Looking Inside Your PC.

Let's take a look at the main components of a typical desktop computer.

Central processing unit (CPU) - The microprocessor "brain" of the computer system is called the central processing unit. Everything that a computer does is overseen by the CPU.

Memory - This is very fast storage used to hold data. It has to be fast because it connects directly to the microprocessor. There are several specific types of memory in a computer:

• Random-access memory (RAM) - Used to temporarily store information that the computer is currently working with.
• Read-only memory (ROM) - A permanent type of memory storage used by the computer for important data that does not change
• Basic input/output system (BIOS) - A type of ROM that is used by the computer to establish basic communication when the computer is first turned on
• Caching - The storing of frequently used data in extremely fast RAM that connects directly to the CPU
• Virtual memory - Space on a hard disk used to temporarily store data and swap it in and out of RAM as needed

Motherboard - This is the main circuit board that all of the other internal components connect to. The CPU and memory are usually on the motherboard. Other systems may be found directly on the motherboard or connected to it through a secondary connection. For example, a sound card can be built into the motherboard or connected through PCI.A motherboard is the central or primary circuit board making up a complex electronic system, such as a modern computer. It is also known as a mainboard, baseboard, system board, or, on Apple computers, a logic board, and is sometimes abbreviated as mobo.[1]
Most after-market motherboards produced today are designed for so-called IBM-compatible computers, which hold over 96% of the personal computer market today.[2] The basic purpose of the motherboard, like a backplane, is to provide the electrical and logical connections by which the other components of the system communicate.

Power supply - An electrical transformer regulates the electricity used by the computer.

Hard disk - This is large-capacity permanent storage used to hold information such as programs and documents.

This is a typical PC:

Monitor Motherboard; CPU (Microprocessor); Primary storage (RAM); Expansion cards; Power supply; Optical disc drive; Secondary storage (Hard disk); Keyboard; Mouse