parts of computer
A computer is a complex machine. While most of it works on a microscopic level, it certainly has recognizable macroscopic components that contribute to its uses. A computer can be used to do just about anything from simple calculations to preparing reports to sending rockets into space to simulating the spread of cancer in body organs.
And yet, for all that complexity, the building blocks of the average computer are easy enough for anyone to understand. They are what make a computer run so well as if there were a conductor and an orchestra in there churning out a masterful performance.
Don’t worry about not being an expert; as it turns out, you don’t need to be one to understand the fundamental parts of a computer and what they look like. Here is a computer components list that explains each component in detail:
Monitor
A monitor is a piece of computer hardware that displays the video and graphics information generated by a connected computer through the computer's video card.
Monitors are similar to TVs but usually display information at a much higher resolution. Also unlike televisions, monitors typically sit atop a desk rather than being mounted on a wall. A monitor is sometimes referred to as a screen, display, video display, video display terminal, video display unit, or video screen.
Motherboard
The motherboard is lovingly named, because it is either the origin point of other parts of the computer or where every other component connects to. In a way, it is a lot like what you would refer to your home country as: the motherland.
The motherboard is basically a circuit board of a decent size, depending on the size of the computer we’re dealing with. It acts as a nexus of sorts because it facilitates the communication of the other components in the computer. There are ports on the motherboard that face the outside of the computer, allowing you to plug in different components into your computer and also to charge it.
Most motherboards also allow you to scale up by including slots that allow for expansion. You could add in components like CPUs and RAMs, Video cards, and so on. You can also expand the motherboard by adding more ports that allow you to connect even more auxiliary devices to your computer. In other words, you have control over just what your computer’s capabilities are.
Apart from this, the motherboard plays other roles like storing some simple information when the computer is off, such as the system time. That’s why your computer always tells you the correct time, even when you turn it on after a long time.
The Power Supply
The power supply, as you might have already guessed is the powerhouse of the computer. It ensures that every other component gets the juice that it needs to function properly. The power supply looks like a black box of sorts, with a fan built into it. It is plugged into the motherboard, where it supplies power to the other components of the computer.
On the one hand, the power supply is plugged into the motherboard. On the other, it is connected to some kind of power source. If you’re using a laptop, then that power source is a removable or permanent battery. If you’re using a desktop, then that power source is a power outlet.
The fan on the power source plays a very important role. It cools it down as it does its duty to prevent the computer’s internals from overheating. It’s important to keep that fan clean so that the computer’s power supply functions like it’s meant to.
Central Processing Unit
You may have heard of the cliché that the central processing unit is the brain of the computer. Well, the only reason it’s a cliché is that it’s true. The c_entral processing unit_, or CPU, is where all the magic happens. It is to the computer what an engine is to a car.
The CPU mainly does arithmetic and logical tasks. It will make a bunch of calculations to ensure the functions of the computer are carried out efficiently. The CPU doesn’t always function at a single speed. The speed can vary depending on the priority and intensity of the task at hand. The CPU will generate a lot of heat as it does its work and so that fan that comes built into the power supply comes in real handy at this point.
The more powerful a CPU is, the more capable it is of carrying out more and more intense work. For the basic things that an everyday computer does, like word processing, preparing spreadsheets, and browsing the internet, an average CPU will do. However, when you need to edit high definition video, program complicated software, or play CPU-intensive games, you will need a powerful CPU.
Random Access Memory(Ram)
The Random Access Memory, or RAM, is a temporary form of memory. When you open an application in our computer, the computer will place that application and all its data in the RAM. When you close the application, then space in the RAM is freed. That is why your computer gets so slow when you have too many applications open; your RAM is probably being used at capacity.
Since RAM is only temporary, it has a volatile nature. The minute you turn your computer off, all of the memory that is stored in RAM is lost. That’s why you’re advised to keep saving the work you do in applications as you go along to avoid losing all of it in case your computer suddenly goes off.
The more RAM you have, the greater the number of programs that you can run simultaneously.
Hard Drive or Solid State Drive
Remember that we said RAM is volatile due to its temporary nature, which means the computer still needs a more permanent form of data storage. That’s why the hard drive or solid state drive exists. Traditionally, the hard drive is a drum with several platters piled on it and spinning, and physical arm then writes data onto these platters. These disks are very slow because of the mechanics through which data is stored, although latest hard drives, solid state drives, are much faster.
Solid state drives have the same kind of memory as the one on your phone or flash drive, also known as flash memory. They cost more but are also faster and more efficient than traditional hard drives.
The data stored in the hard drive does not disappear when you switch your computer off. It will be there when you switch the computer back on. You are, however, advised to keep it far away from magnets as they could damage it and cause you to lose your information.
Video Card
The video card is a dedicated component that hands the images output by your monitor display. They come with their own RAM, dedicated to this singular purpose. If your work involves highly visual work at very high definitions, then you should get yourself a video card to take the load off your RAM.
Sometimes, the computer may have integrated graphics, where some of the RAM is borrowed for graphics processing. This happens frequently on laptops, because there is a need to save space. Using integrated graphics is much less expensive using a graphics card, but is not sufficient for intense graphics functions.
Optical Drives
These have become a lot less common today, with many machines doing away with them altogether. An optical drive is used to read CDs and DVDs, which can be used to listen to music or watch movies. They can also be used to install software, play games, or write new information into a disk.
Input/Output Devices
Depending on the type of computer you have, there are lots of devices you can connect to your computer to input information and also output it. Some examples of input devices are the mouse, the keyboard, and the webcam. Examples of output devices include monitors, speakers, and monitors. There are also removable devices, such as SD cards and flash drives, which can be used to transfer data to and from your computer.
COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM
Computer hardware - Are physical parts/ intangible parts of a computer. eg Input devices, output devices, central processing unit and storage devices
Computer software - also known as programs or applications. They are classified into two classes namely - sytem software and application software
Liveware - is the computer user. Also kwon as orgwareor the humanware. The user commands the computer system to execute on instructions.
COMPUTER HARDWARE
Hardware refers to the physical, tangible computer equipment and devices, which provide support for major functions such as input, processing (internal storage, computation and control), output, secondary storage (for data and programs), and communication.
HARDWARE CATEGORIES (Functional Parts)
A computer system is a set of integrated devices that input, output, process, and store data and information. Computer systems are currently built around at least one digital processing device. There are five main hardware components in a computer system: Input, Processing, Storage, Output and Communication devices.
INPUT DEVICES
Are devices used for entering data or instructions to the central processing unit. Are classifie according to the method they use to enter data.
KEYING DEVICES
Are devices used to enter data into the computer using a set of Keys eg Keyboard, key-to- storage and keypad.
i) keyboard
Keyboard (similar to a typewriter) is the main input device of a computer . It contains three types of keys-- alphanumeric keys, special keys and function keys. Alphanumeric keys are used to type all alphabets, numbers and special symbols like $, %, @, A etc. Special keys such as <Shift>, <Ctrl>, <Alt>, <Home>, <Scroll Lock> etc. are used for special functions. Function keys such as <Fl>, <F2>, <F3> etc. are used to give special commands depending upon the software used e.g.F5 reloads a page of an internet browser. The function of each and every key can be well understood only after working on a PC. When any key is pressed, an electronic signal is produced. This signal is detected by a keyboard encoder that sends a binary code corresponding to the key pressed to the CPU. There are many types of keyboards but 101 keys keyboard is the most popular one.
How the keys are organized
The keys on your keyboard can be divided into several groups based on function:
Typing (alphanumeric) keys. These keys include the same letter, number, punctuation, and symbol keys found on a traditional typewriter.
Special (Control) keys. These keys are used alone or in combination with other keys to perform certain actions. The most frequently used control keys are CTRL, ALT, the Windows key, and ESC.
Function keys. The function keys are used to perform specific tasks. They are labelled as F1, F2, F3, and so on, up to F12. The functionality of these keys differs from program to program.
Cursor Movement (Navigation) keys. These keys are used for moving around in documents or WebPages and editing text. They include the arrow keys, HOME, END, PAGE UP, PAGE DOWN, DELETE, and INSERT and ARROW KEYS.
Numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is handy for entering numbers quickly. The keys are grouped together in a block like a conventional calculator or adding machine.Related image
POINTING DEVICES
Are devices that enter data and instructions into the computer using a pointer that appears on the screen. The items to be entered are selected by either pointing to or clicking on them.e.g mice, joystick, touch sensitive screen, trackballs
i) MOUSE
A mouse is a small device used to point to and select items on your computer screen. Although mice come in many shapes, the typical mouse does look a bit like an actual mouse. It's small, oblong, and connected to the system unit by a long wire that resembles a tail and the connector which can either be PS/2 or USB. Some newer mice are wireless.
A mouse usually has two buttons: a primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary button. Many mice also have a wheel between the two buttons, which allows you to scroll smoothly through screens of information.
When you move the mouse with your hand, a pointer on your screen moves in the same direction. (The pointer's appearance might change depending on where it's positioned on your screen.) When you want to select an item, you point to the item and then click (press and release) the primary button. Pointing and clicking with your mouse is the main way to interact with your computer. There are several types of mice: Mechanical mouse, optical mouse, optical-mechanical mouse and laser mouse.
Basic parts
A mouse typically has two buttons: a primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary button (usually the right button). The primary button is the one you will use most often. Most mice also include a scroll wheel between the buttons to help you scroll through documents and WebPages more easily. On some mice, the scroll wheel can be pressed to act as a third button. Advanced mice might have additional buttons that can perform other functions.
SCANNING DEVICES
Are devices that capture an object or a document directly from the source. They are classifie according to the technology used to capture data e.g. Scanners and Document readers.
i) Scanners
Used to capture a source document and converts it into an electronic form.
Example are - FlatBed and HandHeld scanners.
ii) Document readers
Are documents that reads data directly from source document and convey them as input in the form of electronic signal. e
Types of Document Readers
i) Optical Mar Reader (OMR)
ii) Barcode readers
iii) Optical Character Readers
iii) Magnetic Readers
Reads data using magnetic ink.t uses principle of magnetism to sense data which have been written using magnetised ink.
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