Motherboard

A motherboard (also called main board, main circuit board, system board,
baseboard, planar board, logic board) is the main printed circuit board (PCB) in
general-purpose computers and other expandable systems. It holds and allows
communication between many of the crucial electronic components of a system,
such as the central processing unit (CPU) and memory, and provides connectors
for input and output devices. The motherboard serves as the central circuit hub. It
also regulates the power received by the hard drive, graphics card, and CPU and
system memory from the power supply. It connects the CPU, memory, hard
drives, optical drives, video card, sound card, and other ports and expansion cards
directly or via cables. The most important parts of a motherboard include the
power pots, the battery, the PCI and the RAM slots.

The most common causes of motherboard failure are:

 1. Aging of the battery
2. Aging of capacitors
3. Electrostatic discharge
4. Heat
5. Dirt
6. Partially connected or incorrectly connected cables
7. Improperly seated memory modules, video card, CPUs, and other
expansion devices.
8. Carelessness
If the CPU actually over-stresses the components connected to it, then damage
can spread beyond the CPU itself. In a multi-CPU system, the death of one CPU
may not kill the whole motherboard. In laptop and tablet systems, the CPU is
often soldered directly onto the motherboard and not fitted in a socket.
When you turn your computer on, power is sent from the power supply on to the
motherboard. Data is transferred via data buses and goes through the North
Bridge and South bridge part of the chipset. In short, a motherboard serves as the
headquarters of a computer which transmits data via data buses.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is the primary component of a computer that process instruction.
The CPU of a computer is a piece of hardware that carries out the instructions of
computer program. It performs the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output
operations of a computer system.
The CPU runs the operating system and applications, constantly receiving
input from the user or active software programs. It processes the data and
produces output, which may be stored by an application or displayed on the
screen. The CPU contains at least one processor, which is the actual chip inside
the CPU that performs calculation.
A CPU with two processing cores is called a dual-core CPU and models with
four cores are called quad-core CPUs. High-end CPUs may have six or even eight
processors. A computer may also have more than one CPU, which each has
multiple cores. For example, a server with two hexes-core CPUs has a total of 12
processors.
Memory Storage Unit
The unit can store instructions, data, and intermediate results. This unit
supplies information results. This unit supplies information to other units of the
computer when needed. It is also known internal storage unit or the main
memory or the primary storage or Random Access Memory (RAM). Its size affects
speed, power, and capability. Primary memory and secondary memory are two
types of memories in the computer. Functions of the memory unit are-
1. It stores all the data and the instructions required for processing.
2. It stores intermediate results of processing.
3. It stores the final results of processing before these results are released to
an output device.
4. All inputs and outputs are transmitted through the main memory.

Control Unit
This unit controls the operations of all parts of the computer but does not
carry out any actual data processing operations.
Functions of this unit are -
1. It is responsible for controlling the transfer of data and instructions among
other units of a computer.
2. It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer.
3. It obtains the instructions from the memory, interprets them, and directs
the operation of the computer.
4. It communicates with input/output devices for transfer of data or results
from storage.
5. It does not process or store data.

Hard drive and hard disk

 Both terms are used interchangeably and with about the same frequency. A
hard drive is a storage device that, unless explicitly specified, resides inside the
computer case. Hard disk drive is the mechanical hard drive. Disk drive is any type
of storage device in which stores data on a disk.
A hard drive is the hardware component that stores all of your digital
content. Your documents, pictures, music, videos, programs, application
preferences, and operating system represent digital content stored on a hard
drive. Hard drives can be external or internal.
A hard disk drive (HDD), hard disk, hard drive, or fixed disk is an electro-
mechanical data storage device that uses magnetic storage to store and retrieve
digital data using one or more rigid rapidly rotating platters coated with magnetic
material. The platters are paired with magnetic heads, usually arranged on a
moving actuator arm, which read and write data to the platter surfaces. Data is
accessed in a random-access manner, meaning that individual blocks of data can
be stored and retrieved in any order. HDDs are a type of non-volatile storage,
retaining stored data even when powered off.

Graphics card
 A Graphics Card is a piece of computer hardware that produces the image
you see on a monitor. The Graphics Card is responsible for rendering an image to
your monitor, it does this by converting data into a signal your monitor can
understand.

When a discrete graphics card is installed, it is typically located in the

expansion slot closest to the CPU. Its location relates to the high-speed
connection that motherboard manufactures want between the CPU and the
graphics card.

Every desktop and laptop computer needs a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)
of some sort. Without a GPU, there would be no way to output an image to your
display.

Like a motherboard, a graphics card is a printed circuit board that houses a

processor and RAM. It also has an input/output system (BIOS) chip, which stores
the card's settings and performs diagnostics on the memory, input and output at
startup. A graphics card's processor, called a graphics processing unit (GPU), is
similar to a computer's CPU. A GPU, however, is designed specifically for
performing the complex mathematical and geometric calculations that are
necessary for graphics rendering. Some of the fastest GPUs have more transistors
than the average CPU. A GPU produces a lot of heat, so it is usually located under
a heat sink or a fan.

Hardware and software

Computer hardware is any physical device used in or with your machine,
whereas software is a collection of programming code installed on your
computer's hard drive. In other words, hardware is something you can hold in
your hand, whereas software cannot be held in your hand.
The main difference between hardware and software is that the hardware
refers to physical components of a computer while the software refers to a set of
instructions given to a computer to perform a certain task. Hardware refer to the
tangible and physical components of the computer.
Monitor
A computer monitor is an output device that displays information in
pictorial form. A monitor usually comprises the visual display, circuitry, casing,
and power supply.
The LCD monitor, the most common kind of flat panel display. It is a newer
technology than CRT. LCD monitors use much less desk space, are lightweight and
use less electricity than CRT. They have been used for many years in the screens
of laptop and notebook computers. They also work as touch screens in tablet
computers, mobile phones, and other handheld technologies.
 An LED Monitor (short for Light Emitting Diode) or LED displays is an LCD
Monitor that uses light emitting diodes for backlighting. The first LCD
Monitors used cold cathode fluorescent lamps instead of LEDs to illuminate
the screen.

Mouse
 A computer mouse (plural mice) is a hand-held pointing device that detects
two-dimensional motion relative to a surface. This motion is typically translated
into the motion of a pointer on a display, which allows a smooth control of the
graphical user interface of a computer. In addition to moving a cursor, computer
mice have one or more buttons to allow operations such as selection of a menu
item on a display. Mice often also feature other elements, such as touch surfaces
and scroll wheels, which enable additional control and dimensional input. Some
systems allow two or more mice to be used at once as input devices. Multiple
mice are often used in multi-user gaming in addition to specially designed devices
that provide several input interfaces. There have also been propositions of having
a single operator use two mice simultaneously as a more sophisticated means of
controlling various graphics and multimedia applications.
Mickey per second is a unit of measurement for the speed and movement
direction of a computer mouse, where direction is often expressed as "horizontal"
versus "vertical" Mickey count. However, speed can also refer to the ration
between how many pixels the cursor moves on the screen and how far the mouse
moves on the mouse pad, which may be expressed as pixels per Mickey, pixels
per inch, or pixels per centimeter.
The computer industry often measures mouse sensitivity in terms of counts
per inch (CPI), commonly expressed as dots per inch (DPI) – the number of steps
the mouse will report when it moves one inch. If the default mouse-tracking
condition involves moving the cursor by one screen-pixel or dot on-screen per
reported step, then the CPI does equate to DPI: dots of cursor motion per inch of
mouse motion. The CPI or DPI as reported by manufacturers depends on how
they make the mouse; the higher the CPI, the faster the cursor moves with mouse
movement. However, software can adjust the mouse sensitivity, making the
cursor move faster or slower than its CPI. Current software can change the speed
of the cursor dynamically, taking into account the mouse's absolute speed and
the movement from the last stop-point. In most software, an example being the
Windows platforms, this setting is named "speed", referring to "cursor precision".
However, some operating systems name this setting "acceleration", the typical
Apple OS designation. This term is incorrect. Mouse acceleration in most mouse
software refers to the change in speed of the cursor over time while the mouse
movement is constant.

Mouse pad
 The mouse pad, the most common mouse accessory, appears most
commonly in conjunction with mechanical mice, because to roll smoothly the ball
requires more friction than common desk surfaces usually provide. So-called
"hard mouse pads" for gamers or optical/laser mice also exist.

Keyboard
A computer keyboard is a typewriter-style device which uses an
arrangement of buttons or key to act as mechanical levers or electronic switches.
Following the decline of punch cards and paper tape, interaction via teleprinter-
style keyboards became the main input method for computers. Keyboard keys
(buttons) typically have a set of characters engraved or printed on them, and each
press of a key typically corresponds to a single written symbol. However,
producing some symbols may require pressing and holding several keys
simultaneously or in sequence. While most keyboard keys produce letters,
numbers or signs (characters), other keys or simultaneous key presses can
produce actions or execute computer commands.
In normal usage, the keyboard is used as a text entry interface for typing
text, numbers, and symbols into a word processor, text editor or any other
program. In a modern compute, the interpretation of key presses is generally left
to the software. A computer keyboard distinguishes each physical key from every
other key and reports all key presses to the controlling software.
A keyboard is also used to give commands to the operating system of a
computer, such as Window's Control-Alt-Delete combination. Although on Pre-
Window 95 Microsoft operating systems this forced a re-boot, now it brings up a
system security options screen. A command-line interface is a type of user
interface navigated entirely using a keyboard, or some other similar device that
does the job of one.

Ram
 Random-access memory is a form of computer memory that can be read
and changed in any order, typically used to store working data and machine code.
A random-access memory device allows data items to be read or written in almost
the same amount of time irrespective of the physical location of data inside the
memory.
Computer memory or random access memory (RAM) is your system's short-
term data storage; it stores the information your computer is actively using so
that it can be accessed quickly. The more programs your system is running, the
more memory you'll need.
While there are many types of RAM the connective seat for computer
memory is easily identifiable and almost exclusively located in the upper right
corner of any consumer level motherboard. These slots are long slender grooves
with the width of only a few millimeters.
The more RAM your CPU has access to, the easier its job becomes, which
enables a faster computer. If you do not have a sufficient amount of RAM than
your CPU has to work much, much harder to transfer data, which severally
damages the computer's performance. Random access memory also helps your
system support software.

Rom
 ROM is memory that cannot be changed by a program or user. ROM retains
its memory even after the computer is turned off. Read-only memory is a type of
non-volatile memory used in computers and other electronic devices. Data stored
in ROM cannot be electronically modified after the manufacture of the memory
device. Read-only memory is useful for storing software that is rarely changed
during the life of the system, also known as firmware. Software applications (like
video games) for programmable devices can be distributed as plug-in cartridges
containing read-only memory.
Strictly, read-only memory refers to memory that is hard-wired, such as
diode matrix or a mask ROM integrated circuit, which cannot be electronically
changed after manufacture. Although discrete circuits can be altered in principle,
through the addition of bodge wires and/or the removal or replacement of
components, integrated circuits (ICs) cannot. Correction of errors, or updates to
the software, requires new devices to be manufactured and to replace the
installed device.

Power supply
A power supply unit (or PSU) converts mains AC to low-voltage regulated
DC power for the internal components of a computer. Modern personal
computers universally use switched-mode power supplies. Some power supplies
have a manual switch for selecting input voltage, while others automatically adapt
to the mains voltage.
Most modern desktop personal computer power supplies conform to the
ATX specification, which includes form factor and voltage tolerances. While an
ATX power supply is connected to the mains supply, it always provides a 5 volt
standby (5VSB) voltage so that the stand by functions on the computer and
certain peripherals are powered. ATX power supplies are turned on and off by a
signal from the motherboard. They also provide a signal to the motherboard to
indicate when the DC voltage is in spec, so that the computer is able to safely
power up and boot.

Solid-state drive
 A solid-state drive (SSD) is a solid-state storage device that uses integrated
circuit as assemblies to store data persistently, typically using flash memory, and
functioning as secondary storage in the hierarchy of computer storage. It is also
sometimes called a soled-state device or a solid-state disk, even though SSDs lack
the physical spinning disks and movable read-write heads used in hard drives
(HDD) or floppy disks.

Desktop and laptop

A desktop is a physical computer unit that consists of a monitor, CPU, key-
board and a mouse. It is a graphical user work space on a software operating
system. It is designed for regular use at one location. It requires main power
supply so that it cannot be portable.
A laptop is an all-in-one computer that uses batteries or AC power that can
last for several hours. It can be easily transported. It is also called as Notebook. It
has basically LED or LCD screen. It can be operated by battery or AC supply that
makes it portable.

Input and output device

An input device sends information to a computer system for processing,
and an output device reproduces or displays the results of that processing. Input
devices only allow for input of data to a computer and output devices only receive
the output of data from another device.
Most devices are only input devices or output devices, as they can only
accept data input from a user or output data generated by a computer. However,
some devices can accept input and display output, and they are referred to as I/O
devices (input/output devices).
For example, as you can see in the top half of the image, a keyboard sends
electrical signals, which are received by the computer as input. Those signals are
then interpreted by the computer and displayed, or output, on the monitor as
text or image, the computer sends, or outputs, data to a printer, which will print
the data onto a piece of paper, also considered output.
 An input device can send data to another device, but it cannot receive data
from another device. Examples of input devices include the following.
 Keyboard and Mouse – Accepts input from a user and sends that data
(input) to the computer. They cannot accept or reproduce information
(output) from the computer.
 Microphone – Receives sound generated by an input source, and sends that
sound to a computer.
 Webcam – Receives images generated by whatever it is pointed at (input)
and send those images to a computer.
An output device can receive data from another device and generate
output with that data, but it cannot send data to another device. Examples
of output devices include the following.
 Monitor – Receives data from a computer (output) and displays that
information as text and images for users to view. It cannot accept data
from a user and send that data to another device.
 Projector – Receives data from a computer (output) and displays, or
projects, that information as text and images onto a surface, like a wall or a
screen. It cannot accept data from a user and send that data to another
device.
 Speakers – Receives sound data from a computer and plays the sounds for
users to hear. It cannot accept sound generated by users and send that
sound to another device.
An input/output device can receive data from users, or another device
(input), and send data to another device (output). Examples of
input/output devices include the following.
 CD-RW drive and DVD-RW drive – Receives data from a computer (input),
to copy onto a writable CD or DVD. Also, the drive sends data contained on
a CD or DVD (output) to a computer.
 USB flash drive – Receives, or saves, data from a computer (input). Also, the
drive sends data to a computer or another device (output).

Reference from Google

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