Computer Parts Study Guide
HARDWARE -- Physical parts of the computer. If you can touch it, it is hardware.
SOFTWARE -- Lists of instructions for the computer to carry out. You cannot touch a program so they are not the physical parts of the computer
MONITOR -- Displays a visual representation of what the computer has done when the program was run.
MOTHERBOARD -- Main board in the computer. All other boards connect to this board. The motherboard contains the main parts of the computer.
CPU -- The brains of the computer. The CPU processes all the instructions given to the computer.
RAM -- Random Access Memory. Temporary storage for information before it goes to the CPU. All information in a computer passes through the RAM chips. RAM is cleared out when the computer is powered off.
HARD DRIVE -- Stores information inside the computer. Information is stored by arranging magnetic particles on a metal plate.
CD ROM -- Optical drive that reads CD ROM disks with a laser. Can be used to run programs or store information.
POWER SUPPLY -- Provides power to all the parts of the computer and converts AC power into DC power.
HEAT SINK/CPU FAN -- The Heat Sink keeps the CPU running at a certain temperature. Without the Heat Sink, the CPU would overheat and destroy itself.
SOFTWARE -- Lists of instructions for the computer to carry out. You cannot touch a program so they are not the physical parts of the computer
MONITOR -- Displays a visual representation of what the computer has done when the program was run.
MOTHERBOARD -- Main board in the computer. All other boards connect to this board. The motherboard contains the main parts of the computer.
CPU -- The brains of the computer. The CPU processes all the instructions given to the computer.
RAM -- Random Access Memory. Temporary storage for information before it goes to the CPU. All information in a computer passes through the RAM chips. RAM is cleared out when the computer is powered off.
HARD DRIVE -- Stores information inside the computer. Information is stored by arranging magnetic particles on a metal plate.
CD ROM -- Optical drive that reads CD ROM disks with a laser. Can be used to run programs or store information.
POWER SUPPLY -- Provides power to all the parts of the computer and converts AC power into DC power.
HEAT SINK/CPU FAN -- The Heat Sink keeps the CPU running at a certain temperature. Without the Heat Sink, the CPU would overheat and destroy itself.