The Anatomy of a Computer

RAM is one of the most important components of a computer. It stands for Random Access Memory. It can store short term data, like programs and data from input and output devices. It works with the hard-drive as it sends the data for long term data.

The Hard Drive or SSD is a data storage device that uses a magnetic disk to retrieve and store data. It works with the RAM as it sends the hard drive files or programs to save for long term data to be able to open at any time.

ROM is another type of short-term memory device, which stands for Read-Only Memory. They are used to store the startup function for a computer and the contents are not lost when the computer is turned off, also called firmware.

Cache

The Cache memory is another type of memory known as the SRAM: Static Random Access Memory. It's a high speed which is used to store the recent program files that have been accessed by the CPU.

A monitor is an output device that can display images, text and programs via pixels. It is connected to the CPU using what is called an HDMI cable. There are thousands of pixels on a monitor and that can depend on the size of your monitor.

This device can output audio and is used for emitting a sound when listening to music, videos or programs that use sound. It can communicate with the CPU use a Digital Audio RCA cable

A peripheral device which can print out representations of text or pictures on paper. The printer can communicate with the CPU to be able to know what to print out.

HDMI cables is an interface that is used to transmit video and audio to peripheral devices like the monitor. This connects the monitor to the CPU to be able to display what the CPU has processed.

The CPU stands for the central processing unit. This device is known as the heart of the computer. It can perform basic logical, arithmetical and input/output operations of a computer. The three main functions of the CPU is fetching, decode, execute.

The motherboard is the main circuit board of the PC. It allows communication between important electronic parts of the computer, like the CPU, memory and provided connectors and ports for peripherals.

BIOS is the Basic Input Output system on the PC. It manages the flow of data between the parts of the computer, such as hard drives, video adapter, keyboard and mouse. It is pre-installed on your computer's system board and is the software to run first when the computer is powered on.

The Video Card is also known as the graphics card can display an image on your monitor. When the CPU sends information about an image, the graphics will decide how to use the pixels to display the image on the screen.

A sound card is an expansion card also called an IC. Its main function is to produce sound on a computer, which can be heard through output devices like speakers and headphones.

This device is a crucial component for the computer if you want to connect to the internet. The NIC or network interface card is a hardware which is a chip and its main purpose is so you're able to connect to the network.

This device is able to supply power to an electrical load like the computer. The main function for this device is to convert the electrical current to the correct voltage that can be handled and needed for the computer.

PCI Express

PCI Express is a high-speed computer expansion card standard. This is usually located on the motherboard and it can connect with interfaces like graphics card, Ethernet hardware and WiFi connections.

RAM slots

Also called the memory socket or memory slot is where it allows the RAM to be inserted into the motherboard. On a motherboard, there could be 2-4 slots.

SATA

It can connect adapters to different mass storage drives like an SSD, optical drive or hard disk.

A keyboard is an input device on a computer. You can use it to input commands to the computer and can be used to write. It has an arrangement of keys which can be thought of as switches.

Another input device is used to control the cursor of them on a computer. It is a handheld device that can detect motion depending on the surface. It can be used to interact with different items on the screen, which can be moved selected by clicking the two right and left buttons.

An input device which can be used to communicate with other people online with your voice.

Stands for Universal Serial Bus and its port is used to establish connections, communication and power supply to input or output peripheral devices.

This is a type of digital audio connect used to connect audio devices like headphones and speakers. The signals for this device are sent of fibre optic cables.

A USB cables are connectors that connect the device for example mouse to a USB port to be able to communicate with the CPU of the computer. Most of the devices that the USB cables are connected to are peripheral.