Components of Computer

System components

Component needed to assemble a basic modern PC system :

• Motherboard

• Processor

• Memory (Primary)

• Hard disk

• CD-ROM

• Floppy Drive

• Keyboard

• Mouse

• Monitor

• Power Supply

• Cabinet

Motherboard : motherboard is that the important component of the pc as everything else is connected thereto . And it controls everything in the system. Motherboard are available in several different shapes. Motherboard usually contain the following individual components.

Components & their use :

• Processor slot

• Processor voltage regulators

• Motherboard chips

• Level 2 cache

• Memory SIMM or DIMM sockets

• Bus slots

• ROM BIOS

• Clock / CMOS battery

• Super I/O chips

Processor :

The processor is usually thought because the engine of the pc . Then the processor reads the commands from the memory then executes them. the processor is one among the foremost expensive parts of the computers and is additionally one among the littlest parts.

Primary Memory :

Memory : is employed to carry programs and data during execution.

Primary memory is usually called as RAM(Random Access Memory). It holds all the programs and data the processor is using at a given time. RAM is volatile because its contents are erased when power is switched off. The other sort of system memory is ROM(Read only Memory)which is permanent because it contents aren't erased even when power is transitioned . It is usually wont to load an OS .

Hard disk drive :

A hard drive consists of spinning platters made from aluminum or ceramic that's coated with magnetic media. The platters come in various sizes. The disk drive with many various storage capacities are often created depending upon the density, size and number of platters. This is also called as Secondary memory. There are often several programs within the system, which can't be stored in RAM, so we'd like a really huge non-volatile memory, which may be used for storing all the programs, and data when the system isn't in use are called as Hard disks.

CD-ROM drive :

CD-ROM stands for compact disk read only memory. It consists of small disks almost like the gramophone records to carry digital information. As the name applies they're read only medium. With the advancement in technology writable CD’s are also available.

Keyboard :

The keyboard is that the main data input device for many computers. It is wont to input text or enter commands into the PC. Nowadays keyboards with additional features are available like multimedia keyboard, wireless keyboard.

Mouse :

With the invention of graphical interface mouse is employed to input information into the pc . Users simply point and click to enter information. The main advantage of mouse over keyboard is simplicity. And there are many operations that are much easier to perform with a mouse then a keyboard.

Monitor :

The monitor is that the specialized high-resolution screen almost like a television. The video card sends the contents of its video memory to the monitor at a rate of 60 or longer per second. The actual monitor is formed up or red, green and blue dots that are illuminated by beam from behind. The video card DAC chip controls the movement of the beam , which then controls what dots are turned on and the way bright they're . Which then determines the image you see on the screen.

Power supply :

SMPS(Switch Mode Power Supply):

The power supply supplies power to every single part in the PC. The main function of the facility supply is to convert the 230 V AC into 3.3 V, 5 V and 12 V DC power that the system requires for the operations. In addition to supplying power to run the system, the facility supply also ensures that the system doesn't run unless the facility supplied is sufficient to work the system properly. The power supply completes internal checks and tests before allowing the system to start out . If the tests are successful, the facility supply sends a special signal to the motherboard called Power_Good. If this signal isn't present continuously, the pc doesn't run. Therefore, when the AC voltage dips and therefore the power supply becomes stressed or overheated, the Power_Good signal goes down and forces a system reset or complete shutdown.

Cabinet :

The box or outer shell that houses most of the computers. the cupboard actually performs several important functions for your PC including protection to the system components, directing cooling airflow, and allowing installation of and access to the system components. the cupboard often includes an identical power supply and must even be designed with shape of the motherboard and other system components in mind.

Peripheral Devices :

Any external device, which isn't necessary to perform the essential operation of computer, is named as peripherals. they supply additional computing capabilities. For ex : Printers, Modems, Speakers etc.

Modem :

Modem (Modulator and Demodulator) is usually wont to send digital data over a telephone line . The sending modem converts digital data into analog data, which may be transmitted over telephone lines, and therefore the receiving modem converts the analog data back to digital form. this is often wont to hook up with Internet.

Modems are available in several capacities -

•  300 bps - 1960s through 1983 approximately

•  1200 bps - Gained popularity in 1984 and 1985

• 2400 bps

•  9600 bps - First appeared in late 1990 and early 1991

• 19.2 kilobits per second (Kbps)

• 28.8 Kbps

• 33.6 Kbps

• 56 Kbps - Became the quality in 1998

• ADSL, with theoretical maximum of up to eight megabits per second (Mbps) - Gained popularity in 1999.
  

Printers :

The capability to supply a printed version often called a tough copy of a document is that the primary function of a printer.

Different types of printers are :

•  Laser

•  Inkjet

• Dot-Matrix.