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What is a computer?
A computer is any machine that can be programmed to carry out a set
of algorithms and arithmetic instructions
5 parts of a computer
Whether it's a gaming system or a home PC, the five main components that make up a typical, present-day computer include:
A motherboard A Central Processing Unit (CPU) A Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), also known as a video card Random Access Memory (RAM), also known as volatile memory Storage: Solid State Drive (SSD) or Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
1. Motherboard
What it is: All components of a computer communicate through a circuit
board called the motherboard, as was mentioned above.
What it does: Think of the motherboard as the glue that holds
everything else together.
The motherboard’s video card and Central Processing Unit are contained in an integrated (built-in) chipset, shown in the picture below: This is where input/output devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and speakers get plugged in.
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
What it is: The CPU is often called the "brain" of a computer, thanks to its direct plug connection to the motherboard, and communication with all of the computer’s other components.
What it does: Whenever you write a line of code (in Python, Java, C++, or any other programming language ), it's broken down into assembly language—which is a language that the processor can understand. It fetches, decodes, and executes these instructions. And that’s where the CPU comes in—all the processes a computer handles are taken care of by the CPU.
3. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
What it is: It's not uncommon to hear gamers obsess over the next new graphics card, as these graphic cards make it possible for computers to generate high-end visuals like those found in the many different types of video games .
In addition to video games, though, good graphics cards also come in
handy for those who rely on images in order to execute their craft, like 3D modelers using resource-intensive software.
What it does: Graphics cards often communicate directly with the
display monitor, meaning a $1,000 graphics card won't be of much use if there isn't a high-end monitor connected to it. 4. Random Access Memory (RAM)
What it is: RAM, also known as volatile memory, stores data regarding frequently accessed programs and processes. (It's called volatile memory because it gets erased every time the computer restarts.)
What it does: RAM helps programs and games start up and close quickly. 5. Storage
What it is: All computers need somewhere to store their data. Modern computers either use a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD).
What it does: HDDs are made of an actual disk onto which data is stored. The disk is read by a mechanical arm. (HDDs are cheaper than SSDs, but are slowly becoming more and more obsolete.)
SSDs (think SIM cards) have no moving parts and are faster than a hard drive, because no time is spent waiting for a mechanical arm to find data on a physical location on the disk.
