This presentation covers the most vital components in the complex that is a computer.

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2.  The central processing unit (CPU), is considered as the brain of a computer.
 Its primary function is to process data at extremely fast rates, the maximum
data that they can process is determined by the CPU speed.
 The CPU speed is referred to as GHz. The higher the CPU speed, the more
data can be processed.
 The size of a CPU is referred to in bits. Bits are used to specify the size of a
CPU, a bit refers to one significant place in the numbers that a CPU deals
with. For example, an 8-bit CPU deals with number that can only be
represented by eight binary digits.
 Processors range in compatibility with motherboards, it limits what
processors can be used with certain motherboards. Certain CPU’s may
require higher specifications that only certain motherboards can offer.
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3.  ROM - Read only memory, this type
of memory allows users to view and
access the data stored, however
they cannot be modified. It is
mainly used to share firmware, due
to its limitations.
 EEPROM – Electronically Erasable
Programmable ROM, this is a form
of ROM that can be electronically
erased on a computer, which can
be be more useful and practical in
most situations.
 Flash memory – This is a form of
data storage that can work with
the absence of a power supply. It is
similar to EEPROM, due to the fact
that data can be erased and
modified electronically.
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4.  RAM – Random access memory, more than one piece of data saved or
stored on RAM can be accessed from any part of the memory
simultaneously. This improves flexibility and more usability when
compared against ROM.
 There are several types of RAM, some more modern than others, there
are two main types: SDRAM and DDR.
 SDRAM – (Synchronous DRAM) This type of RAM is relatively old, at
officially scales at 133MHz, but as processors get faster, other, faster
types of RAM are required.
 DDR – (Double Data Rate SDRAM) in simple terms, this type of RAM
doubles the rate of data transfer than standard SDRAM.
 DRAM has two major form factors: DIMM and RIMM.
 DIMM – They are 64-bit components, they are commonly used, SDRAM
DIMM and DDR DIMM are physically different, therefore incompatible
together.
 SODIMM is a memory module designed primarily for laptops and
printers , therefore they are smaller in size.
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5.  Internal storage device – A hard disk drive is a form of an internal storage
device.
 Types of HDD – There are four main types of hard disk drive: SATA, PATA,
SCSI and Solid State.
 SATA – Serial ATA, is a bus interface used to connect host bus adapters to
mass storage devices, such as hard disk drives and optical drives. SATA
was designed to replace the older PATA.
 PATA – Parallel ATA, this is similar to SATA, and is used to connect mass
storage devices to the motherboard. It is a relatively older form of storage
device connection.
 SCSI – Small computer system interface, this is also similar to PATA and
SATA, but allows several peripherals to be connected to one port. This is
also a relatively older form of technology and is commonly replaced by
USB.
 Solid State Drive – SSD, this is a recent form of hard drive that consists of
fewer moving components, this reduces chance of failure and also
improves weight. They offer fast write and read performance, and they
are also quieter than conventional HDD’s.
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6.  In essence, an adapter card is a printed circuit board (PCB, that can be
inserted into the expansion slot in a computer and increases the
functionality.
 PCI – Peripheral Component Interconnect, is a standard for adapter
cards. It was developed by Intel, and is used mainly by high
performance graphics adapters.
 PCIe – PCI Express is a modern development of PCI, it uses point to point
links instead of parallel links used in PCI, and provides a high speed data
link between a processor and peripherals.
 PC Card – Originally known as PCMCIA Card, is the form factor of an
external peripheral designed mainly for laptops. Some modern uses of it
is devices such as network cards, modems and hard disks.
 The two main types of computing buses are parallel and serial. This refers
to the circuit configuration and determines what it can be used for.
 An adapter cards communicates with the processor by translating data
traveling through the cable into bytes so the processor can read it.
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7.  The motherboard is the part of the computer that links every other
component together, therefore is one of the most vital parts of the
computer.
 They receive power from the supply and communicates with every
component connected to itself.
 Motherboards are given a form factor, this determines the shape and
layout of the board, this is crucial when fitting a motherboard to a
computer, without the correct form factor, it will be deemed useless.
 The socket for the microprocessor defines what CPU’s can be used with
the motherboard.
 The chipset is the logical part of the motherboard, the north bridge and
the south bridge connect the other parts of the computer together.
 The BIOS is the necessary part of the motherboard that controls the
input/output system and regulates the most basic functions of the
computer during the start up process.
 The real time clock chip is battery operated and maintains basic settings
whilst keeping the system’s time.
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