Basic Computer Components
Being abreast about the different parts of a computer is one of the important things apart from what we work using the computer. Knowing about every single component in the system also benefits people while buying a new computer or giving them for service or repair. In other words, you should know what you are using.
What are the Basic Parts of a Desktop Computer?
Central Processing Unit
Attributed as the brain of the computer, the central processing unit (CPU) or the microprocessor, is responsible for carrying out all the functions of a computer program. This brain of the computer consists of thousands of transistors and without the CPU you have no computer.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
The random access memory is a hardware inside the computer that temporarily stores information that the CPU uses while the computer is on. This is one of the basic computer parts which make the system run faster. Adding more RAM to the computer causes a reduction in the number of times the CPU reads data from the hard disk and thus, an increase in the functioning of the system. As mentioned, the RAM stores data until the computer is on and once shut, all data stored by it is lost, making it a volatile memory. It is available in different types, sizes and speeds.
Hard Disk Drive
The hard disk drive is used to store data or information on a hard disk (a rigid magneticdisk mounted permanently in a drive unit). This disk is referred to as a data storage medium which holds all the information in the computer and it serves as the primary means of storage, holding almost all the programs and files in the system.
CD and DVD Drives
These drives are usually at the front section of the system unit (the rectangular box) of the computer. These devices are used to retrieve data from CDs or DVDs and some of them may also be utilized to write or record data onto CDs or DVDs. In this way, you can play music or video using the CDs and DVDs with the help of these drives.
Floppy Disk Drive
This component of the computer is used to work with floppy disks (a small plastic magneticdisk enclosed in a stiff envelope with a radial slit; usedto store data or programs for a microcomputer), also known as diskettes. Such disks are subjected to storing small amount of data, unlike CDs or DVDs. They are also more prone to damage and with the arrival of USB flash drives or pen drives, their use has almost become obsolete or less popular.
Mouse
You must be aware of the mouse, one of the essential and basic necessities to work with a computer. It is employed for pointing at and selecting items on the computer screen for launching programs for execution. It is also known as a peripheral device of the computer as it is not a part of the system unit. All mice come with two buttons and some of them also have a scrolling button in between the other buttons. This is mainly used for scrolling the computer screens up and down. This device is connected to the system unit by a long wire and its small, oblong shape, makes it resemble an actual mouse. Wired mouse come with a ball at the bottom and some are optical. You may also avail a mouse which is cordless.
Keyboard
As the name suggests, the keyboard is used to key in text and other characters in the computer. It is similar to a typewriter in the arrangement of the alphabets. However, it also has special keys. They include the numeric keys, navigation keys (on the lower right side) and the function keys (F1 - F12). The keyboard can also be utilized to perform functions which can be done using the mouse.
Monitor, Printers, Speakers and Modem
What is a computer monitor? I am certain that the answer is self-explanatory. It comes in two types; CRT (cathode ray tube) types and LCD (liquid crystal display) types. The former type is generally more cost-effective than the later one, while the later has the advantage of being lighter and thinner.
Printer, as we know, transfer data from a computer onto paper. It is not one of those components which are required for the computer to function. However, it is required for purposes of printing e-mails, cards, invitations, announcements and the like. Inkjet printers and laser printers are the two popular types of this device which you can avail.
Speakers are devices which are used to play sound on the computer, and can also be regarded as one of the important components of a computer system.
Modem, short for modulator-demodulator can also be attributed as one of the basic components, when there is the use of Internet. In common parlance, it is defined as a device which converts a computer's digital signals into specific frequencies to travel over telephone or cable television lines.
This is it for the brief information on the basic computer components which I have for you. A computer and its parts, when deeply studied, have more than what I have tried to put in this article. For more detailed and elaborate information, the most useful sources are books. So, keep computing and learning!
