CPU

Motherboard

The motherboard has been an integral part of most personal computers for more than 20 years. The motherboard contains various circuit cards performing various functions all plug into many similar sockets on a common circuit board. Each circuit card performs a unique function in the computer and gets its power from the socket.

The motherboard contains many circuits and slots, but let's focus on some of the important ones. The motherboard is home to the processor (CPU) along with the access slots and RAM.

If we look at the diagram above I've labeled the parts of the motherboard that I wanted to discuss. The objects labeled 1 are the access slots. 2 is the processor slot and 3 are slots to hold memory (RAM).

CPU

The CPU, or processor, is the heart of your computer no matter what type (PC, Server, and Laptop). There are many brands for processors such as Intel and Athlon all with different processors for your computer. The CPU processes everything that your computer does, therefore the better the processor, the faster the computer.

RAM

Random Access Memory (RAM) is the form of memory contained in most computers. RAM is considered "random access" because you can access any memory cell directly if you know the row and column that intersect at that cell. When an application is running it stores its information in the RAM. When you close the application the information is deleted from the RAM. This is why you need certain amounts of RAM to run applications. The more RAM you have the faster your computer will be, and the more applications you'll be able to run without loosing speed.

Hard Drive

Nearly every desktop computer and server in use today contains one or more hard-disk drives. These hard disks do one thing well - they store changing digital information in a relatively permanent form. They give computers the ability to remember things when the power goes out.

A hard drive stores all your files and information in a permanent form unlike storing it in RAM (which is temporary). The larger your hard disk (drive) the more information and files you're able to store. Today's average hard drive is 40 GB although slowly 80 GB hard drives are becoming used more often.

CD-Rom

The CD-Rom is quite simple, it reads CD's. CD-Rom completely stands for Compact Disk Read Only Memory. The revolution of CD's is that they hold much more data than a floppy disk, although are not as flexible when it comes to rewriting and storing personal data.

Using CD-RW you can make your own CD's and use them more like a floppy disk. These are becoming more and more popular although you still need a CD-Rom to read them.

Floppy Drive

A floppy drive reads the popular floppy disk. Floppy disk are easy to use, rewritable, compact, and great for storing information. The floppy drive is simple and allows you to read, write to, and write over information stored on a floppy disk.

Now you have a basic knowledge of the parts of your own PC. In the future you'll be able to read more advanced articles and have an understanding of the parts of a PC.

Computer Output Devices

Computer Output devices are devices that receive and display information on the computer in an understandable form. These devices receive electrical pulses and then record the data passively and finally display it on the computer. The major brands manufacturing these devices are Compaq, Dell, IBM, Sony, Panasonic, Cannon, HP, Samsung and Xerox. The important features, which people take into consideration while buying these devices are screen size, monitor resolution, monitor dot pitch, adjustment options (especially to prevent problems like back pain, neck pain etc) and monitor connectivity if they are buying a monitor and the quality of print, usage, technology and design (laser or inkjet) etc for a printer.

Types of Input Devices

Input devices can be explained as those pieces of hardware equipments which assist the users in providing data and controlling signals into a computer. In simple words any machine that feeds data into a computer. In general, any sensor which monitors, scans for and accepts information from the external world can be considered an input device, whether or not the information is under the direct control of a user.

Types of Input Devices

Major input devices are Keyboard, Mouse, Joysticks, Scanners, Sensors, Gaming Devices, Audio Input devices, Imaging Devices and Video Devices.
Major Manufacturers

Major manufacturing countries include China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, United Kingdom, Malaysia, South Korea, India, Singapore, Germany, Greece, United States and Netherlands.

Major Export Market
The markets of America, Europe, Asia, Mid East and Africa are seen as the major export markets of Computer Input Devices.

Selling Proposition

Major selling propositions are Easy accessibility, Quality, Compactness, Accuracy and speed and more importantly; compatibility.

What Parts Do I Need?

Building your own computer gives you infinite possibilities in the components that you choose… want three hard drives? No problem! But what are the bare minimum parts you need for a computer?

• Case with a Power Supply
• Motherboard - Note: some motherboards come with integrated video, most have integrated sound and network.
• Processor
• Memory (RAM)
• Hard Drive
• Video Card

Computer Systems

Computer systems can be defined as a combination of hardware equipment and software programs working together to process meaningful data. The different types of computer systems can be differentiated on the basis of technology and usage. On the basis of technology they are classified as mainframe computers, computer servers and single board computers. On the basis of usage they are personal computers
, industrial computers, portable computers and desktop computers. The major brands dealing in manufacturing various types of computer systems are Dell, Compaq, Apple, IBM and Sony.

Data Storage Devices

Data storage devices are those devices that are used for storing information or data. Recording of the data can be done using many types of energy like electrical, mechanical, magnetic, or optical.The unit of storage in a data storage device is byte. The data storage devices can be differentiated on the basis of energy used by them to store data. The different types of magnetic storage devices are floppy disk, core memory, magnetic drum and magnetic tape. Electrical storage devices include memory card, memory drives and semiconductor memory. Various types of Optical data storage devices available in the market are magneto-optical disk, blue-ray disc, holographic memory and tape drives. Normally a buyer looks for the type of the storage device, cable attachments provided with them and the storage capacity before buying these devices.

Computer Parts

Computer parts and accessories are physical components, which can be mechanical, magnetic, electronic or electrical. These components can generally accept and store computer data, execute the operations on a computer in a proper sequence and produce control outputs. The computer parts and accessories are capable of performing many logical functions like interpretation of data, communication, computation etc.

The global computer parts and accessories industry generated total revenues of US$370 billion in 2006 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8% for the period 2001-2005. Sales of computer parts other than PCs generated total revenues of US$208.2 billion, equivalent to 56.7% of the total computer parts industry. The forecast says that the industry will reach US$489.1 billion by the end of 2010.