Parts Of A Computer

Front 1

power supply

Back 1

1.converts the alternating current power to direct current power
2.power is supplied to all components from the main supply through the colored wires
3.part of the process function

Front 2

central processor unit

Back 2

1.the brains of the computer
2.oversees operations of the computer
3.attached to the motherboard
4.has a fan to cool it
5.part of the process function

Front 3

motherboard

Back 3

1.main circuit board which connects together
2.CPU and memory are generally on the motherboard
3.responsible for sending power, data, and instrustions among all of the components
4.part of the process function

Front 4

network port

Back 4

1.connection port of a network cables allowing multiple computers to be hooked together
2.part of the process function

Front 5

fan

Back 5

1.draws cool air over the components inside the case
2.prevents the computer for over-heating

Front 6

ribbon cables

Back 6

1.wide flat grouping of wires
2.used to connect the motherboard and drives
3.separate cables are needed for each drive
4.part of the process function

Front 7

case

Back 7

1.metal or plastic box surrounding the internal components of the computer
2.protects parts from dust and damage
3.often erroneously called the CPU

Front 8

cd/dvd drive

Back 8

1.uses a laser beam to read data from a spiral of indentations and flat areas on a layer of metallic film
2.if the data track could be lifted off a CD in a straight line, it would be almost 3/5 miles long
3.DVDs store information in two separate layers and use a smaller laser beam to read the information
4.connects to the motherboard with a ribbon cable
5.part of the storage function

Front 9

keyboard and mouse ports

Back 9

1.connection port for ketboards
2.part of the input function

Front 10

floppy drive

Back 10

1.reads and writes data on a 3.5 inch floppy disk
2.connects to the motherboard with a ribbon cable
3.USB flash or optical drives have replaced floppy drives in newer systems
4.part of the storage function

Front 11

hard drive

Back 11

1.large capacity magnetic storage system which stores system components, program files, and documents in a relatively permanent form
2.busiest mechanical part of computer-spins at 170 mph
3.connects to the motherboard with a ribbon cable
4.part of the storage function

Front 12

dram parts and memory module

Back 12

1.dram=dynamic random access memory
2.very fast storage used for data
3.memory chips contain millions of transistors and capacitors used to store programs and data
4.connects with the motherboard through an expansion port
5.the module is a circuit board and connector which holds multiple memory chips
6.part of the storage function

Front 13

usb ports

Back 13

1.usb=universal serial bus ports
2.used to connect keyboards, mouse devices, monitors, printers and other accesories wothout conflict
3.provides power and versatility
4.may be in the front of the case and attached through a ribbon cable or connected directly to the motherboard
5.depending on what is connected can be used for input, storage, or output

Front 14

sound card

Back 14

1.allows computer to play and record audio by converting analog sounds to digital and back
2.contains external jacks that allow microphones and speakers to be plugged in
3.connected to the motherboard by axpansion port
4.part of the input and output functions

Front 15

graphics card

Back 15

1.translates image information from the computer into a form for display on the moniter
2.connected to the motherboard by exapnsion port
3.part of the output function