Components of a Computer System

Components of a Computer System

1. Hardware

   • Definition: The physical components of a computer
     • CPU (Central Processing Unit): Processes all the information received from the hardware and software.
     • Motherboard: The main circuit board within a computer linking all of its main components.
     • RAM: The 'short-term memory of a computer where the data currently in use is kept. RAM memory is volatile.
       • Solid State Drive: Non-Volatile Memory storage used to store and access data, much like a computer RAM
     • ROM: the built-in computer memory that can only be read not written ex. the programming that runs the computer. ROM memory is non-Volatile.
       • Hard Disk Drive: Non-Volatile Storage where the computer main memory is stored. Contains moving parts.
     • Graphics Card: An internal board that creates a picture on a display.
     • Sound card: an expansion card used for producing sound on a computer.
     • Input and Output Devices
       • Output: any external device that receives data from the computer for output
         • Monitor
         • Speakers
         • Printer
         • Projector
       • Input: A device that sends data to a computer
         • Keyboard
         • Mouse
         • Webcam
         • Scanner
         • MICR
         • OMR
     • Storage Devices: Capable of storing data temporarily or permanently.
       • Magnetic Storage: data stored on a magnetized medium. Non volatile and cannot be written ore than once
         • Hard Disk Drive
         • Magnetic Tape drive
         • Cassete
       • Optical Storage: media is written and read using laser assembly. Some types are read-only, some can be written and read multiple times

2. Software