The Desktop Computer :: computers technology Technological Essays

The Desktop Computer When you mention the word technology, most people think about computers. Virtu altogethery every facet of our lives has any(prenominal) computerized component. The appliances in our homes have microprocessors built into them, as do our televisions. Even our cars have a computer. But the computer that everyone thinks of first is typically the personal computer, or PC.A PC is a general-purpose tool built around a microprocessor. It has lots of different parts - memory, a impregnable disk, a modem, etc. - that work together. ecumenical purpose means that you can do many different things with a PC. You can use it to type documents, send e-mail, browse the Web and play games. On the InsideLets take a look at the main components of a typical desktop computer. Central processing unit (CPU) - The microprocessor brain of the computer arrangement is called the central processing unit. Everything that a computer does is overseen by the CPU. Memory - This is very fast s torage used to hold data. It has to be fast because it connects directly to the microprocessor. thither are several specific types of memory in a computer Random-access memory (RAM) - Used to temporarily store information that the computer is currently running(a) with Read-only memory (ROM) - A permanent type of memory storage used by the computer for important data that does not change Basic infix/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 co nnection. For example, a sound card can be built into the motherboard or connected through PCI. Power run - 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. Operating system - This is the basic software that allows the user to interface with the computer.