Computers and Technology in the Communication Age |
In what is considered the Information Age, we all need to communicate, be it for personal or business tasks. Computers and technology have become an integral part of our everyday lives, encompassing almost everything we do from making a phone call to sending out correspondence via email, fax or text and instant messages, and voice and video chat. We depend on technology to keep in touch with friends and family, as well as business colleagues and partners. |
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About this article: Basic Computer Components
The basic computer components include the CPU, monitor, keyboard and mouse. You might also have extra equipment like a printer, scanner, speakers, microphone, webcam, and modem to connect to the Internet. |
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Basic computer components. |
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU is the most important part of your computer. It basically is a component which performs the basic operations of the computer, processes the data received and coordinates the flow of data between the various parts of the computer. It's more commonly known as the 'brain' of the computer.
2. Random Access Memory (RAM)
This is the part of the computer that hold the data which you are currently working on (the RAM is currently holding all the parts of the article which I've typed so far). It's a more volatile form of data storage, in the sense that if you suddenly encounter an electricity interruption, all the data you were currently working on will be lost. The more capacity your RAM has, the more data it can store temporarily, without slowing down your computer.
3. Hard Drive
This is a data storage medium which, unlike the RAM, saves the data even if there's a current failure or even when you turn it off. It houses all the programs you install, including your operating system, word processor, media players and other programmes you use. In addition, it also stores all your other data such as pictures, documents, spreadsheets, music and games. There are 2 types of hard drives, IDE and SATA. The latter is the one which is compatible with all modern computers.
4. Motherboard
This is the main circuit board of the computer, and all of your internal and external hardware of the computer is plugged into the motherboard. The speed at which the data travels across the motherboard is referred to as the BUS speed. Modern motherboards use the PCI Express (PCI-E) technology to increase the transfer rate of data across the motherboard.
5. DVD Drive / Burner
A DVD drive is a device which can read data stored on a DVD or CD, but cannot write anything on CDs or DVDs. To do this, you need a DVD writer (DVD Burner). Data is written on the DVD through a laser beam. A DVD Burner can also be used to burn data to CDs.
6. Ethernet Card
This is a circuit board which is connected to the motherboard, and which will enable your computer to connect to the Internet via an ADSL / DSL network, or to connect your computer with other computers in a network. In addition to an Ethernet card, you will need an external component called a Router.
7. Sound and Video Card
The sound card is a circuit board plugged into your motherboard, which enable you to input sound and to provide audio output. A video card is another circuit board which enables your computer to display high quality videos. Both these components are embedded in the modern motherboards, and people purchase external ones only if they need higher quality sound or graphics.
Summery: This article describes the various components of a computer, the basic requirements for carrying out day to day operations smoothly.
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