Virtual Computer Tour

Power Supply

• Provides power for all computer components

• Provides power for many computer peripherals

Hard Drive

• Stack of metal platters sealed in a protective case

• Greatest amount of storage capacity

• In a sealed case so that no dust gets inside

Motherboard

• Main circuit board in the computer

• All expansion cards connect to it

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

• “Brains” of the computer

  • Controls all internal and external devices

  • Performs arithmetic and logic operations

• Sometimes covered by a heat sink

Memory

• RAM: Stores data used while the computer is on

• Cache: Stores instructions and data used most often by the CPU

• ROM: Stores instructions the computer needs to start up

Expansion Cards

• Sound cards, video cards, etc.

• Provide extra functionality

• Fit into slots on the motherboard

Video Card

• Translates binary data into monitor images

Sound Card

• Enables the computer to produce sounds

Network Interface Card (NIC)

• Enables your computer to connect with other computers