Different Types of Computer Components

Task 1

Arrange the arrows so they provide a link between the correct names for the
different types of computer components.

Motherboard

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Internal Hard Disk Drive

External Hard Disk Drive

Graphics Card

Peripherals

Unit 1: Types and Components of Computer Systems Mark Nicholls – ICT Lounge
 Task 2
Unit 1: Types and Components of Computer Systems Mark Nicholls – ICT Lounge
 In the table below you should describe the functions of each computer
component. Use the course website and the link below to help you complete
this task.

Computer Description of the functions of each

Component component
● The motherboard, usually referred to as the
mainboard or system board, is a critical
component of a computer system. It functions
as the focal point for integrating and enabling
communication between various hardware
parts.
● The distribution of power is one of the tasks

Motherboard carried out on a motherboard. Power from the

power supply unit (PSU) gets transmitted to the
mother board, which then distributes it to all
other parts of the computer system.

● It also allows us to transfer data. The

motherboard facilitates data transfer between
various components.

CPU ● A crucial part of a computer system is the CPU,

commonly referred to as the processor or
central processing unit. Its main duties consist
of:
● Carrying out of instruction of a program,
performing calculations, logical operations, and
data processing
● The CPU performs various arithmetic
operations, such as addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division. It also executes
logical operations, including comparisons,
Unit 1: Types and Components of Computer Systems Mark Nicholls – ICT Lounge
 bitwise operations, and conditional branching.

● Ram holds information that the CPU requires

for quick access when running programs. This
contains operating system data, application
data, and computer instructions.
● RAM makes multitasking possible by letting the
computer run numerous programs at once. A
specific amount of RAM is given to each
application for data and instruction storage.

RAM ● RAM provides temporary storage for data that

needs to be processed or accessed quickly.

Explain what “Volatile” means:

When relating to computer memory, the term

"volatile" indicates a memory type whose stored
data is lost when the power is cut off or the
machine is turned off. RAM is regarded as
volatile since it needs a constant flow of power
to sustain the data it stores.

ROM ● ROM is commonly used to store firmware,

which is permanent software embedded in
hardware devices.
● The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) or
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is
stored in ROM. The BIOS/UEFI is responsible for
low-level system operations, including
hardware initialization, system configuration,
and the boot process.
● Some types of ROM, such as Mask ROM
(MROM) and Programmable Read-Only
Memory (PROM), are used for permanent data

Unit 1: Types and Components of Computer Systems Mark Nicholls – ICT Lounge
 storage.

Explain what “Non-Volatile” means:

Non-volatile memory is a form of memory that

keeps its recorded data even after the power is
cut off or the computer is switched off. In ROM,
the information is programmed during
production and is kept indefinitely in the
memory chip. The information contained in
ROM cannot be altered or deleted by regular
computer processes since it is designed to be
read-only.

● Digital data storage is the main purpose of

storage equipment. This contains the operating
system, programs, files, multimedia, and other
user data.
● Storage devices enable the organization and
Storage Devices management of files and folders.
● Storage devices allow for the retrieval of stored
data whenever required. Users can access files
and transfer them to memory or other storage
media for processing or further usage.

● A graphic card's primary function is to render

visuals on a display. It takes the information
coming from the CPU and changes it so that it
may be seen on the screen.

Graphics Card ● Graphic cards are responsible for hardware-

accelerated video playback.
● They manage the intricate computations
necessary for producing realistic and engaging
gaming worlds.

Unit 1: Types and Components of Computer Systems Mark Nicholls – ICT Lounge
 ● Peripherals such as keyboards, mouse,
trackpads, and joysticks are used to provide
input to the computer.
● Peripherals like monitors, printers, speakers,
and headphones provide output from the
Peripherals
computer.
● They provide additional storage capacity for
storing files, documents, applications,
multimedia content, and backups.

Unit 1: Types and Components of Computer Systems Mark Nicholls – ICT Lounge