Hardware for Idiots

The necessities of every computer technique are: a motherboard, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, & a hard drive. These parts are installed in a case to which are attached a monitor, a keyboard & a mouse. That is your basic computer.

Mother WHAT?

The motherboard ("mob" for short) is the foundation. Everything attaches to the mob -- the CPU, memory, hard drive, monitor, mouse, keyboard, add-on cards, and even additional peripherals like printers, scanners, & speakers. The motherboard is like the nervous technique & skeleton of the human body -- it provides support for the internal parts & also passes knowledge between the computer parts.

CPU

If the motherboard is the nervous technique, then the CPU is the brain. Most of the mathematical manipulations that make computers operate are done by the CPU. Other parts may also have their own processors, but their results still must be passed through the CPU.

The speed of the computer is usually measured by the speed of the CPU. Although other factors also affect overall speed, the CPU rating is usually seen as the single most important measure of performance.

Modern CPUs are usually rated between.0 GHz &.0 GHz, although each passing month will see increasing performance. This measurement refers to the number of calculations the processor can make in second. The higher the number, the faster (better) the computer.

CPUs generate plenty of heat doing this work, so they need a heat sink & fan to keep them from overheating. Heat is a major enemy of the computer & directly affects its life span.

Computer Memory

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the part of the computer that stores knowledge the computer needs while it is operating. It is Random Access because the computer can get the knowledge in any order, not necessarily the order in which it is stored. Usually speaking, the more RAM the better. 512 to 1024 megabytes is common for memory.

Hard Drive

All the knowledge contained in RAM is lost when the computer is turned off, so there has to be a place to store it permanently. This is what the hard disk is for.

It holds the computer's operating technique. An operating technique like Windows makes use of around gigabytes of hard drive space. The additional space is used to put in computer programs & to store your personal knowledge.

80 gigabyte hard drives are common, but 400 GB units are obtainable. Furthermore, you can install over in a computer case for added security & convenience.

Peripherals

All you need to complete the basic computer technique is a monitor, keyboard & mouse.

Accessories like a printer or scanner are useful for office work, & game lovers will probably need to add speakers & joystick controls.

So there you have it. The basic computer needs 7 major parts. For the best performance, these parts must integrate well. The motherboard is the key part for determining the type & specification of the other parts. Choosing an appropriate mob for your computer needs is step & may need a fast call to your local geek.

Soon YOU will be considered the local geek!