The main devices of the computer “live” in the system unit. These include: motherboard, processor, video card, RAM, HDD. But outside of it, usually on the table, no less important computer devices also “live”. Such as: monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers, printer.
In this article we will look at, What does computer consist of what these devices look like, what function they perform and where they are located.
System unit.
In the first category, we will analyze those devices, or they are also called components, that are “hidden” in the system unit. They are the most important for his work. By the way, you can immediately look into the system unit. It is not difficult. It is enough to unscrew the two bolts on the back of the system unit and move the cover to the side, and then we will see a view of the most important devices of the computer, which we will now consider in order.
A motherboard is a printed circuit board that is designed to connect the main components of a computer. Some of them, for example, a processor or video card, are installed directly on the motherboard itself in a dedicated slot. And the other part of the components, for example, a hard drive or power supply, is connected to motherboard using special cables.
A processor is a microcircuit and at the same time the “brain” of a computer. Why? Because he is responsible for performing all operations. The better the processor, the faster it will perform these same operations, and accordingly the computer will work faster. The processor, of course, affects the speed of the computer, and even greatly, but the speed of the PC will also depend on your hard drive, video card and RAM. So the most powerful processor does not guarantee greater speed of the computer if the remaining components are already outdated.
3. Video card.
A video card, or otherwise a graphics card, is designed to display images on a monitor screen. It is also installed on the motherboard, in a special PSI-Express connector. Less commonly, a video card can be built into the motherboard itself, but its power is most often only sufficient for office applications and browsing the Internet.
RAM is a rectangular strip, similar to a cartridge from old game consoles. It is intended for temporary storage of data. For example, it stores the clipboard. We copied some text on the site, and it immediately got into the RAM. Information about running programs, computer sleep mode and other temporary data are stored in RAM. A special feature of RAM is that the data from it is completely deleted after turning off the computer.
A hard drive, unlike RAM, is designed for long-term storage of files. It is otherwise called a hard drive. It stores data on special plates. SSD drives have also become widespread recently.
Their features include high speed of operation, but there is an immediate disadvantage - they are expensive. A 64 GB SSD drive will cost you the same price as a 750 GB hard drive. Can you imagine how much an SSD of several hundred gigabytes will cost? Whoa, whoa! But don’t be upset, you can buy a 64 GB SSD drive and use it as system disk, that is, install Windows on it. They say that the speed of work increases several times. The system starts up very quickly, programs fly. I plan to upgrade to an SSD and store regular files on a traditional hard drive.
A disk drive is needed to work with disks. Although it is used much less frequently, it still won’t hurt on desktop computers. At a minimum, the disk drive will be useful for installing the system.
6. Cooling systems.
The cooling system consists of fans that cool the components. Typically three or more coolers are installed. Be sure to have one on the processor, one on the video card, and one on the power supply, and then as desired. If something is warm, it is advisable to cool it. Fans are also installed on hard drives and in the case itself. If the cooler in the case is installed on the front panel, then it takes away heat, and coolers installed on the rear compartment supply cold air to the system.
The sound card outputs sound to the speakers. It is usually built into the motherboard. But it happens that it either breaks and therefore is purchased separately, or initially the PC owner is not satisfied with the quality of the standard one and he buys another sound system. In general, a sound card also has the right to be on this list of PC devices.
A power supply is needed for all of the computer devices described above to work. It provides all components with the necessary amount of electricity.
8. Body
And so that the motherboard, processor, video card, RAM, hard drive, floppy drive, sound card, power supply and perhaps some additional components were to be shoved somewhere, we will need a case. There, all this is carefully installed, screwed in, connected and begins daily life, from switching on to switching off. The required temperature is maintained in the case, and everything is protected from damage.
As a result, we get a full-fledged system unit, with all essential devices computers that are needed for its operation.
Peripherals.
Well, in order to fully start working on the computer, and not look at the “buzzing” system unit, we will need Peripheral devices. These include those computer components that are outside the system unit.
A monitor is naturally needed to see what we are working with. The video card supplies the image to the monitor. They are connected to each other using a VGA or HDMI cable.
The keyboard is designed for entering information, well, of course, what kind of work is there without a full keyboard. To type text, play games, surf the Internet, and everywhere you need a keyboard.
3. Mouse.
The mouse is needed to control the cursor on the screen. Move it in different directions, click, open files and folders, call various functions And much more. Just like without a keyboard, you can’t live without a mouse.
4. Speakers.
Speakers are needed mainly for listening to music, watching movies and playing games. Who else today uses speakers more than ordinary users reproduce them daily in these tasks.
A printer and scanner are needed to print and scan documents and everything else needed in the field of printing. Or MFP, multifunctional device. It will be useful to all those who often print, scan, make photocopies and perform many other tasks with this device.
In this article we have only briefly reviewed the main computer devices, and in others, links to which you see below, we will consider in detail all the most popular peripherals, as well as components that are part of the system unit, that is, components.
Enjoy reading!
Personal computer (PC) – This is an electronic computer that can be operated by a user who is not a professional programmer. It is characterized by a developed (“friendly”) human-machine interface, small dimensions, weight, low price and versatility of use.
Modern computers are built according to the principle of open architecture, which means that when designing a computer, only the operating principle of the computer and its configuration (a certain set of hardware and methods of connections between them) are regulated and standardized. As a result, it becomes possible to assemble computers from individual components and parts designed and manufactured by independent manufacturers. The user can upgrade the computer and expand its capabilities with a variety of devices in accordance with his personal preferences.
Definitions are taken from the dictionary of computer terms by A.Ya. Friedland.
Motherboard - a printed circuit board made of dielectric material that controls internal connections and communicates through interrupts with others external devices.
Processor – an integrated circuit that processes information during the execution of a given program, and also controls the entire computing process and coordinates the actions of other devices of the computer . The processor includes a control unit, an arithmetic logic unit, and a cache memory. (Processor characteristics - degree of integration, bit depth, clock frequency, type of connection, manufacturer).
Arithmetic logic unit(ALU) performs the main work of processing information stored in RAM. It performs arithmetic and logical operations. In addition, the ALU produces control signals that allow the computer to automatically select the path of the computational process depending on the results obtained. The ALU has a set of software-accessible high-speed memory cells called processor registers, forming the basis of the processor architecture. Register– a device designed for intermediate storage of binary information during computational operations, as well as for their conversion.
Control device - part of the central processor that produces a sequence of internal and external control signals distributed in time and space that ensures the selection and execution of commands.
Processor instruction system
- Data transfer commands
- Arithmetic operations (the main one is addition: subtraction is reduced to addition, multiplication and division are performed using special commands)
- Logical operations: comparison, AND, OR, NOT; analysis of individual code bits, their reset and installation
- Binary code shifts left and right
- Input and output commands for exchange with external devices
- Control commands that implement nonlinear algorithms: conditional jump, unconditional jump, access to a subroutine (jump with return), organization of loops.
There are 2 directions for building a command system: CISC(Complex Instruction Set Computer) – a computer with a full set of instructions; RISC(Reduced Instruction Set Computer) - a computer with a limited set of instructions.
RAM (RAM, RAM)– a functional block that stores information for the control device (CU) - commands and for the ALU - data of the currently executing program. Memory consists of cells capable of storing information. Memory cell– a container for a piece of information in computer memory, available for processing by a separate command. The amount of information written or retrieved from memory in one access is called machine word. RAM is volatile, i.e. can store information only when the computer is turned on. (Modern RAM: DDR SDRAM, RDRAM )
Permanent memory (ROM, ROM) – non-volatile memory used to store programs and data necessary for internal testing of devices after the computer is turned on. Data is stored in ROM when the computer is manufactured and is intended for permanent use by the processor.
Chipset – a set of integrated circuits installed on the system board to enable the central processor to operate with peripheral devices. The chipset includes controllers for the main connected devices of a multimedia computer (mouse, keyboard, sound processing, the local network and etc.).
Tire – a set of electrical lines for exchanging data between parts of a computer. Types of buses: local (connected to the processor contacts), system (connecting external device controllers) and peripheral.
The combination of functional blocks in a computer is carried out using the following bus system:
data bus, through which information is exchanged between computer blocks;
address bus, used to transmit addresses (numbers of memory cells or I/O ports being accessed);
control bus used to transmit control signals.
The combination of these three buses is called the system bus, system backbone, or system interface. Physically, the bus is located directly on the motherboard and connects the processor, RAM, computer device controllers, as well as expansion connectors (slots) on the motherboard for connecting various input/output device controllers. Expansion boards (cards) are inserted into these connectors, which either themselves constitute a device or provide communication with other devices (i.e., they are controllers).
Types of tires:
System bus(ISA, PCI, AGP, PCI-e) is designed to ensure data transfer between peripheral devices and central processor, as well as RAM.
Local bus(FSB, BSB, DIB), as a rule, is the bus directly connected to the microprocessor pins, that is, the processor bus.
Peripheral buses(USB – Universal Serial Bus, Firewire 1394) are designed for connecting peripheral devices.
Tire characteristics: frequency, bit depth, data transfer rate
Connection of external devices is carried out through I/O ports (serial, parallel, game, keyboard), as well as through the outputs of USB or 1394 peripheral buses.
Controller – a device for controlling peripheral equipment and preprocessing processor data.
Display– an external information input/output device used to reproduce on the screen information stored in the computer memory in the form of texts and images. The display can be based on the following physical principles: based on a cathode ray tube (monitor); gas plasma matrix (PDP); liquid crystal display (LCD); electroluminescent panel (FED); light-emitting diode (LED) matrices; luminous polymer semiconductors.
Video adapter – a device (controller) that controls the display and provides graphic output. Determines the display resolution and number of colors. It may include video memory, a signal converter, and a graphics accelerator.
Keyboard - an external device for manual data input, presented in the form of a set of keys, which are divided into alphanumeric, command, functional and cursor control. Certain operations can be programmed behind the command and function keys.
Modem(Maud ulator- dem modulator) is a device that converts binary data into analog signals suitable for transmission over some analog communication channel; received analog signals back into digital form. Can be internal and external.
LAN card– a device for high-speed computer-to-computer exchange of digital information on short distances. In modern computers they are built into the chipset.
Scanner– a device for entering graphic information into a computer. There are manual and tabletop ones.
A printer - a device for displaying text or graphic information on paper. There are matrix, thermal, inkjet and laser.
Plotter – a device for displaying large-format graphic information on paper (graph plotter).
Digitizer– a device for entering graphic data into a computer; the outline of the image is outlined with a special pen and the coordinates of each point of this image are sent to the computer.
To the system tire through controllers external devices are connected that exchange data with RAM. The exchange of data between computer devices is subject to the limitations of the functions performed by these devices and must be programmed. The executed program is stored in random access memory computer and, through the system bus, sends commands to the processor to perform certain operations. CPU Based on them, it forms its own control commands, which are sent to the corresponding devices via the system bus. To perform data processing operations, the processor transmits the addresses of the necessary data to the RAM and receives them. The processing results are sent to RAM. Data from RAM can be transferred for storage to external storage devices and displayed on display, printed, transmitted over a computer network.
According to its purpose, a computer is a universal device for working with information. According to the principles of its design, a computer is a model of a person working with information.
Personal Computer(PC) is a computer designed to serve one workstation. Its characteristics may differ from mainframe computers, but it is functionally capable of performing similar operations. According to the method of operation, desktop (desktop), portable (laptop and notebook) and pocket (palmtop) PC models are distinguished.
Hardware. Since the computer provides all three classes of information methods for working with data (hardware, software and natural), it is customary to speak of a computer system as consisting of hardware and software working together. The components that make up the hardware of a computer are called hardware. They perform all the physical work with data: registration, storage, transportation and transformation, both in form and content, and also present them in a form convenient for interaction with natural human information methods.
The totality of a computer's hardware is called its hardware configuration.
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Software. Programs can be in two states: active and passive. In a passive state, the program does not work and looks like data, the content of which is information. In this state, the contents of the program can be “read” by other programs, like books are read, and changed. From it you can find out the purpose of the program and how it works. In the passive state, programs are created, edited, stored and transported. The process of creating and editing programs is called programming.
When a program is in an active state, the content of its data is considered as commands according to which the computer hardware operates. To change the order of their operation, it is enough to interrupt the execution of one program and start the execution of another, containing a different set of commands.
The collection of programs stored on a computer forms its software. The set of programs prepared for operation is called installed software. The set of programs running at one time or another is called a software configuration.
Computer device. Any computer (even the largest one) consists of four parts:
input devices
information processing devices
storage devices
information output devices.
Structurally, these parts can be combined in one case the size of a book, or each part can consist of several rather bulky devices
Basic PC hardware configuration. Basic hardware configuration personal computer They call the minimum set of hardware sufficient to start working with a computer. Over time, the concept of a basic configuration gradually changes.
Most often, a personal computer consists of the following devices:
System unit
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Additionally, other input and output devices can be connected, such as speakers, a printer, a scanner...
System unit- the main unit of a computer system. It contains devices that are considered internal. Devices connected to the system unit externally are considered external. The term peripheral equipment is also used for external devices.
Monitor- a device for visual reproduction of symbolic and graphic information. Serves as an output device. For desktop PCs, the most common monitors today are those based on cathode ray tubes. They vaguely resemble household TVs.
Keyboard- a keyboard device designed to control the operation of a computer and enter information into it. Information is entered in the form of alphanumeric character data.
Mouse- graphical control device.
Internal devices of a personal computer.
Devices located in the system unit are considered internal. Some of them are accessible on the front panel, which is convenient for quickly changing storage media, such as floppy disks. The connectors of some devices are located on the rear wall - they are used to connect peripheral equipment. Access to some system unit devices is not provided - it is not required for normal operation.
CPU. Microprocessor- the main microcircuit of a personal computer. All calculations are performed in it. The main characteristic of the processor is the clock frequency (measured in megahertz, MHz). The higher the clock speed, the higher the processor performance. So, for example, at a clock frequency of 500 MHz, the processor can change its
state 500 million times. For most operations, one clock cycle is not enough, so the number of operations a processor can perform per second depends not only on the clock speed, but also on the complexity of the operations.
The only device the existence of which the processor “knows from birth” is RAM - it works together with it. This is where data and commands come from. Data is copied into processor cells (called registers) and then converted according to the contents of the instructions. You'll get a more complete picture of how the processor interacts with RAM in the chapters on programming fundamentals.
RAM. RAM can be thought of as a vast array of cells that store numeric data and commands while the computer is turned on. The amount of RAM is measured in millions of bytes - megabytes (MB).
The processor can access any RAM cell (byte) because it has a unique numeric address. The processor cannot access an individual bit of RAM, since the bit does not have an address. At the same time, the processor can change the state of any bit, but this requires several actions.
Motherboard. The motherboard is the largest circuit board of a personal computer. It contains highways that connect the processor with RAM - the so-called buses. There is a data bus through which the processor copies data from memory cells, an address bus through which it connects to specific memory cells, and a command bus through which the processor receives commands from programs. All other internal devices of the computer are also connected to the motherboard buses. The operation of the motherboard is controlled by a microprocessor chipset - the so-called chipset.
Video adapter. A video adapter is an internal device installed in one of the connectors on the motherboard. The first personal computers did not have video adapters. Instead, a small area was allocated in RAM for storing video data. A special chip (video controller) read data from video memory cells and controlled the monitor in accordance with them.
As the graphic capabilities of computers improved, the video memory area was separated from the main RAM and, together with the video controller, was separated into a separate device, which was called a video adapter. Modern video adapters have their own computing processor (video processor), which has reduced the load on the main processor when constructing complex images. The video processor plays a particularly important role when constructing three-dimensional images on a flat screen. During such operations, he has to perform a particularly large number of mathematical calculations.
In some motherboard models, the functions of the video adapter are performed by chipset chips - in this case they say that the video adapter is integrated with motherboard. If the video adapter is made as a separate device, it is called a video card. The video card connector is located on the rear wall. A monitor is connected to it.
Sound adapter. For IBM PC computers, work with sound was not initially provided. For the first ten years of its existence, computers of this platform were considered office equipment and did without sound devices. Currently, audio tools are considered standard. To do this, a sound adapter is installed on the motherboard. It can be integrated into the motherboard chipset or implemented as a separate plug-in card called a sound card.
The sound card connectors are located on the back wall of the computer. To play sound, speakers or headphones are connected to them. A separate connector is intended for connecting a microphone. If you have a special program, this allows you to record sound. There is also a connector (line output) for connecting to external sound recording or sound reproducing equipment (tape recorders, amplifiers, etc.).
HDD. Since the computer's RAM is cleared when the power is turned off, a device is needed to store data and programs for a long time. Currently, so-called hard drives are widely used for these purposes.
The operating principle of a hard drive is based on recording changes in the magnetic field near the recording head.
Main hard parameter The disk capacity is measured in gigabytes (billions of bytes), GB. The average size of a modern hard drive is 80 - 160 GB, and this parameter is steadily growing.
Floppy drive. To transport data between remote computers They use so-called floppy disks. A standard floppy disk (floppy disk) has a relatively small capacity of 1.44 MB. By modern standards, this is completely insufficient for most data storage and transportation tasks, but the low cost of media and high availability have made floppy disks the most common storage media.
To write and read data stored on floppy disks, a special device is used - a disk drive. The drive receiving hole is located on the front panel of the system unit.
CD-ROM drive. To transport large amounts of data, it is convenient to use CD-ROMs. These discs can only read previously written data; they cannot be written to. The capacity of one disk is about 650-700 MB.
CD-ROM drives are used to read CDs. The main parameter of a CD-ROM drive is the reading speed. It is measured in multiple units. The reading speed approved in the mid-80s is taken as one. for music CDs (audio CDs). Modern CD-ROM drives provide reading speeds of 40x - 52x.
The main disadvantage of CD-ROM drives - the inability to write discs - has been overcome in modern write-once devices - CD-R. There are also CD-RW devices that allow multiple recordings.
The principle of data storage on CDs is not magnetic, like floppy disks, but optical.
Communication ports. To communicate with other devices, such as a printer, scanner, keyboard, mouse, etc., the computer is equipped with so-called ports. A port is not just a connector for connecting external equipment, although a port ends in a connector. A port is a more complex device than just a connector, having its own chips and controlled by software.
Network adapter. Network adapters are necessary for computers to be able to communicate with each other. This device ensures that the processor does not send a new portion of data to the external port until the network adapter of a neighboring computer has copied the previous portion to itself. After this, the processor is given a signal that the data has been collected and new ones can be submitted. This is how the transfer takes place.
When a network adapter “learns” from a neighboring adapter that it has a piece of data, it copies it to itself, and then checks whether it is addressed to it. If yes, it passes them to the processor. If not, it puts them on the output port, from where the network adapter of the next neighboring computer will pick them up. This is how data moves between computers until it reaches the recipient.
Network adapters can be built into the motherboard, but are more often installed separately, in the form of additional cards called network cards.
System unit is the central part of the PC. Inside the system unit case there are electronic circuits mounted on several printed circuit boards. In addition, the system unit contains power unit , converting 220v alternating current coming from the network into direct current low voltage, fan, hard magnetic disk, drives for magnetic floppy disks, devices for reading/writing CD (DVD) disks.
Motherboard– refers to the structural part of the computer and is the main board of the PC. It houses: a processor, a microprocessor kit, buses, RAM, ROM, connectors for connecting additional devices. The motherboard is designed for the interaction of its devices and the exchange of information between them.
Central processing unit (CPU)– a functional part of a computer that performs basic operations for processing data and controlling the operation of other blocks. The central processing unit (microprocessor) is designed to provide general control of the computer.
This is the most complex component of a computer, both in terms of electronics and functionality. The central processor consists of the following interconnected components: an arithmetic-logical unit, a control unit and registers.
Microprocessor made in the form of VLSI (ultra-large-scale integrated circuit), contains about 10 6 or more elements.
The central processor is the “brain” of the computer, the main chip that performs arithmetic and logical operations and controls other computer devices.
The main characteristics of the processor are:
- bit depth shows how many bits of data it can receive and process in its registers in one clock cycle;
- operating clock frequency is the number of operations per second (Hz). The operating frequency of some processors exceeds 3 billion cycles per second
- internal clock frequency multiplication factor can reach from 10 to 20 and above;
- cache memory size: There is a buffer area inside the processor to increase data processing speed - this is cache memory.
Arithmetic logic unit(ALU) is part of the processor,
performs the main work of processing information stored in RAM. It performs arithmetic and logical operations.
Operations are performed using electronic circuits, each of which consists of several thousand elements.
Control device (CU)– this is the functional part of the central processor. It generates a sequence of control signals, ensuring
for fetching and executing commands.
Storage devices: classification, principle of operation, main characteristics
Storage devices (memory) are used to store programs. The memory of a personal computer PC is divided into internal and external. Inner memory divided into:
1) operational; 2) constant; 3) buffer.
Table 11 presents the main characteristics and purpose of each type of memory.
Table 11 - Main characteristics of computer memory
ROM is a read-only memory device.
Slow memory is necessary to start the computer when turned on, non-volatile.
RAM – random access memory or random access memory (RAM).
Access time is a defining characteristic of random access memory (RAM). It is measured in billionths of a second (nanoseconds, ns). ns units – for modern memory modules. Memory consists of a finite number of cells, each of which has its own unique number or address. Access to the OS cell
is indicated by indicating its address.
Cache memory - RAM memory: Located between the processor and RAM. When the microprocessor accesses memory, it first searches for the required data in the cache memory, thereby reducing the average memory access time.
Part of the RAM is allocated for storing images received on the monitor screen and is called video memory . The larger the video memory, the more complex and high-quality images can be obtained on the display.
RAM, cache are volatile, i.e. are cleared when the power is turned off.
ESD – external storage device (non-volatile)
Types of VZU:
Winchester is a hard disk drive. The principle of writing data to a hard drive is to magnetize the surface of the disk;
Floppy disks are storage devices on flexible magnetic disks;
Laser discs: example: Compact disc (CD) is an optical disc from which information is read by a laser beam;
Flash memory – removable data storage devices, characterized by constantly growing memory capacity from one model to another.
Ports
Ports are devices through which peripheral devices are connected to the system unit. In hardware, ports are implemented in the form of connectors on the rear wall of the system unit. Typically the following types of ports are distinguished:
Serial port (COM, PS/2) – transmits data characters one bit at a time. A mouse and modem are connected through COM ports, and a keyboard and mouse are connected through a PS/2 port;
Parallel port (LPT) – transfers a byte of data at the same time. Used for printers and scanners. The USB port is a universal port to which you can connect up to 127 external devices that support the USB standard. This could be a printer, scanner, monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.
In addition to the named ports, there are others.
Basic characteristics of computer technology
The main characteristics of computer technology include:
Performance, which is measured by the number of elementary operations performed by the central processor per second (hertz). Depending on the area of application, computers are produced with speeds ranging from several hundred thousand to billions of operations per second;
The amount of RAM is determined by the maximum amount of information that can be placed in the computer's memory;
The accuracy of the calculation depends on the number of digits (bits) used to represent a single number. Modern computers are equipped with 32- or 64-bit microprocessors, which is quite sufficient to ensure high accuracy of calculations in a wide variety of applications
Computer reliability is the ability of a machine to maintain its properties under given operating conditions for a certain period of time.
Questions for self-control
1. Basic principles of computer construction, formulated by John von Neumann.
2. External devices of a personal computer for entering information.
3. External devices of a personal computer for outputting information.
4. Main characteristics of the central processor.
5. Types of VZU.
6. Arithmetic logic unit (ALU), structure and purpose
7. The main components of any computer.
8. Purpose of the central processor.
9.Types of computer memory and purpose.
10.Differences between external and internal memory.
11. Microprocessor characteristics.
12. Main characteristics of computer technology
Software computer
Software is a collection of all programs and the documentation necessary for their operation.
Computer software is designed to process a variety of information in order to solve various problems.
Purpose, composition and main characteristics of the computer. Is a personal computer a complex technical device that it is better not to meddle with, or a device that is completely accessible to understanding and evaluation, which everyone can understand?
Let's consider a personal computer from the point of view of an ordinary person who is interested in certain functions performed by the computer. To do this, we will try to understand what a computer consists of and which components are required, which are desirable (in connection with the intended use of the device), and which can be omitted when purchasing (or upgrading) your electronic assistant.
So, any personal device consists of a system unit, monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers. This is what you see with most computer owners. There are also printers, modems, video cameras, gamepads and other similar devices connected to personal computers.
Let us immediately clarify that we are trying to show a certain minimum of devices that will allow you to fully use an expensive device for your personal or household interests. To do this, you only need a monitor, a system unit, a keyboard, a mouse and speakers.
Monitor is a means of visualizing the information exchange occurring between you (as a user) and the computing system - the computer. Monitors vary in size, matrix performance, color gamut, etc. In principle, a monitor can be compared to a TV.
In addition, modern TVs and monitors are completely interchangeable.
Keyboard and mouse – a means of entering information and commands into a computer. They do not require any special explanation. Note that keyboards come in full-size and shortened versions, and mice vary in shape and number of function keys.
Columns– devices for reproducing sounds. Vary appearance and the power of the sounds produced. Currently, monitors can be equipped with speakers.
The main counting (for the user the most significant function is the program execution function) device of a personal computer is the system unit. The system unit itself is a metal-plastic box on which a number of buttons and connectors are located.
The buttons include: power and reset buttons, as well as open/close buttons various devices. The connectors are designed for connecting headphones, microphones, and external storage devices. The internal components of the system unit are of greatest interest.
Composition of the system unit:
1) motherboard;
2) processor;
3) hard drive;
4) power supply;
5) RAM;
6) input devices from external media (CD, DVD, BD drives, USB connectors, floppy drives may also be found in older models);
7) in addition, may include an audio card, video card, TV tuner, network card, card reader, etc.
Motherboard – the largest and most visible part of the system unit (after the unit itself, of course). The main purpose of the motherboard is to combine all the components of the computer into a single whole, into a functional device. The motherboard houses all the devices included in the system unit (with the exception of the power supply), which are connected to each other through special input connectors, called cables and slots, and electronic conductive tracks.
The brain of the computer is CPU- This is the most important and main element of your device. The main purpose of the processor is to solve problems assigned to the computer. In this regard, the main task of the processor becomes problem solving.
Many people, when they see the word “solve,” assume solving mathematical problems. But the processor, by solving mathematical problems, helps implement any type of activity: write texts, play games, communicate in social networks, create drawings, process photographs, listen to music, etc.
A special feature of the processor is its architecture and socket type. The architecture determines the size of the processor, the order in which it processes commands, and the way it performs tasks. Socket is the type of connector that the processor connects to. Note that the Socket of the processor and motherboard must match.
HDD or permanent memory. Sometimes you can still see the name “hard drive”, after the name of the first company that created a long-term memory device built into a computer. The main purpose of a hard drive is long-term storage of information.
Information here means everything: a program (in fact, any program is a list of commands that the processor needs to execute), a photograph, and a text file. In addition, it is installed on the hard drive (and in fact permanently stored) operating system and programs. It is the hard drive that creates the appearance of the best organizer for a computer person.
RAM – a special device designed for temporary storage of information during the calculation process. On the one hand, one might assume that RAM is an optional element of a computer, but this is not the case. In reality, any calculation involves intermediate results.
It is for storing these intermediate results that RAM is intended. A feature of RAM or “RAM”, as they say in computer slang, is its frequency. The RAM frequency must match the frequency of the motherboard connector.
power unit– the main source of electricity for all elements of the computer system unit. Nowadays, the power supply is included in the system unit, but sometimes it has to be purchased separately.
This feature can be useful when purchasing a specialized computer, for example, for audio processing or a server. External electricity is supplied to the power supply, which is distributed through the motherboard to other consumers.
External information input devices . The main purpose of these devices does not require special explanation. We can only note that you need to understand what external devices you will use. Currently, DVD and USB drives are the most popular.
However, CDs have not lost their relevance either. In addition, the bulk of audio files are recorded on CDs. Let us note that DVD drives CDs are quite easy to read. The same can be said about BluRay (BD) drives. They can read both DVDs and CDs. In addition, of course, BD discs.
USB or flash drives are now the most widespread. This is easy to explain from a logical point of view, since they are small in size, have large amounts of memory and a fairly high speed of information exchange with a computer.
Let us note one feature: the presence of a USB input on the system unit does not mean at all that you can use it. To do this, the motherboard inserted into your system unit must have a corresponding connector connected to these USB inputs.
All the basic devices necessary for the operation of a personal computer have been listed. Now let's look at additional components, such as an audio and video card, a network card, a card reader and a TV tuner.
Audio and video card , as a rule, is now built into the motherboard. But, in order to save both the resources of the motherboard itself and the buyer’s funds, they have weak characteristics. Of course, they are enough to play games or listen to an album of your favorite artist.
But, if you are going to process musical compositions, photos or videos, play resource-intensive games with high quality, watch movies in HD or 3D quality, then the built-in capabilities will not be enough. In this case, you need to install an audio and (or) video card that has greater performance, its own RAM and often its own processor. Note that the motherboard always has connectors for additional audio and video cards.
LAN card, like the audio (video) card, is also built into the motherboard. Modern motherboards are quite powerful in terms of networking equipment, so there is no particular need to purchase an additional network card. However, if you feel (or know) that the built-in capabilities are not enough, you can always install additional hardware.
However, do not forget that each additional equipment requires its own power supply. Therefore, when purchasing each new board, do not forget to evaluate the adequacy of the power that your power supply produces.
Card reader– a special device for reading information from removable media such as SD, microSD, etc. These mini and micro media are usually used in portable devices (photos, video cameras, phones, players, etc.).
For the purpose of exchanging information between your computer and these devices without connecting the devices themselves, card readers were invented. As is already clear, the card reader is connected to the rest of the computer components via the motherboard using a special connector.
TV tuner designed to receive television or radio signals. It connects to the motherboard. Sometimes a TV tuner is built into the video card (as well as into the motherboard itself).
In conclusion, we note that we have examined the main components of a personal computer. It is very common to see many other devices connected or inserted into the computer. But, in order to fully use your device at home, these devices are quite enough.