We explain what the internal parts of a computer are and what the characteristics and functions of each one are.
The internal parts of a computer
Computers, computers or Computers are one of the most powerful technological tools never invented by humanity, whose place in our lives has become increasingly indispensable with the passage of time. Working, meeting people, playing, researching… everything is done through one of these machines. Here we will talk about its internal components, that is, about the hardware that operates without the need for user interference.
The internal parts of a computer are those that are not commonly exposed to view but they form the “innards” of the device hidden within the CPU (from English Central Processing Unit or Central Processing Unit). Its operation is totally essential for the correct behavior of the computer system.
Below we will detail the main components of a computer:
Processor
The processor It is an electronic circuit that acts as the logical and arithmetic brain of the computer since that is where the billions of calculations per second that sustain the entire software are carried out.
It is easily recognizable on the motherboard, as it is a black square with a small fan on top, since they usually require constant cooling to avoid overloading.
Processors (microprocessors, today) can be of different brands and operate at high speeds, generally measurable in gigahertz (Ghz).
Continue in: Processor
Motherboard
Also known as the motherboard, It is the main CPU board where the processor is located, the RAM memory slots, the ROM modules and where the other system cards are directly inserted.
It is a series of circuits on the same platform, which act as the core of the system, integrating its different internal components. This is where the firmware is located that is, the software pre-programmed from the factory in the system.
power source
The heart of the system, which supplies electrical power to the motherboard and all other CPU components so that they can operate when needed and can keep certain basic and essential systems running when the computer is turned off.
RAM memory
Its name comes from the acronym of Random Access Memory o Random Access Memory. are a series of modules connected to the motherboard where the programs go to run, both those activated by the system and those activated by the user. However, everything in RAM will be erased when the system shuts down or reboot.
It should not be confused with ROM memory (of Read-Only Memorythat is, Read Only Memory) that is contained in the motherboard, and from which only data can be extracted. Nor with disk storage space.
hard drive
Also known as “hard” disk (by translation of hard drive), it is about place where permanent information of the computer system is stored that is, all the software contained in it, from the Operating System itself, to the programs or applications that its users install.
Being a literacy unit it is possible to enter and extract data from it, or in other words, record, read and delete information.
In the past, the hard drive was accompanied by disk reading units, floppy disks or various types of portable secondary storage. All of this has disappeared today after the invention of USB ports and portable memories (flash). There are even some computer models that completely lack a hard drive.
data cables
data cables serve to transmit information between CPU components in the same way as our veins and arteries do. There are different types of cables, such as the data bus (16, 32 and 64 bits), the IDE cable that connects the drives to the motherboard, or the SATA data cable. They tend to be of specific colors and have specific terminals.
video card
The Video Card or Video Card is a secondary card, connected to the Motherboard, which specializes in the processing of video information that is, to the emission of images and movement on monitors, projectors, etc.
Depending on its capabilities, therefore, we can have higher image quality and faster animations, or even three-dimensional effects or HD resolutions.
sound card
Similar to the Video Card, the Sound Card is integrated into the Motherboard, but Their work specializes in the processing of audio signals that is, in the quality, speed and clarity of the sound and musical emissions that the system is capable of emitting, which is key when watching movies, playing games, etc.
network card
The third type of card that is usually located on the motherboard is the network card, which It is a manager of the computer connections that the system can establish with networks or directly with other computers.
These cards usually incorporate connection ports for telephone or fiber optic cables, and also WiFi adapters or wireless networks, which can be managed by the user using the appropriate software.
Fan
Due to the high current and information traffic within the system, the CPU is a very hot place, so a heat sink, in the form of a fan, is always necessary.
This artifact extracts hot air and allows internal temperatures to decrease since overheating would stop the system and could even permanently damage some of its delicate components.
Continue with: Hardware and software
References
- “What's inside the computer?” at GCF Global LearnLibre.
- “Get to know the internal parts of a computer” (video) in Computing on the Web.
- “Internal parts of a computer” in VERY Educational.
- “Internal parts of the computer” (interactive map) in Educaplay.
- “Brief summary of the internal parts of a computer” on Academia.edu.
