A computer is an electronic device that can perform various tasks, such as storing, retrieving, and processing data. It is made up of several parts. Computer and its components, including:
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): The computer’s brain, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations.
- Memory: Temporary storage for data and instructions used by the CPU.
- Storage: Long-term storage for data and programs, such as a hard drive or solid-state drive.
- Motherboard: The main circuit board in a computer that connects all the other parts.
- Power supply: Converts AC power from an outlet into DC power for the computer’s components.
- Input/Output devices: Allow the user to interact with the computer, such as a keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
- Peripheral devices: Additional devices connected to the computer, such as printers and scanners.
- Network interface card: A device that allows the computer to connect to a network.
These are the main parts of a computer; there are other components like graphics cards, RAM, sound cards, etc.
Examples of CPU:
Some examples of Central Processing Units (CPUs) include:
- Intel Core i9: A high-end consumer CPU that offers many cores and high clock speeds for demanding gaming and video editing tasks.
- AMD Ryzen 9: A consumer CPU that offers many cores and high clock speeds for demanding gaming and video editing tasks.
- Intel Xeon: A server CPU that offers many cores, high clock speeds, and server-specific features such as error correction and virtualisation support.
- AMD EPYC: A server CPU that offers many cores, high clock speeds, and server-specific features such as error correction and virtualisation support.
- ARM Cortex-A: A mobile CPU used in smartphones and tablets that offer good energy efficiency and lower power consumption.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon: A mobile CPU used in smartphones and tablets that offer good energy efficiency and lower power consumption.
These are just a few examples of CPUs; many more are available from manufacturers with different specifications and target markets.
Memory in a computer.
There are several types of memory used in computers, including:
- Random Access Memory (RAM): A type of memory that stores data and instructions for the CPU to access quickly. It is volatile memory, which is wiped clean when the computer is turned off.
- DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory): A type of RAM that stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor within an integrated circuit. It must be periodically refreshed, or it will lose the data.
- SRAM (Static Random Access Memory): A type of RAM that stores data in flip-flops, a circuit that can hold a state. It is faster and more expensive than DRAM.
- Flash memory: A non-volatile memory that stores data even when the power is turned off. It is commonly used in USB drives and solid-state drives (SSDs).
- Read-Only Memory (ROM): A type of non-volatile memory that stores data that cannot be modified or erased, such as the BIOS of a computer.
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD): A non-volatile memory that stores data on rapidly rotating disks. It has a larger storage capacity than other types of memory but is slower to access data.
These are some examples of the different types of memory commonly used in computers, but there are many more storage technologies in the market and under development.
Input/Output devices in a computer.
Input devices allow users to input data and commands into a computer, such a keyboard, mouse, microphone, and scanner.
Output devices such as monitors, printers, and speakers allow a computer to output data.
About Computer’s Peripheral devices:
Computer peripheral devices are connected to a computer but are not part of the computer’s main components.
They include input devices such as keyboards and mice, output devices such as monitors and printers, storage devices such as hard drives and USB drives, and other devices such as scanners and webcams.
They can be connected to a computer through USB, Bluetooth, or other connectivity options. These devices are used to expand a computer’s capabilities or make it easier for a user to interact with the computer.
Network interface card:
A network interface card (NIC) is a computer peripheral that connects a computer to a network.
It allows the computer to communicate with other devices on the web, such as other computers, servers, and the internet.
NICs can be built into a computer’s motherboard or added as an expansion card.
They come in wired and wireless versions; wired NICs connect to the network through a cable, while wireless NICs connect through wireless signals.
The NIC has a unique Media Access Control (MAC) address to identify the device on the network.
Know about External hard disks for PC.