Computer Hardware Review

Computer Maintenance

Power Supply

Power Supply

Supplies power to the whole computer.

Motherboard

Motherboard

A large circuit board that all components in the computer connect to. (heart of the computer)

Processor (CPU)

Processor or CPU

The chip that does all the calculations for the computer to do its job. (brain of the computer)

Memory (RAM)

Memory or RAM

Chip assemblies that store data temporary for very quick recall.

Hard Drive

Hard Drive

A device that stores data, such as the operating system, permanently on enclosed magnetic disks.

Optical Drive

Optical Drives

Devices that read, or read and write data from and onto discs using laser beams.

Floppy Drive

Floppy Drive

Stores and reads data on removable magnetic diskettes.

BIOS

Basic Input Output System (BIOS)

A program that works as soon as the computer is powered on to test hardware.

Video Card

Video Card

A device that generates a video signal to be shown on the monitor.

Sound Card

Sound Card

A device that allows the computer to play and record sound.

Network Card

Network Card

A device that connects the computer to the network.

Ports

Ports

Connectors, usually on the back of the computer for connecting peripheral devices.

Heat sink

Heat sink

Metal radiator that absorbs the heat from the processor.

Fan

Fan

Circulates the air in the computer. Helps cool the computer.