Parts of the computer Deandre Haynes

The Case The Case This Case is the "box" or "chassis" that holds and encloses the many parts of your computer. Its purpose is to protect them from damage and dust. The case is usually made of metal. The style and color of the case has changed somewhat over the last few years. Until the year 2000 almost every case was an off-white color. Since then, most computer manufacturers have opted for a gray, black, or silver case color. The front of the case usually features the power button and media drive bays for the CD DVD Drive. Shown at the right are several views of an empty computer case. Notice that media drive bays are on the front view. This is where the CD and DVD drives may be placed. At the top of the rear view, you see the case's fan, which keeps the computer from overheating. Back(left), Front (center) and Rear(right) of Case

The Motherboard The Motherboard If you open your computer's case, you will see various wires, chips, slots, etc. The largest circuit board is called the Motherboard. It holds and connects all the important parts of your computer together. For example, the Motherboard holds all your computer's internal components. In fact, every component in your computer connects to the Motherboard. Some are permanently secured to the Motherboard during its construction. It also contains expansion slots that allow you to plug in additional boards to enable your computer to do even more things. The image at the right shows the motherboard of a personal computer. The long white strips on the left site of the image are the expansion slots. The long black strips near the bottom are for holding RAM (Random Access Memory). It is important to know your way around the mother board so you can make necessary additions and repairs to your computer.

Internal Hard Drive & Processor Internal Hard Drive When you think of a Hard Drive, think of Long Term Memory. The hard drive stores your operating system, software programs, and many other files. Hard drives in personal computers are non- removable. They are also very fast and are now reaching sizes of over 1 TB or 1000 GB. They are connected to the mother board by ribbon cables. Shown at the right are two hard drives. The image on the left has the top cover removed so you can view the interior. Inside(left) and outside(right) view of a Hard Drive The Processor (Microprocessor or CPU-Central Processing Unit) Attached to the motherboard, the main processor acts as the brains of your computer. It processes all the instructions given to your computer. The more powerful the processor, the faster your computer can accomplish its tasks. Its speed is measured in Gigahertz (GHz). The higher the Gigahertz, the faster the chip runs. The Intel Xeon 4, shown at the right, can run between 3-4 GHz ( MHz). CPU - Central Processing Unit

Ram RAM (Random Access Memory) When you think of a RAM, think of Short Term Memory. Before you computer can open software, it must first copy it temporarily to your RAM. This is where your computer places all your programs and applications that you currently have running. The more RAM you have, the faster your computer can juggle multiple programs at once. When you turn your computer off, the RAM is cleared. Most computers allow you to change the amount of RAM you have. If you want to add more RAM to your computer you can literally snap small boards(shown at the right) of RAM into your motherboard. The most inexpensive way to speed up your computer is to add more RAM.

Expansion Slots and Cards Expansion Slots and Cards When you want to add something to your computer, your first step is to see if you have any unused Expansion Slots. Expansion Slots are ports in your motherboard to which you can additional hardware. Most computers come with a few slots open, allowing you to expand your computer's capabilities. There are many "cards" you can place in the slots, such as a Video Card or Ethernet Card (shown at the right). Before you purchase a new card for you computer, it is important to make sure that the card is compatible with the available slots on your motherboard. The side of the card will snap into the motherboard and the end of the card will face the outside of the rear of your computer. Dual Monitor Video Card (left) and Ethernet Card (right)

1 -Power Adapter In This is where the power cord connects to the computer. 2 - DVI Video Output This is a digital video connection that sends the signal to your monitor. It replaced the older analog VGA connection. 3 - Serial Port This has been a popular port for many years because of its versatility. It has been used to connect the computer to just about every peripheral device on the market. The Serial Port's two main limitations are that you can only have two of them on your computer and newer ports can transfer data more quickly. 4 - USB 2.0 Ports The Universal Serial Bus allows you to "daisy chain" several USB devices together, then connect them to your computer through just one connection. The latest USB standard (2.0) transfers data at the speedy rate of 480 Megabytes/sec. Many different devices now offer a USB connection as it has grown to be the most common port used today among peripheral devices. The keyboard and mouse are typically now connected via USB. 5 -Parallel Printer Port Commonly referred to as the "Printer Port", the Parallel Port will transfer data faster than the serial port. This port has been the connection of choice for connecting printers to computers for years. Even though many printers now connect to the computer via USB, some still use the Parelle Printer Port. 6-Ethernet/Network Jack This is what high speed modems (DSL & Cable) use when then connect to your computer. It is also how you are most likely connected to your network at your school, which in turn connects you to the Internet. 7-Line In Port This is where you plug your computer's microphone in to record your voice. 8-Speaker Out Port Your computer's speakers and/or headphones plug into this port.