Nt1310 Unit 4 Main Components And Components

Processor (CPU) – The processor, also known as the Central Processing Unit runs the operating system and other applications. It is constantly receiving data from the user or other active software. The data is then processed and then an output is produced which either will be displayed on screen or stored by an application.

Motherboard- is the part of a computer that contains the computer’s basic circuitry and components. It allows the CPU, RAM and other components to communicate.

Power Supply- The power supply which is also known as the PSU is the component the supplies power from the mains electric into the PC. The PSU converts mains AC to low-voltage regulated DC power for the internal components of a computer

Cooling / Fan –

every computer has a cooling fan, its main job is to prevent the CPU from overheating. This part will do one of two things, either project cool air onto a specific part or draw away potentially damaging hot air through airflow tubes.

Memory (RAM) – Random Access Memory is a fast temporary type of storage component where programs, data and applications are stored.

The common things stored in the RAM include the operating system, various applications and the GUI.

Memory (ROM) – Read only memory is memory that cannot be changed. It retains its memory even when the computers power is off. Example; Read only memory stores the instructions for the computer to turn on again.

Storage – storage is a non-volatile disk space. A device like an external hard drive would be an example of external storage, this would normally used to store photos and any other type of information that needs to be kept long-term. Secondly you have internal storage, a computers internal storage usually houses the operating system and other software applications.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - Hard drives can store very large amounts of data ranging from 200GB – 1TB. A hard drive is made up of a magnetic disk that consists of a number of platters/disks that are coated in a magnetic material that rotate at 7200 RPM. The data is encoded into bits and written into the disks as a series of changes in the direction of the magnetic pull, and then the data is read by detecting the changes in direction on the

platters.

Solid State Drive (SSD) – A solid-state drive is faster, more efficient and reliable than a normal hard drive. They are ideal for laptops due to their great durability being able to withstand shocks and knocks, although they are now increasingly being used in desktops as they provide faster start-up speeds and near enough silent while in use.

USB - USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a port used to connect a wide range of peripherals to your computer. These include keyboards, mice, data storage, output/displays and communication devices.

Graphics Card- a graphics card connects to the motherboard and generates output images onto the display. There are two types of graphics card; a dedicated graphics card that has its own independent video memory without having to use the random access memory. Secondly there is an integrated graphics card, which is the cheaper option of graphics card; it is a graphics-processing unit that does not have its own memory but only uses a small amount of system memory.

Monitor- the monitor is the visual part of a computer that allows you to be able to see what you are doing i.e. opening programs, using applications like web browsers and software programs.

Printer- a printer is a hardware device that allows the user to print images, text and other various items on paper. With some printers you can also connect it with your smartphone or digital camera to print directly without the hassle of going through the computer.

Operating Systems:
An operating system, often abbreviated to ‘OS’ is a low-level piece of software that supports the computers basic functions such as controlling peripherals and scheduling tasks.