Hardware

=__**Hardware**__= Computer - Programmable machine that can store, retrieve, and process data. Today's computers have at least one CPU that performs most calculations and includes a main memory, a control unit, and an arithmetic logic unit. Increasingly, personal computerscontain specialized graphic processors, with dedicated memory, for handling the computations needed to display complex graphics, such as for three-dimensional simulations and games. Auxiliary data storage is usually provided by an internal hard disk and may be supplemented by other media such as [|external hard drives] or [|flash drives]. Peripheral equipment includes input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse) and output devices (e.g., monitor, printer), as well as the circuitry and cabling that connect all the components. Retrieved 5/4/2010 from http://www.psbcomputers.in/

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Retrieved 5/4/2010 from http://computer.howstuffworks.com/computer-hardware-channel.htm

http://www.techterms.com/definition/harddrive || http://www.techterms.com/definition/cpu || http://www.techterms.com/definition/motherboard || Chip || ||  (Random Access Memory) is the place in a computer where the operating system, application programs, and data in current use are kept so that they can be quickly reached by the computer's processor. RAM is much faster to read from and write to than the other kinds of storage in a computer, the hard disk, floppy disk, and CD-ROM. However, the data in RAM stays there only as long as your computer is running. When you turn the computer off, RAM loses its data. When you turn your computer on again, your operating system and other files are once again loaded into RAM, usually from your hard drive. http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,,sid9_gci523855,00.html ||
 * Hard Drive || [[image:SamsungF1HardDrive.jpg width="240" height="179"]] || The hard drive is what stores all your data. It houses the hard disk, where all your files and folders are physically located. A typical hard drive is only slightly larger than your hand, yet can hold over 100 GB of data. The data is stored on a stack of disks that are mounted inside a solid encasement. These disks spin extremely fast (typically at either 5400 or 7200 RPM) so that data can be accessed immediately from anywhere on the drive. The data is stored on the hard drive magnetically, so it stays on the drive even after the power supply is turned off.
 * CPU or Central Processor || [[image:cpu-2.jpg width="203" height="117"]] || Stands for "Central Processing Unit." This is the pretty much the brain of your computer. It processes everything from basic instructions to complex functions. Any time something needs to be computed, it gets sent to the CPU.
 * Motherboard || [[image:Some-motherboard-samples-did-not-yet-carry-the-chipset-coolers-and-heat-pipes-as-the-manufacturers-are-still-finalizing-their-designs-The-I38-MAX-is-the-highest-end-Intel-X38-motherboard-from-Abit-carrying-a-digital-voltage-regulator,S-A-91738-13.jpg width="200" height="164"]][[image:pc-images-motherboard.png width="199" height="198"]] || The motherboard is the main [|circuit board] of your computer and is also known as the mainboard or logic board. If you ever open your computer, the biggest piece of silicon you see is the motherboard. Attached to the motherboard, you'll find the [|CPU], [|ROM], memory [|RAM] expansion slots, [|PCI] slots, and [|USB] ports. It also includes controllers for devices like the [|hard drive], DVD drive, keyboard, and mouse. Basically, the motherboard is what makes everything in your computer work together.
 * RAM
 * CD Drive & DVD Drive || [[image:cd_dvd_drive.jpg width="245" height="158"]] || CD drive - a drive that reads a compact disc and that is connected to an audio system DVD drive - is a popular optical disc storage media format. Its main uses are video and data storage. Most DVDs are of the same dimensions as compact discs (CDs) but store more than six times as much data.

[|sources] ||
 * Video Card || [[image:GeForce_7600_GT_Video_Card.jpg width="240" height="240"]] || Video Card - is an expansion card that connects to the motherboard and provides ports for video and audio peripherals. It provides a graphic interface for the computer user. ||
 * Power Supply || [[image:computer-power-supply.jpg width="260" height="242"]] || Power supply - provides power to all internal components of the computer. Power supplies are classified by wattage (500 watts, 800 watts, etc.). It provides an outlet out of the back for a power cord and connections connect to the CPU, motherboard, drives, and expansion cards. ||


 * = =__Computer Ports__= ||
 * = [[image:ports_labeled.jpg]] ||