What’s Inside a PC, Ultrabook, Notebook, Netbook, Desktop, All-in-one-computer - Basics

What's PC Made Off - Components of PC

Some PC users may say they don’t care what’s inside their computing machine, they just want them to work. But no matter what, users needs to know what's inside the computing machine, becuase it’s critical, as users you must have know about the basic components so you can match the right PC, with the right features.

With that in mind, let’s open up a typical PC and take a peek inside to see what makes it work!

Processor

The processor is the brain of the PC. Also called the microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU), the processor is responsible for every action taken by the PC.

Take away the processor, and the PC won’t do a thing. Insert a very good processor—like an Intel® Core™ processor or an AMD APU—and the PC will perform tasks quickly, and will support advanced graphics, multitasking, and more.

Motherboard

The motherboard looks like a space-age piece of equipment. It is the “mother” that connects all the key components and relays information between them. It also enables cameras, phones, and other peripheral devices to connect to the PC.

Memory

One of the most valuable aspects of a PC is its ability to store all sorts of applications and data—from documents to photos to movies. The many types of memory inside a PC include:

Storage Device

HDD:

The hard disk drive, or HDD, permanently stores information on the PC. The larger the HDD, the more data your customers can store. Think of a hard drive as a filing cabinet that holds everything your customer needs.

RAM:

Random access memory, or RAM, temporarily stores recently used information for quick access. RAM is like your desk, where you work with the files from the filing cabinet.

Other drives:

Data can also be stored on solid-state drives (SSDs) and on portable storage devices such as CDs, DVDs, and USB flash drives.

Graphics

Graphics can be built into a processor, or they can be provided through separate graphics or video cards. Intel® HD Graphics offer a huge array of Built-in Visuals that are built right in to PCs with Intel Core processors—so most customers don’t need to buy add-on graphic cards. Also, NVIDIA, and AMD Graphics.

Operating system

Turn on a PC, and you’ll see the operating system, or OS. The OS is software such as Microsoft Windows 8, windows 7, Ubuntu, Red Hat and more, that makes it easy for users to execute tasks, such as opening files or saving photos. And without an operating system your personal computer won't works, it's become useless.

Additional components

Along with the basic “ingredients” of a PC, there are many other components that are not inside the PC but still play a big role in the user experience. These external components include:

Network connectivity:

Most users want to connect their PCs to the Internet. Wireless connectivity is integrated in most PCs. Other options include using an Ethernet cable that plugs into a wired Internet source, or plugging wireless LAN or Wi-Fi cards into PCs for cable-free Internet access.

Input devices:

The keyboard, mouse, and touchpad are common input devices. They let users communicate with the PC.

Output devices:

When users want to see or hear what’s on the PC, they use output devices such as printers, headphones, and speakers.