Unit 2 Task 1 P1

Unit 2 Task 1 P1

Processor;

The processor (central processing unit) interprets the instructions given by the computer user and carries out the data. The processor is the brains of the computer and carries out all the instructions needed in order for the computer to work. It is a small chip located on the motherboard.

Motherboard;

The motherboard is the backbone of the computer and holds components together. The motherboard holds the CPU, input/output systems, the power supply unit (PSU), interface, audio networking and some graphic subsystems. The motherboard also is responsible for the settings such as time and dates.

BIOS;

The basic input/output system (BIOS) is the first thing the computer loads. The BIOS instructs the computer user on what to do when the computer is turned on. The BIOS software is stored on a ROM chip on the motherboard.

Power Supply;

The power supply unit (PSU) converts mains AC to low voltage for the internal components in the computer. The PSU supplies power to various components and uses the specific voltage needed.

Fan and Heatsink or cooling;

The heatsink carries heat away from the CPU to stop it from overheating. The fan blows cool air into the CPU and other components to keeps them cool. This stops the computer from overheating and breaking. The cooling fans bring cool air into the computer and draw hot air out. This works with the heatsink to prevent the computer from overheating.

Hard drive configuration and controllers SATA, IDE or EIDE;

Most computers have an SATA which reads all the data in the computer. It is a disk inside a box and reads everything that is processed or put into the computer.

Ports USB and/or parallel and/or Serial;

USB (universal serial bus)  ports are standard cable connection interfaces on computers and allow stand alone electronic devices to be connected to the computer. You can connect most devices using a USB to import photos from a phone or create more memory on your computer by using a memory stick.

Internal memory RAM, ROM and cache;

RAM is random access memory, it is really fast and used to store data and programs.RAM loses the contents when switched off. ROM is read only memory. However the data stored cannot be changed. Cache memory is inside of the processor. Cache is used by the processor to avoid slowing down the speed of the RAM.

Specialised cards network and/or graphic cards;

Specialised cards can be added to the computer system if they are not already built in. Graphics cards are responsible for generating all text and pictures displayed on screen. Most computers these days have graphic cards built in however there is a slot on the motherboard where better graphics cards can be replaced.

Peripherals;

printers; Printers are additional outputs you can add to your computer in order to print documents, images or anything you have created on the computer. The printer is connected to the computer through the USB ports and documents are sent to the printer to print. You can various different types of printers such as inkjet printers and laser printers.

Scanner; Scanners scan documents and capture images and photographic prints. Scanners are also additional outputs and are available in different varieties.

Twisted pair cabling; Twisted pair cabling is a cable that consists of two insulated individual wires twisted around one another. These cables help reduce electromagnetic induction. The cables are inside the computer to help reduce crosstalk too.

Backing storage;

Pen drive; A pen drive is a USB flash drive. It is used to transfer files such as audio, data and video files. This is an input and output device.

Hard drive; The hard drive is the computers main storage device that stores all data immediately on the computer. The hard drive stores everything that is saved on the computer but also things that are imported onto the computer.