Computer Components Checklist
There are many
parts that work
together to make a
computer work.
Hardware vs. Software
Physical parts of the Programs that tell
computer, including the computer what
processor and to do. It provides
memory chips, instructions that the
input/output CPU will need to
devices, tapes, carry out.
disks, modems,
cable, etc.
Processor
The CPU – The
chip or chips that
interpret and
execute program
instructions and
manage the
functions of input,
output, and
storage devices.
Video Card
Connects the computer
to the monitor. It is a
circuit board attached
to the motherboard that
contains the memory
and other circuitry
necessary to send
information to the
monitor for display
on screen.
Optical Drive (CD Rom Drive)
The drive that uses
laser light or
electromagnetic
waves to read (or
write) data that
has been stored
on the disc.
Hard Drive
A device that stores
all your date; it
houses the hard disk
where all your files
and folders are
physically located
Memory (RAM)
RAM (random access memory) is the
place in a computer where the operating
system, application programs, and data is kept so that
they can be quickly reached by the computer’s processor.
RAM is faster to read from & write to that other kinds of
computer storage, hard disk, CD-ROM.
However the data in RAM is only there if the computer is
running – when you turn off your computer, RAM loses its
data. When you turn your computer back on, your
operating system & other files are once again loaded into
RAM, usually from your hard disk.
Mother Board
A motherboard (sometimes alternatively
known as the main circuit board, system
board, baseboard, planar board or logic
board,[1] or colloquially, a mobo) is the
main printed circuit board (PCB) found in
general purpose microcomputers and other
expandable systems. It holds and allows
communication between many of the crucial
electronic components of a system, such as
the central processing unit (CPU) and memory,
and provides connectors for other peripherals.
Monitor
A display screen
to provide “outpu
t” to the user. It
is where you view
the information
your are working
on.
Sound Card
Connects the
speakers and
microphone to
the computer.
Modem
The place where the computer is
connected to the phone line.
Operating System
The software that
supports a computer’s
basic functions or
operations, scheduling
tasks, executing
applications, managing
storage, (input/output),
and controlling
peripherals