Components That Make Up Your Computer

A computer is composed of hardware, not to be confused with software, which is installed
on the hardware. The basic computer parts are the motherboard, processor, RAM, hard
drive, video adapter and power supply. You have to have all these parts to build a basic
computer.

The system unit is the core of a computer system. Usually it's a rectangular box placed on
or underneath your desk. Inside this box are many electronic components that process
information. The most important of these components is the central processing unit (CPU),
or microprocessor, which acts as the "brain" of your computer. Another component is
random access memory (RAM), which temporarily stores information that the CPU uses
while the computer is on. The information stored in RAM is erased when the computer is
turned off.

Almost every other part of your computer connects to the system unit using cables. The
cables plug into specific ports (openings), typically on the back of the system unit.
Hardware that is not part of the system unit is sometimes called a peripheral device or
device.

The motherboard is the most important part of a computer. Every other computer part
connects to the motherboard. If the motherboard does not work, none of the other parts will
either.

The cpu or processor is the computer's brain. It is in charge of telling your computer what
computer processes to do and when to do them. It is mounted onto the motherboard along
with the RAM.

Random Access Memory, also known as computer memory reads and writes data. RAM
does not store information but can remember information while your computer is on. Once
you turn off your computer, any information stored in the RAM is erased. The more RAM
your computer has, the faster it can run.

A hard drive stores programs, images, and all other files. Unlike RAM, a hard drive stores
and remembers information. The video adapter allows your display device to display a
picture from your computer. Video adapters are also referred to as a graphics card, video
board, video controller, and video card.

A power supply unit supplies power too all of the computer components. Without this you
would not be able to turn your computer on.

Your computer's not complete without such peripherals that must be attached to it. One
such peripheral would be the Monitor that displays all data. And you cannot give the
computer instruction with having a keyboard attached. A Mouse will make this task even
easier.