Main components of a typical desktop computer.

Central processing unit (CPU)

- The microprocessor "brain" of the computer system is called the central processing unit. Everything that a computer does is overseen by the CPU.

Memory -

This is very fast storage used to hold data. It has to be fast because it connects directly to the microprocessor. There are several specific types of memory in a computer:

Random-access memory (RAM)

- Used to temporarily store information that the computer is currently working with

Read-only memory (ROM)

- A permanent type of memory storage used by the computer for important data that does not change

Basic input/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 connection. For example, a sound card can be built into the motherboard or connected through PCI.

Power supply -

 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.

Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) Controller - This is the primary interface for the hard drive, CD-ROM and floppy disk drive.

Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Bus - The most common way to connect additional components to the computer, PCI uses a series of slots on the motherboard that PCI cards plug into.

SCSI -

Pronounced "scuzzy," the small computer system interface is a method of adding additional devices, such as hard drives or scanners, to the computer.

AGP -

Accelerated Graphics Port is a very high-speed connection used by the graphics card to interface with the computer.

Sound card -

This is used by the computer to record and play audio by converting analog sound into digital information and back again.

Graphics card -

This translates image data from the computer into a format that can be displayed by the monitor.