What Is A Computer

What is a computer?
A computer is any machine that can be programmed to carry out a set

of algorithms and arithmetic instructions.
Of course, the computers we think of today are so much more than that—and I’m
talking beyond just being machines used to play games and watch videos of cats
on the internet!
5 parts of a computer
Whether it's a gaming system or a home PC, the five main components that
make up a typical, present-day computer include:
 A motherboard
 A Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 A Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), also known as a video card
 Random Access Memory (RAM), also known as volatile memory
 Storage: Solid State Drive (SSD) or Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
In terms of construction, each of these main components are attached to the

motherboard and then put into a protective case—resembling the clean, polished
look most of us are accustomed to seeing.
Sure, most computers have their own distinct design - and different brands of
hardware installed - but the components listed above are standard across all
computers.
Important: A quick note before we dive into the details—I’m listing and talking
about the different components of a computer. This is by no means intended to
be an invitation to disassemble your computer, nor is it a set of instructions to do
so. Without the proper knowledge, you can severely damage your computer, and
importantly, doing so is unsafe.
1. Motherboard
What it is: All components of a
computer communicate
through a circuit board called
the motherboard, as was
mentioned above.
What it does: Think of the

motherboard as the glue that
holds everything else together.
The motherboard’s video card

and Central Processing Unit
are contained in an integrated
(built-in) chipset, shown in the picture below:
This is where input/output devices such as a keyboard, mouse, and speakers get
plugged in.
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

What it is: The CPU is often called the
"brain" of a computer, thanks to its direct
plug connection to the motherboard, and
communication with all of the computer’s
other components.
What it does: Whenever you write a line of code (in Python, Java, C++, or any
other programming language ), it's broken down into assembly language—
which is a language that the processor can understand. It fetches, decodes, and
executes these instructions.
And that’s where the CPU comes in—all the processes a computer handles are
taken care of by the CPU.
3. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
What it is: It's not uncommon to hear
gamers obsess over the next new
graphics card, as these graphic cards
make it possible for computers to
generate high-end visuals like those found
in the many different types of video
games.
In addition to video games, though, good graphics cards also come in handy for
those who rely on images in order to execute their craft, like 3D modelers using
resource-intensive software.
What it does: Graphics cards often communicate directly with the display
monitor, meaning a $1,000 graphics card won't be of much use if there isn't a
high-end monitor connected to it.
4. Random Access Memory (RAM)

What it is: RAM, also known as volatile memory, stores data regarding frequently
accessed programs and processes. (It's called volatile memory because it gets
erased every time the computer restarts.)
What it does: RAM helps programs and games start up and close quickly.
5. Storage
What it is: All computers need somewhere to store their data. Modern computers
either use a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD).
HDD SSD
What it does: HDDs are made of an actual disk onto which data is stored. The
disk is read by a mechanical arm. (HDDs are cheaper than SSDs, but are slowly
becoming more and more obsolete.)
SSDs (think SIM cards) have no moving parts and are faster than a hard drive,
because no time is spent waiting for a mechanical arm to find data on a physical
location on the disk.
Power Supply Unit
A power supply mounts inside the computer case. This converts the AC mains supply from
the wall socket and supplies the correct DC voltages to all the components inside the
computer.
A computer power supply supplies the following voltages:
 +3.3v: This voltage is supplied to the motherboard.

 +5V: This voltage is supplied to the motherboard and other internal components.
 +12V: This voltage is supplied to the motherboard and other internal components.
 -12V: This voltage is supplied to the motherboard.
You get different wattage ratings for power supplies. The higher the wattage, the higher the
electrical current that can be made available to parts that need it.
The higher you go in Watts, the more the power supply will be likely to cost.
A power supply also comes with its own cooling fan. This helps all the internal components
to stay cool when the power supply is subjected to bigger loads.
What Is a LAN?
A local area network (LAN) is a collection of devices connected together in
one physical location, such as a building, office, or home. A LAN can be
small or large, ranging from a home network with one user to an enterprise
network with thousands of users and devices in an office or school.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) –
MAN or Metropolitan area Network covers a larger area than that covered by
a LAN and a smaller area as compared to WAN. MAN has a range of 5-
50km. It connects two or more computers that are apart but reside in the
same or different cities. It covers a large geographical area and may serve
as an ISP (Internet Service Provider). MAN is designed for customers who
need high-speed connectivity. Speeds of MAN range in terms of Mbps. It’s
hard to design and maintain a Metropolitan Area Network.
What Is a WAN? Wide-Area Network

In its simplest form, a wide-area network (WAN) is a collection of local-area
networks (LANs) or other networks that communicate with one another. A
WAN is essentially a network of networks, with the Internet the world's
largest WAN.
What Does Crossover Cable Mean?

A crossover cable is a type of cable installation that is used for the
interconnection of two similar devices. It is enabled by reversing the
transmission and receiving pins at both ends, so that output from one
computer becomes input to the other, and vice versa.

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What is a computer?

A computer is any machine that can be programmed to carry out a set

In terms of construction, each of these main components are attached to the

What it does: Think of the

The motherboard’s video card

2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

4. Random Access Memory (RAM)

Power Supply Unit

A computer power supply supplies the following voltages:

 +3.3v: This voltage is supplied to the motherboard.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) –

What Is a WAN? Wide-Area Network

What Does Crossover Cable Mean?

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