Unit 2, Task 1, P1

Internal system unit components:

In computer architecture a bus is a communication that transfers data between computer components. This covers all hardware and software components. The computer bus transfers control, timing and data signals between switching processor subsystems.

Processors - A processor interprets information from the hardware and makes the appropriate services available to other parts of the system. It then processes all the data generated. The processor is the brain of the computer and makes everything else work. It is the reason that you are able to move the cursor, print, type, etc.

Motherboard - A motherboard is the main printed circuit board found in computers. It connects all parts of the computer together. Ports and expansion cards all connect to the motherboard directly or via cables.

BIOS (Basic input/output system) - A computer’s BIOS is the first software the PC loads. It finds all of the PC’s hardware components and lets the operating system know how it can use them.

Power Supply - The power supply converts mains AC to low voltage DC power for the internal components of the computer.

Fan and Heatsink or Cooling - Heatsinks help to keep the CPU cool and prevent it from overheating. Sometimes the heatsink can become too hot if the CPU is running at full capacity for an extended time. When this happens a fan is used in combination with the heatsink to keep both at an acceptable temperature.

Hard drive configuration and controllers SATA or IDE or EIDE - The hard drive is a disc inside of a metal box that is able to read data. These hard drives are not as popular anymore as there are more up to date and quicker versions (solid state hard drive). A hard drive is where you save all of your files from your computer.

Ports USB and/or parallel and/or serial - A USB port connects stand alone electrical devices such as a keyboard, a mouse or a webcam.

Internal memory RAM, ROM and cache - ROM is memory that cannot be changed by a program or user. ROM keeps its memory even when the computer is turned off. ROM stores the instructions for the computer to start up when it is turned on again. RAM is a fast, temporary type of memory where programs, applications and data are stored. The operating system, applications and the GUI are stored in RAM. The cache is inside the processor and is used to stop RAM speed slowing.

Specialised cards network and/or graphics cards - Specialised cards can be added to a system. There are network cards, TV tuner cards and graphics cards. Network cards allow you to connect to a network. You can get wireless network cards and wired network cards. A graphics card is a component that deals with the graphics on the screen. It generates words and pictures for on the screen.

Peripherals

Printer - A printer is a machine that connects to a computer and allows you to print out paper copies of documents.

Scanner - A scanner is a device that scans documents and converts them into digital data.

Twisted Pair Cabling - A type of wiring that contains two wires twisted together.

Backing Storage

Pen Drive - A pen drive is a USB flash memory for storing and transferring audio, video and data files from a computer.

Hard Drive - The hard drive is in charge of storage on the computer. Everything you store on your computer is kept on the hard drive, not only your documents, photos and music but also your programs, preferencing and operating system. If your hard drive is damaged all of this content can be lost. This is why most people have a back up hard drive and copy all of their important files onto it.