Hello Greenpassion,

I've decided to put together a mini-series of tutorials, aimed specifically, this round, at computer hardware.
Don't worry, I don't intend to use any hardcore jargon, other than what is necessary.
My intention in writing these tutorials is so that those not familiar with pc hardware can be familiarized with the setup, process, and functionality of their system.
By doing this, I hope that everyone will be better equiped to maintain, care for, and upgrade their system in an informed way.

Because a maintained pc is a happy pc.

So, let's start with the basics.

Part One

The Basic System Components of a PC

Processor:
A processor manages the processing and logical operations of a computer system. The two main components of a processor are the Arithmetic Logic Unit(ALU) and the Control Unit(CU). The ALU handles arithmetic and logical operations. The CU decodes and executes the memory instructions.
A Processor is also commonly known as a microprocessor or Central Processing Unit(CPU).

Motherboard:
The largest and most invaluable circuit board of a computer system. The components on a motherboard are CPU, BIOS or, Binary Input Output System, memory, mass storage interfaces, parallel and serial ports, controllers and expansion slots. It handles all memory, system resources and the ever important processor.

Memory:
Is storage space in the computer where digital data is stored. The main physical memory is called RAM or, Random Access Memory, which allows data to read and be written to it.
The different types of memories are:
RAM- Random Access Memory
ROM- Read Only Memory
Some commonly used storage devices are, the HDD or, Hard Disc Drive, USB flash drives, external HDD's, CD's, DVD's, tape drives, and even still floppy discs.

Input Devices:
Are any devices that allow a user to enter the desired data into the computer system.
Some commonly used input devices are the mouse, keyboard, scanner, joysticks and touch screens and tablets.

Display Unit:
A machine that displays the data and information being entered, retrieved as well as the results of the processed data from the system.
Some commonly used displays are the monitor, LCD or, Liquid Crystal Display panel and touch screen.

Adapter:
A circuit in a computer system that supports a particular device.
Video adapters are used to support graphics monitors.
Network adapters allow a computer to communicate with other computers.
Adapters are also known as expansion boards, add-ons, add-ins or cards.

Power supply:
Provided through a Power Supply Unit(PSU) to the computer.
Continuous power input is required for the proper functioning of the system, which can be provided through a direct power supply.
Surge suppressors, power conditioners and Uninterruptible Power Suplly(UPS) are commonly used for regulating the power input to the computer.

Cooling system:
Used to drain out the extra heat from the CPU.
Equipment like fans, liquid coolants and heat sinks are used to drain the heat out which is very important for the proper functioning of the computer.
A cooling fan should maintain the temperature up to 90-110 degrees Fahrenheight.
Combination of a heat sink and cooling fans called coolers are also used.

Other Components:

Hard Drive Controllers:
Circuitry that is responsible for the managing transmission of data from the hard drive to the computer and vice-versa.

Internal Modem:
Transforms data from analog signals to digital and vice-versa to facilitate data transfers over cable and telephone lines.
Internal modems are integrated on the expansion board.
The main features of a modem are:
Speed:measured in Bits Per Second(bps)
Data compression.

Multimedia Devices:
Facilitates the data communication between a computer and a user.
The data can contain text, video, audio, gaphics, gaming, and virtual reality.

Network Card:
Expansion card that enables one computer to connect and communicate with one or more computers.

Specialized Cards:
These are used by specific utilities.
Some commonly used specialized cards are Sound Cards that enhance the audio capabilities of a system by allowing it to manipulate, record, and output sound.
Video Cards that enhance the displaying properties of text and graphics.


COMING SOON


Next: Basic Tips on Preventive Maintenance and Installation of Peripheral Devices

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..hey there..was a nice surprise to see your post...I am no whiz on the computer..Thanks, Natural Lady

I too work on computers as a side job. I'm A+ Certified (Computer hardware/software/repair), as well as MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer for networks).

I would say the #1 problem I have fixed over the years is all the junk people download on their computers. Originally it was the AOL (or as us techs call it, AOHell), then Kazaa and LimeWire and whatnot filesharing, and now its all the torrent and warez download sites that load up Adware and Trojans to your computer.

What to do? There are simple programs that can protect you very easily and you can get many free. This is the free stuff that I commonly put on my customers computers:

ZoneAlarm Firewall/Internet Control (ZoneAlarm by Check Point - Award winning PC Protection, Antivirus, Firewall, Anti-Spyware, Identity Protection, and much more.)

Lavasoft Ad-Aware (Excellent for clearing out that adware and some virus/trojans! Get Ad-Aware Plus for Free with Lavasoft and TrialPay - Lavasoft)

SpyBot Search and Destroy (Gets rid of more trojans. The home of Spybot-S&D!)

AVG AntiVirus (AVG Free - Download antivirus and antispyware software for Windows XP and Vista)

There are better programs out there, but these ones are free and have easy updates. You can use windows firewall and adware, but I dont think they are as good as ZoneAlarm and Ad-Aware. Good luck! Dont download too many of those naughty videos ;-)

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"Remember, you can never overdose - you can only under-dose. We are just making sure we aren't under-dosing."

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