SESSION 31: What is inside a computer?

a. BIOS (Basic Input/Output System - 1 - The BIOS setup program above is used to setup a computer's hardware. The BIOS chip contains enough information to operate the computer all by itself.

b. Microprocessor - 3 - The microprocessor, is the brain of the computer. The central processing unit, (or CPU), with its level 1 cache memory, contains the control unit and the arithmetic/logic unit, both working together as a team to process the computer's commands. 

c. Drive Bays - 4 - Drive bays are where the computer's drives are installed. CD-ROM and DVD-ROM drives can only play disks. CD R/RW and DVD R/RW drives can both play and record to disks

d. Memory - 7 - A memory module has several memory chips. The computer uses this memory constantly to temporarily store information, (or data), while it is working with it. 

e. Case Fan - 5 - The case fan is in charge of keeping the computer cool.

f. Chipset - 2 - The chipset is the chip, or set of chips, that direct the motherboard's flow of information 

from one point to another.

g. Sound Card - 10 - The sound card is what handles the computer's sound. It has its own processor.

h. Power Supply - 9 - The power supply supplies the electrical power for a computer. It supplies power to the motherboard, drives, and some expansion cards.

i. Motherboard - 6 - the motherboard uses tiny electrical paths to connect everything together.

j. Video Card - 11 - plug into a slot on the motherboard and connect a monitor or other video display device to a computer. The video card and the monitor are what determine the quality of a computer's video display. 

k. Modem - 8 - Modems change a computer's digital information into analog waves that can travel through the phone lines to another computer.

l. Memory  - 7 - A memory module has several memory chips. The computer uses this memory constantly to temporarily store information, (or data), while it is working with it.