Basic Guide For Computer Parts & Software
Most ordinary people never get to take a computer apart or assemble computer parts into a working computer
. For Joe Blow, it's just something that works when you hit the button, a gizmo that Bill Gates and some really smart nerds at IBM cooked up. But the real truth is that today's computer is the result of decades of research and innovation in the fields of semiconductors, micro processing and programming languages. Below is a primer on all the hardware and software that goes into it.
The main part, the core of a computer's circuits, is today loaded into the processors and motherboards. Whatever's left is merely so that these two can interface with humans. This means the monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.
The biggest processor makers are Intel and AMD, and the choice is usually whatever happens to be the latest in the market. Choices for the motherboard and chipset are a lot more varied and depend on usage, budget, location, etc. It's best to look it up on computer hardware review and benchmarking sites before buying anything.
The other major computer parts worth mentioning include the SMPS or power supply, hard disk drive (hdd), memory (RAM) and video cards (better known as a display or graphics card). Sound cards are these days built into the motherboard, and so are modems and LAN cards required to connect to the internet or join a network. But some people might still consider getting more powerful external cards and devices for these functions.
A special note for the power supply, because a computer's power supply is a little bit unique from the ones that electronic instruments and devices have. The power supply has distinct plug-in cables for the motherboard and each motorized part of the computer, such as the hard disk, cooling fans, dvd/cd-roms, etc. So in a sense, each part has its own power supply. To handle the delicate computer parts and yet withstand non-stop operation for years, the power supply has to be sturdy and stable.
Another special note is required for highlight the difference in parts between desktop computers and laptop computers. A laptop comes in a factory built single mold, with mostly all the parts squeezed into the motherboard. As such, it's a bit difficult to customize or upgrade laptops once purchased. A desktop on the other hand can be taken apart and specific parts such as the monitor, keyboard or even the LAN and video cards inside can be easily changed.
As for the software, first thing a computer needs is an operating system. The OS initiates the computer, stores and manages all the settings on the computer, and forms a bridge between the hardware and other software. Microsoft Windows is the single most popular operating systems, including all its versions and types for single, multiple and enterprise users. Alternative OS include FreeBSD, Linux, Unix and its various derivatives.
Commonly used software includes office software and web browsers. As of now, the most popular browser is Internet Explorer, followed by Firefox and Chrome. As for the office software, the choice is between MS-Office and OpenOffice.
In summary, the
computer hardware and software required basically depend on budget considerations and usage. For instance, someone who needs to run advanced multimedia software like Photoshop or play online video games might need a powerful desktop computer with add-on video cards, a bigger monitor and more cooling fans. Someone who simply wants to browse the web might find a factory built config for a
laptop computer quite sufficient.
by: Adriana Noton.
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