The Components of Computers

Having a basic understanding of computer components can help you decide when to upgrade, make purchasing decisions, troubleshoot problems and better utilize your device. Computer components can be separated into two categories: hardware and software. This tutorial will explain the more basic components of hardware and software, as well as how they work together.

Hardware:

The hardware of a computer consists of the physical components that make up the computer system, such as the processor, memory, hard drive, and peripherals.

Processor: The processor, also known as the Central Processing Unit (CPU), is the brain of the computer. It’s responsible for executing instructions and carrying out calculations. It usually runs at speeds between 300 and 3,000 MHz and is measured in hertz (Hz).

Memory: Computer memory, also known as RAM (Random Access Memory) is used to store programs and data that need to be processed by the CPU. It allows the computer to access data quickly and efficiently, but unlike a hard drive, data stored in RAM is only temporarily stored and isn’t permanently saved.

Hard Drive: The hard drive is where a computer stores all of its permanent data and program files. Data is stored in sectors of a platter and can be read and written to. Most hard drives today operate at speeds of up to 7200 RPM.

Peripherals: Peripherals are things like printers, scanners, cameras, keyboards, mice, and monitors. They allow you to interact with your computer and can be plugged into one of the computer’s USB ports.

Software:

Software consists of the instructions and data in digital form that tells the computer what to do. This can include things like operating systems, word processing programs, and gaming programs.

Operating System (OS): An operating system allows other programs and hardware devices to interact with one another. It manages the hardware and applications of a computer, and allows the user to interact with the computer. Common OS’s are Windows, OSX, and Linux.

Word Processing Programs: These programs allow users to create, edit, and save documents. Common word processing programs include Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, and Notepad.

Game Programs: Game programs are a type of software that lets users play games on their computer. Common game programs include Steam, Origin, and Blizzard.

Conclusion

In conclusion, computers have hardware and software components that work together to make the computer run. Hardware components include the processor, memory, hard drive, and peripherals. Software components include operating systems, word processing programs, and game programs. Knowing the basic components of a computer makes maintaining, upgrading, and utilizing your device easier and more enjoyable.