subject: Desktop Computers - Components And Parts [print this page] Desktop Computers - Components And Parts Desktop Computers - Components And Parts
Computers today are a very important piece of equipment used by 90% of the population, whether it is in business or at home they have become a must for almost every one. Computer knowledge is increasing as anyone who has one wants to know how to use it effectively. Computers or PCs are systems are designed to be used on a regular basis, but unlike laptops or mobile, they cannot be easily carried everywhere. It is a system that is fixed in a single place due to the huge amount of components within.
Desktop computers are available with separate screens and keyboards. Earlier models used to involve using a workstation having the display screen on top to save space. Some of the earliest models were absolutely huge; some were almost as big as the room they were located in. Then with the evolution of minicomputers their enormity reduced making them more like the size of refrigerators. It was only in the late 90s that the workstation's size fitted onto a single desk. The fully programmable workstations like HP 9800 were amongst the first fully programmable desk sized desktop computers to be invented.
The components that were used played a very crucial role in turning them into fully programmable workstations. The motherboard plays the most important role within the workstations. The mother board decides on what kinds of components are to be used for the PC. It then directly supports the memory to be used and the processor to be supported by the PC. The mother board is the backbone of the PC, whereas the processor becomes the heart of the desktop computers. Processor determines the speed of the system. High speed enables the system to run faster and helps in getting the work done at a faster speed. Processing speed is measured in Gigahertz. It is assumed to have a processor with a high speed as it gets the PC running fast.
Memory is the device which runs program. It is impossible for a computer to perform without a memory device. The memory directly affects the performance. It is generally considered to have a great access to the memory. It all depends on RAM (random access memory) device. It is advisable to have greater access to RAM so that your desktop performs smoothly on operating the various functions at a particular time. Similarly, the hard disk is the device which stores all the data within. Generally, a hard disk has the space available of around 160 GB. Hard disks are extendable. A user can extend the hard disk to suit his/ her preferences. Moreover there are external hard disks available as well. It is considered to have a great space to store all the information and data. Hence, it reduces the risk of losing the data.
Other components are the keyboard and the mouse. Generally, these two components are provided to be compatible with the screen. But today, wireless access to keyboards, mouse and screens are also available. Another important device is the monitor. This is the device which displays the images and data. Monitors today are available in two forms. One being the flat screen and another one is the cathode ray tube. Each device plays a crucial role and completes its own individual purpose.
