Components of computers

CPU

A Central Processing Unit is the most important component of a computer system. A CPU is a hardware
that performs data input/output, processing and storage functions for a computer system. A CPU can be
installed into a CPU socket. These sockets are generally located on the motherboard. CPU can perform
various data processing operations. CPU can store data, instructions, programs, and intermediate results.

Motherboard

A motherboard provides connectivity between the hardware components of a computer, like the processor
(CPU), memory (RAM), hard drive, and video card. There are multiple types of motherboards, designed
to fit different types and sizes of computers.Each type of motherboard is designed to work with specific
types of processors and memory, so they don't work with every processor and type of memory. However,
hard drives are mostly universal and work with most motherboards, regardless of the type or brand.

Power supply

A power supply is an electrical device that offers electric power to an electrical load such as laptop
computer, server, or other electronic devices. The main function of a power supply is to convert electric
current from a source to the correct voltage, current, and frequency to power the load. It could be AC to
DC or DC to DC. Consequently, power supplies are sometimes regarded as electric power converters.
Some power supplies are standalone and separated from equipment to be external power supplies and
others inside the device to be the internal power supplies

Storage Device

A hardware device which can be used to store digital data and applications which may be in the form of
images, video, audio, etc. is called a storage device. It is a key component of a computer and the hard
drive is one of its examples.
Types of Computer Memory

The computer memory unit is divided into three parts. Given below are details about the three types of
computer memory:

Primary Memory

Secondary Memory

Tertiary Memory

Primary Memory

This is the direct memory which is accessible to the Central Processing Unit (CPU).

This is also known as the main memory and is volatile.

This is temporary. As soon as the device turns off or is rebooted, the memory is erased

It is smaller in size

Primary storage comprises only of Internal memory

Examples of primary storage include RAM, cache memory, etc.

Secondary Memory

Secondary memory, also known as external memory, refers to non-volatile storage in a computer system
used for long-term data retention even when the power is turned off. Unlike primary memory (RAM),
which is volatile and temporary, secondary memory retains data for an extended period. Examples of
secondary memory include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs). Secondary memory is
used for storing the operating system, applications, files, and other data.

Tertiary Memory

Tertiary memory refers to a category of storage in a computer system that is distinct from both primary
(RAM) and secondary (hard drives, SSDs) memory. Tertiary memory is primarily used for long-term
storage and backup purposes. Unlike primary and secondary memory, tertiary memory is typically slower
in terms of access speed and is often characterized by a higher storage capacity at a lower cost per unit of
data. Examples of tertiary memory devices include magnetic tapes, optical discs like DVDs.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

Graphics processing technology has evolved to deliver unique benefits in the world of computing. The
latest graphics processing units (GPUs) unlock new possibilities in gaming, content creation, machine
learning, and more.

Networking

Networking in computers refers to the interconnected system of computers, servers, routers and other
devices that enables communication and resource sharing. It involves the creation and management of a
network infrastructure and technologies to facilitate the efficient exchange of data and services. Computer
networking allows users to access shared resources, such as files, communicate through email and instant
messaging, and access the Internet. Networking plays a crucial role in modern computing, enabling
seamless connectivity and collaboration among devices and users.

Peripheral Devices

A peripheral device is an internal or external device that connects directly to a computer or other digital
device but does not contribute to the computer’s primary function, such as computing. It helps end users
access and use the functionalities of a computer.

Operating System (OS)

An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the computer's
memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to communicate
with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language.

BIOS/UEFI

What Is BIOS?

BIOS are short for Basic Input-Output system. It's low-level software that resides in a chip on your
computer's motherboard. The BIOS loads when your computer starts up, and the BIOS is responsible for
waking up your computer's hardware components, ensures they're functioning properly, and then runs the
boot loader that boots Windows or whatever other operating system you have installed.

UEFI

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) started to become more common in the early 2010s, many
new motherboards and systems were being equipped with UEFI firmware instead of BIOS. This transition
was driven by several factors, including the need for support for larger storage capacities, faster boot
times, improved security features, and a more modern and flexible architecture.