Fan Case Motherboard Hard Drive Microprocessor Optical Drive RAM Power Supply