Parts Of A Computer

Parts of a computer

Parts of a computer
If you use a desktop computer, you might already know that there isn't any single part called the
"computer." A computer is really a system of many parts working together. The physical parts, which
you can see and touch, are collectively called hardware. (Software, on the other hand, refers to the
instructions, or programs, that tell the hardwarewhat to do.)
The illustration below shows the most common hardware in a desktop computer system. Your
system may look a little different, but it probably has most of these parts. A laptop computer has
similar parts but combines them into a single notebook -sized package.

Desktop computer system

Let's take a look at each of these parts.

System unit
The system unit is the core of acomputer system. Usually it's a rectangular box placed on or
underneath your desk. Inside this box are many electronic components that process information.
The most important of these components is the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor,
which acts as the "brain" of your computer. Another component is random access memory (RAM),
which temporarily stores information that the CPU useswhile the computer is on. The information
stored in RAM is erased when the computer is turned off.
Almost every other part of your computer connects to the system unit using cables. The cables plug
into specific ports (openings), typically on the back of the system unit. Hardware that is not part of
the system unit is sometimes called a peripheral device or device.

System unit

StorageYour computer has one or more disk drives—devices that store information on a metal or plastic
disk. The disk preserves the information even when your computer is turned off.

Hard disk drive
Your computer's hard disk drive stores information on a hard disk, a rigid platter or stack of
platters with a magnetic surface. Because hard disks can hold massive amounts of information, they
usuallyserve as your computer's primary means of storage, holding almost all of your programs and
files. The hard disk drive is normally located inside the system unit.

Hard disk drive

CD and DVD drives
Nearly all computers today come equipped with a CD or DVD drive, usually located on the front of
the system unit. CD drives use lasers to read (retrieve) data from a CD, and many CD drives canalso
write (record) data onto CDs. If you have a recordable disk drive, you can store copies of your files
on blank CDs. You can also use a CD drive to play music CDs on your computer.

CD

DVD drives can do everything that CD drives can, plus read DVDs. If you have a DVD drive, you can
watch movies on your computer. Many DVD drives can record data onto blank DVDs.

Floppy disk driveFloppy disk drives store information on floppy disks, also called floppies or diskettes. Compared
to CDs and DVDs, floppy disks can store only a small amount of data. They also retrieve information
more slowly and are more prone to damage. For these reasons, floppy disk drives are less popular
than they used to be, although some computers still include them.

Floppy disk

Why are floppy disks"floppy"? Even though the outside is made of hard plastic, that's just the
sleeve. The disk inside is made of a thin, flexible vinyl material.

Mouse
A mouse is a small device used to point to and select items on your computer screen. Although
mice come in many shapes, the typical mouse does look a bit like an actual mouse. It's small,
oblong, and connected to the system unit by a long wirethat resembles a tail. So me newer mice are
wireless.

Mouse

A mouse usually has two buttons: a primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary button.
Many mice also have a wheel between the two buttons, which allows you to scroll smoothly through
screens of information.

When you move the mouse with your hand, a pointer on your screen moves in the same direction.
(The...