Internal System Components
Processor
Processor is the circuity which, normally a microchip, that responds to and processes basic instructions that drive a computer.
A processors main responsibility is to process instructions and carry out computer operations. It has two main components that include the arithmetic/logic unit; executes all arithmetic and logic instructions and the control unit; directs other portions of the computer system to carry out/execute program instructions.
There are four main functions in a processor; fetch; the instruction is fetched from the program memory, decode; this instruction is then decoded, store; it is then moved to the arithmetic/logic unit and stored, and execute; the unit executes the instruction. By this stage, the processor can perform mathematical operations, move data from one memory location to another or jump to new instructions based on the decision made by the processor.
Motherboard
The motherboard, also commonly known as the main board, system board, planar board or logic board, is the main printed circuit board found in computers.
It holds together the central processing unit, memory and connectors for input and output devices.
There are five main functions of a motherboard which include; components' hub, computer circuity, data traffic, BIOS and peripherals.
A components hub is a hub which contains a number of components such as the central processing unit (CPU), system memory (RAM) and graphics card.
A computer circuity enable data to be relayed to the different computer components as well as between them.
Data traffic is responsible for controlling and managing the traffic of information within a computer system.
BIOS manage the boot-up process when you turn your computer on and load an operating system.
Peripherals include printers, keyboards, game controllers etc and can be connected to the computer by plugging them into the motherboard directly.
Power Supply
A power supply is an electronic device which supplies electric energy to an electrical load. They are rated in terms of the number of watts they generate, meaning the more powerful the computer, the more watts it can provide to components.
The power supply pulls the required amount of electricity and converts the AC current to the DC current.
It regulates voltage to eliminate spikes and surges common in most electrical systems however, not all power supplies do an adequate voltage-regulation job therefore the computer is always susceptible to large-voltage fluctuations.
Fan and heat sink/cooling
A heat sink is a passive heat ex-changer that cools a device by moving the heat into surrounding areas.
Within computers, the heat sink is used to cool down the computers central processing units or graphic processors.
They are designed to maximize their surface area in contact with the cooling medium surrounding areas such as the air.
The heat sink is inside the computer and cool the air around the components that get too hot by using LED lights, this is so the computer doesn't get too hot and result in over heating.
SATA
SATA is the current interface standard for hard drives, optical drives and other storage devices in computers. It is fits inside the computer onto the motherboard.
It is something that keeps storage of your computer and has been developed over the years.
It is now a small chip that sits inside the computer staying stationary and causes less issues than previous one that were made.
USB
USB or universal serial bus, defines the cables, connectors and communication protocols used in a bus for connection, communication and power supply between a computer and electrical devices.
It supports data transfer rates of 12 megabits per second and can be used to connect up to 127 peripheral devices such as mice and keyboards.
There are serial and parallel ports on a computer. A parallel port is used for connecting devices such as printers as they are much faster, where as a serial port in used to connect personal technology such as cameras.
RAM
RAM or random access memory, is a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly.
It regulates voltage to eliminate spikes and surges common in most electrical systems however, not all power supplies do an adequate voltage-regulation job therefore the computer is always susceptible to large-voltage fluctuations.
Fan and heat sink/cooling
A heat sink is a passive heat ex-changer that cools a device by moving the heat into surrounding areas.
They are designed to maximize their surface area in contact with the cooling medium surrounding areas such as the air.
The heat sink is inside the computer and cool the air around the components that get too hot by using LED lights, this is so the computer doesn't get too hot and result in over heating.
SATA
SATA is the current interface standard for hard drives, optical drives and other storage devices in computers. It is fits inside the computer onto the motherboard.
It is something that keeps storage of your computer and has been developed over the years.
It is now a small chip that sits inside the computer staying stationary and causes less issues than previous one that were made.
USB
USB or universal serial bus, defines the cables, connectors and communication protocols used in a bus for connection, communication and power supply between a computer and electrical devices.
There are serial and parallel ports on a computer. A parallel port is used for connecting devices such as printers as they are much faster, where as a serial port in used to connect personal technology such as cameras.
RAM
RAM or random access memory, is a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly.
It is a fast temporary memory that is used to store application and files within a computer.
It is a form of computer storage data and allows data items to be read and written in roughly the same amount of time regardless of the order in which data items are accessed.
Network and graphics cards
A network interface card is an expansion card that enables a computer to a network such as a home network or the Internet using an Ethernet cable with a RJ-45 connector.
A network card commonly found in most desktop computers.
Printer
A printer is a device that accepts text and graphic output from a computer and transfers the information to paper, usually to standard size sheets of paper.
A printer is a device that accepts text and graphic output from a computer and transfers the information to paper, usually to standard size sheets of paper. It is a peripheral which produces a hard copy (permanent readable text and/or graphics) of documents stored in electronic form, usually on physical print media such as paper or transparencies.
Scanner
A scanner is a device for examining, monitoring and reading something in particular.
It scans documents, which can be sent to a computer, printer, flash drive or email address, then these scanned files can be stored on a computer’s hard drive, flash drive or shared network folders.
Twisted pair cabling
A type of cable that consists of two independently insulated wires twisted around one another.
The use of two wires twisted together helps to reduce cross-talk and electromagnetic induction.
The two wires carry equal and opposite signals and the destination detects the difference between the two. This is known as differential mode transmission.
Pen drive/memory stick
A memory stick is a type of memory card or flash drive.
A memory stick is a digital storage data technology and are used as storage media for a portable device, in a form that can easily be removed for access by a personal computer.
Memory sticks allow you to save and transfer any files from a computer based device e.g. laptop, computer etc.
It is an easier way than emailing files to yourself. You can then go onto another device and retract the file from your memory stick once plugged into your computer.
Portable hard drive
An external hard drive is a portable storage device that can be attached to a computer through a USB or Fire-wire connection, or wirelessly.
External hard drives typically have high storage capacities and are often used to back up computers or serve as a network drive.
Data storage device used to store documents, files, pictures and other data. Data stored on this device is portable, allowing users to transport information between multiple workstations and locations.
www: your P1 post is brief but it does explain the function of computer hardware components. EBI: You added a section on the communication at the end.
ReplyDeleteCommunication added well done.
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