COMPUTERWe all know that computers are complex devices, machines made out of an amalgam of electronic parts and components. But which computer components are essential for a computer to run? Modern PCs can still function fully without Bluetooth or a floppy disk drive. Here is a list of computer components that a computer system cannot do without.* MotherboardThe motherboard is a very basic unit in any computer system. This is the computer component to which all other internal computer components are attached. It links all the other main components of a computer system together. Consequently, motherboards are sometimes referred to as the "heart" of a computer system.* CPUThe central processing unit or CPU is the computer component responsible for running programs and applications on the computer. Without a CPU in your computer, you will not be able to do any tasks -- you cannot boot to an operating system, you cannot play music, videos and games, and you cannot do any word processing. For a computer to function, it has to have a CPU.* RAMRandom Access Memory or RAM is another vital computer component. It is the storage media where a computer temporarily stores files and information that it can pull at random when running programs and applications. Together with the CPU, RAM determines the computer's speed. A computer with a large RAM and a mediocre CPU can actually run faster than a computer with a powerful CPU but low RAM.

* HDDAs opposed to the RAM, the hard disk drive or HDD stores computer files and data long-term. Even without power, the hard drive still retains the files stored inside it. The hard drive can store important system files like the operating system, program files and other data. It can also be used to store mp3s and videos. If the computer runs out of RAM, it will temporarily use the hard drive as a virtual memory bank.* Video CardA video card allows a computer to display images on the computer monitor. It helps speed up the rendering of images onscreen and contributes to clearer and detailed pictures. PC gamers and multimedia software users will find a high-end dedicated graphics card helpful in running graphics-intensive programs smoothly.* PSUThe power supply unit or PSU supplies all computer components with power. It converts the high voltages from an AC power outlet to lower voltages that are safe for internal computer components. Without a PSU, a computer and its components will not be able to power up.A computer can also benefit from an optical drive to read and play CDs and DVDs, a network card and router for connecting to the Internet, and peripheral devices such as printers and scanners. The motherboard, CPU, RAM, HDD, video card and PSU are, however, the main components that make up a computer system.Computer ComponentsComputers come in all types and sizes. There are primarily two main sizes of computers. They are: Portable Desktop The portable computer comes in various sizes and are referred to as laptops, notebooks, and hand-held computers. These generally denote different sizes, the laptop being the largest, and the hand-held is the smallest size. This document will mainly talk about the desktop computer although portable computer issues are also discussed in various areas. Computer Components:Computers are made of the following basic components: Case with hardware inside:1. Power Supply - The power supply comes with the case, but this component is mentioned separately since there are various types of power supplies. The one you should get depends on the requirements of your system. This will be discussed in more detail later

2. Hard disk drive(s) - This is where your files are permanently stored on your computer. Also, normally, your operating system is installed here.3. CD-ROM drive(s) - This is normally a read only drive where files are permanently stored. There are now read/write CD-ROM drives that use special software to allow users to read from and write to these drives.4. Floppy drive(s) - A floppy is a small disk storage device that today typically has about 1.4 Megabytes of memory capacity.5. Other possible file storage devices include DVD devices, Tape backup devices, and some others.

Basic Computer Components

Computers come in all different shapes and forms (examples: desktops, laptops), but the main components that make up a computer pretty much stay the same. Components can also be referred to as; hardware or parts. Throughout this website I will explain the various components in a PC computer, and try my best to give you the information you need to better understand how your computer works. Some of this information is considered basic computer knowledge, but there is no better place to start with than with the basics. Knowing this valuable information can help you if you are going to buy, repair, maintain or even build your own computer.Computer Components

Every computer Consists of the following basic components:1. Computer Case - Where all of the components are stored. 2. CPU - It is basically the brain of your computer. The CPU is a used to process everything from basic to complex functions in a computer. 3. RAM - RAM is memory that attaches to the motherboard. RAM is hardware used to temporarily store and acc ess data. 6. Motherboard - A Motherboa rd is the most important component in a computer system. Also the support cards for video, sound, networking and more are mounted into this board. All of the other hardware in a computer system connect to the motherboard which are listed below: Microprocessor - This is the brain of your computer. It performs commands and instructions and controls the operation of the computer. Memory - The RAM in your system is mounted on the motherboard. This is memory that must be powered on to retain its contents. Drive controllers - The drive controllers control the interface of your system to your hard drives. The controllers let your hard drives work by controlling their operation. On most systems, they are included on the motherboard, however you may add additional controllers for faster or other types of drives.

4. Power Supply - A Power Supply is the sends power to all of the other hardware so they can operate.

5. Hard Drive - A Hard Drive is used for permanently storing files and programs.

6. Disk Drives - Disk Drives can be a floppy drive, CD drive, DVD drive or other possible file storage devices that are used in a computer.

7. Video Card - A Video Card is the part of a computer system that converts binary code from the CPU so you can view it on a monitor.

8. Monitor - The part of a computer operates like a TV set that allows you to see what the computer is processing.

9. Keyboard - A keyboard allows a computer user to enter text commands into a computer system.

10. Mouse - A mouse allows a computer user to use a point and click interface to enter commands which works well in graphical environments.

Using a picture of the inside of a computer, I have labeled where each component is inside the computer. This will be the most helpful if you are looking for information before you repair or upgrade the components in your computer.

The two basic parts of a computer system

All computer systems need two types of parts that work together to make them run. These parts are:

1. HardwareThe hardware is the part of the computer you can touch and see.( ex. keyboard, mouse, monitor)

2. SoftwareThe software is a part of the computer you cannot touch but is very important. The software is all the programming that makes the computer run; controlling everything that the computer does.