Types and components of computer systems

Hardware

• Hardware consists of the physical components that make up the computer system.

Internal components

CPU, processor, motherboard

Internal Memory

RAM, ROM

Hardware components

Graphics card, sound card, Network Interface Card (NIC), camera, internal/external storage devices, input and output devices

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is the 'brain' of the computer. It is the device that carries out calculations to complete software instructions.

Motherboard

The motherboard is circuit board which is connects to main components of the computer system.

Memory

Any data or instructions that are to be processed by the CPU must be placed into main memory.

Graphic Video Cards

A graphics card is a device that attaches to the motherboard to enable the computer to process and display graphics.

Sound Card

A sound card is a device that attaches to the motherboard to enable the computer to input, process, and deliver sound

Internal Hard Disk

A hard disk drive is a hardware device that's used to store information like software and files. The capacity of hard drive ranges from GB to Tera Bytes.

Network Interface Card (NIC)

A network interface card provides the computer with a network (internet connection) either through wireless signals or a physical cable connection.

Optical Disk Drive

The optical disk drive (CD/DVD/Blu-Ray) allows for optical disks to run on the computer. Also some optical disk drives are able to write "burn" data onto discs

Power Supply

The power supply is connected to main power sources to give power to the computer system. The power supply connects to all the main components of the computer system including the motherboard, hard drive, optical drives etc.