CPU:

The CPU processes the computer s data and exchanges it with the other components a
nd peripherals.
The CPU is often referred to as the brain of the computer.
MOTHERBOARD:
The motherboard connects all these peripherals together including the RAM, CPU,
expansion slots and the heat sink, hard disk drive, and video card, sound card,
and NIC.
RAM:
RAM or Random Accessing Memory is the main memory that stores data on the comput
er.
RAM is a type of volatile memory which means it requires electricity to store da
ta, so when the computer is powered down all the memory is wiped.
POWERSUPPLY:
The Power Supply Unit supplies all the computer components which power (electric
ity). The Power Supply Unit changes AC (Alternating Current) from the mains supp
ly into low-voltage regulated DC ( Direct Current) which is used by the componen
ts.
FAN:
One of the main problems with computers, especially laptops, are that they can o
verheat easily. To stop this problem fans are added to cool the computer down.
The main fan is positioned on the CPU because the CPU is prone to overheating. F
irstly a thermal compound is put on top of the CPU followed by the heat sink, an
d the fan is placed on top of this.
ADAPTER CARDS:
On the motherboard there are a couple of expansion slots. In these expansion slo
ts go several printed circuit boards, or adapter cards as they are more commonly
known.
1. The sound card is an adapter card that allows the computer to have extended s
ound capabilities, and for sound components to be used, for example, headphones.
2. The Video or Graphics card is an adapter card that allows the computer to sh
ow graphics on the monitor.
HARD DRIVE:
The HDD (Hard disk Drive) is a drive that can read and write on a magnetically c
oated platter, that spins at a high speed. There can be more than one patter (d
isk) in the hard drive.
While the platter is rotating the magnetic head reads the data stored on it.
OPTICAL DRIVE:
There are two types of optical drives.
The DVD drive is a DVD player built in to the base unit. The DVD-ROM drive allow
s the computer to run DVD s.
The other optical drive is the CD-ROM drive, which allows the computer to run CD
-ROMs . These have, however, mostly been replaced by DVD drives.