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4 main parts of a computer

4 main parts of a computer
Date Published: Jul 25 2011

Submitted by Sheldon Livingston of VSL Consulting

If you own a computer, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of your system. You don’t need to know how to change the oil in your car, for example, but you should know that it needs to be done.

Basic computers are broken down into four pieces of hardware.

Hard drive: This is known as storage. All your programs and data are stored on your hard drive. This is like your stomach. Fill it too much and things will slow down. Realize that we typically have hard drives that are bigger than we’ll ever need in our lifetime.

Memory: You can equate a computer’s memory to your memory. A computer with plenty of memory is like a person with great memory. A computer with too little memory is like a human that has to use a notepad too much.

Case: The case is simply the body that everything sits in. Check out your computer case. It’s built pretty intelligently. For example, if you have a mouse with a round connector (PS2), then the connector is probably green and there is only one green round connection point on the motherboard for it. This is typical of anything that connects to the computer – there is only one place to connect it.

Motherboard: You could equate a motherboard to a spinal cord. Not only does everything plug into it, but this is also how everything communicates. Most of the motherboard is hidden from view and is only exposed at the rear of the computer.

Livingston is the owner of VSL Computer Services in Largo, Fla. VSL specializes in residential computer services and makes house calls.

As of July 25, 2011, this service provider was highly rated on Angie’s List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check AngiesList.com for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie’s List.

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Comments

Submitted by rpage on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
CPU should be a main part, not case. I can run a computer without a case, but not without a CPU.

Submitted by Jenna Tullwortz on Thu, 2012-08-09 06:32
The 4 main parts of a computer are Processor, Main Board, Memory and Video. I'd go so far as to add a 5th.. The power supply. In most cases (pardon the pun) the case will be tucked away out of sight unless you REALLY need to access your optical drive often enough to make this a consideration. Even USB ports can be made easily accessible via extension cables if the need arises. (I tend to avoid USB hubs as they sometimes cause problems that can be avoided by plugging your device directly into a USB port.) Power supplies tend to be of reasonable quality due to the fact that it is more cost effective to the manufacturer to spend the extra few dollars to provide a quality one than it is to deal with the tech support / warranty issues (not to mention their reputation) by skimping in this area. Cases used by the major PC manufacturers are designed to be a balance of shipping survivability and pleasing aesthetics to the end user. As such durability and appearance (barring physical abuse or serious accidents) are already factored in. The only real factors are primarily value and performance with ability to upgrade being a dubious third factor. That being said the best advice I can give is this: 1) Determine what you need the computer for and decide accordingly. 2) If you plan on using this machine for home schooling and / or business use this machine ONLY for this / these purpose(s). Use a separate machine for general family use. I realize that this may represent more expense in the short term but TRUST ME..as an IT professional I can ASSURE you that this WILL save you both money and hassle in the long run.

Submitted by Erone Exantus on Wed, 2012-10-10 19:40
It is the motherboard, processor, memory, and power supply

Submitted by thedude on Wed, 2013-01-30 23:40
A computer will not function properly without all of these components: Motherboard Central Processing Unit (CPU) Random Access Memory (RAM) Power Supply Unit (PSU) The case is not necessary for the operation of the computer, it simply protects the components from damaging forces- like dust, animals, and water. The Hard Disk Drive or other primary, long-term storage device is necessary when using a computer past the BIOS. It stores important data such as your Operating System (OS, like Windows) and application data. In most cases, video is an integrated part of the motherboard- making it unnecessary to list. Therefore, the four components vital to the operation of a computer are the power supply, motherboard, processor, and memory. To use a complex user interface such as an OS, a fifth component is necessary- the hard disk. Do you even work with computers, any of you?

Submitted by don juan on Mon, 2013-04-29 20:03
I have been building computers for over 60 years.If you don't buy a motherboard with a automatic kick starter you will be disappointed with the performance.

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