Hardware Components
Hardware components are those that are within the computer, the internal components, the different pieces that make up the computer, These are all the parts that you can physically touch and change to improve your system to make it run faster and smoother or to replace a component that became damaged.
Processor |
A processor is the central unit in a computer the that interprets instructions and carries out the data processing.
The processor is also regarded as the heart of the computer, this is basically because it controls everything. Computer Processors are constantly being improved and the designers seek to improve the speed and capabilities of the processor, typically the amount of power (Volts) that is needed is reduced this means that the processor becomes much more reliable due to the chances of it overheating reduce. |
Motherboard |
Holds all the components needed for the computer, is an interlink. All internal components connect to the motherboard.
This is arguably the most important component within a computer, this is because it houses many ports that are required for the Computer to function. All the computer components are connected to this motherboard as it allows for them to communicate between each other by sending commands and data packets back and forth. This could also be referred to as foundation of the computer. |
BIOS |
BIOS is the basic operating system that is required for a computer to function, without an operating system a computer is rendered useless as there is no way for the user to interact and communicate with the components of the computer. There are many different operating systems out there which are GUI, for example;
The more popular and widely known operating systems are MAC OS X and Windows, however there are many other operating systems, for example, Linux and UNIX. These OS’ are not well know but they are very useful. UNIX is most commonly used for server operation as it is very specific in the tasks that are needed to be completed, this is a code based operating system (Command based). Linux on the other hand is a free, open source operating system that is also very light weight (Doesn't take up a lot of storage). |
Heat Sink |
A heat sink is a passive heat ex-changer that cools a device by dissipating heat into the surrounding space. The heat sink is usually paired with a fan as they come as a bundle that work together, the heat sink is usually located on or next to the CPU to make sure that it doesn't overheat. A Heat sink usually has aluminum or copper alloys that are are great thermal conductors, A heat sink is there to make sure that the CPU chip doesn't overheat, get damaged or even melt.
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Fan |
A fan is used to control the temperature of the computer parts and to cool them down when needed. There are three different types of fans.
The fan is there to regulate the temperature of the components within the the case of the computer. This is to make sure that non of the components over heat and crash. |
IDE |
Ide, is the cable that was used in older models of computers, this cable typically connected CD-ROMS and hard drives to the motherboard. this cable is also commonly referred to as the ATA able. This cable can only be 18 inches long and had a transfer rate of 133 mbps. With the speeds of other computer components improving such as the CPU, RAM ,etc. Designers saw that the IDE cables will soon be hindering the advancement of these components. Because of their huge sizes they also clogged up the inside of the computer making air flow for cooling very difficult.
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SATA |
SATA cable is the new and improved IDE cable. The SATA cable is more smaller in size, which allows maximum airflow, and it also has a small 7 pin connector. This cable also required a lot less power for example; SATA cables require 250 mV compared to IDEs 5- Volts. This small cable is seen to be the future and is replacing IDE cables in all computers being manufactured now.
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Ports – Parallel & Serial |
Serial - information transfers in or out one bit at a time. That one it is transformed into eight bits. A serial port will usually be made up of either nine or 25 pin connectors. A serial port is capable of sending information back and forth. These ports are the oldest type of ports, computer mice and keyboards used to use them to connect to the computer.
Parallel - A port that connects different types of peripheral hardware to the computer, in order to use. parallel ports are distinctive because of the two screw ports that secure the components to the computer. These are also referred to as printer ports because they were first used by printer in the 1970s. |
Internal Memory ROM
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Once data has been written onto a ROM chip, it cannot be removed and can only be read. Typically ROM contains the code to allow your computer to boot up when it is switched off, ROM doesn't lose its it memory once its computer power is turned off therefore it is very different to its ‘brother’ RAM.
ROM is sustained by a small long-life battery in your computer. If you ever do the hardware setup procedure instead of writing to the hard drive, you will be writing for to ROM. |
Internal Memory Cache |
A chip that stores commonly opened software and documents so that it doesn't have to look through its central memory system in order to find and open those documents much faster. A memory cache can be programmed to do three different things for example;
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Internal Memory RAM |
Random Access Memory – Creates a temporary cache which can be seen as ‘short term’ memory. RAM is the most common type of memory that can be found. It is uses vary from, printers and scanners to Smart phones and servers.
RAM allows the computer or program to access it randomly. Any byte can be accessed without touching any other bytes. This basically means that the data is separate and is not needed to interact together. |
Hard Drive |
The hard drive is responsible for storing all the data. In other words all the files that are required. from photos, to the operating system. There are two different types of hard drives SSDs and HDDs the difference between them is that the HDD has a disk that has a magnetic pointer that searches for the information, this pointer can read and write therefore it can delete or create information with ease. The typical rate in which HDDs find data is 25ms and they hace a 7,500rpm.
SSDs are also known as Flash hard drives, they are more reliable as data is stored on memory chips instead of a spinning disk making it much quicker and spacious. This type of HD is used in netbooks and small compact laptops, however it can be also used in PCs. |
Network Card |
Network card is an electronic device that connects a computer to a computer network, usually a LAN.
The network card is what allows your computer to access the internet, this could either be through a Ethernet cable, or this could also be wireless. These are the two different Network Cards, PCs generally do not have a wireless network card where as laptops do. Wireless cables typically vary in speeds, as you can get a wireless card that only goes to the speeds of 50mbs or if you need, you can get faster wireless cards. The Network card connects to the motherboard, though the SATA cable. |
Graphics Card |
A hardware component that controls the output to a display screen, this component is also referred to as the video card.
Graphics cards are very important when it comes to gaming, the more RAM the graphics card has the better it typically performs however, the make and model of the graphics card must also come into consideration. A fast Graphics card is not only needed for gaming, they are also for every day use, as your computer can have top of the line specs but if the graphics card is of poor quality, it hinders everything else. All parts of the computer are connected, therefore if there is one thing that is of poor quality, it can lower the quality of the whole computer. The graphics card is responsible for rendering images onto the computer monitor. |
Power Supply |
Hardware that provides power to the hardware of the computer.
A computer power supply is actually very smart, it takes the electrical current from the mains and it transforms it to the levels that are required by different components, this means that there is no need for adapters or transformers within the computer for different components. As electricity enters the power supply, it stays there for momentarily but then it is sent to numerous devices within the computer. |