3. Computer Basics - Inside a computer

Computer Components

• A motherboard is a large circuit board that contains essential parts of a computer, including the CPU, RAM, and more.
• The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the "brain" of the computer, processing information and executing commands.
• The CPU is covered by a heat sink, a metal piece that draws heat away from the processor to prevent overheating.

Memory and Storage

• RAM (Random Access Memory) is short-term memory used for calculations, but it's cleared when the computer is shut off.
• The hard drive provides long-term storage, keeping data even when the computer is turned off.
• Hard drives use magnetic platters to store data, but Solid State Drives (SSDs) are faster, more durable, and more expensive alternatives.

Expansion and Upgrades

• Desktop computers have expansion slots on the motherboard, allowing for upgrades with expansion cards.
• Expansion cards can add features like better graphics performance (video card) or wireless connectivity (wireless card).
• Laptops typically do not have expansion slots.

Power Supply

• The Power Supply Unit (PSU) takes power from the wall outlet and distributes it to various components.
• Laptops have a built-in battery, allowing for portable use.

Motherboard

• Large circuit board containing essential computer parts, including CPU, RAM, and more.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

• "Brain" of the computer, processing information and executing commands.
• Covered by a heat sink to prevent overheating.

Memory and Storage

• RAM (Random Access Memory): short-term memory for calculations, cleared when computer is shut off.
• Hard drive: long-term storage, keeps data even when computer is turned off.
• Hard drives use magnetic platters to store data.
• Solid State Drives (SSDs): faster, more durable, and more expensive alternatives to hard drives.

Expansion and Upgrades

• Desktop computers: expansion slots on motherboard for upgrades with expansion cards.
• Expansion cards: add features like better graphics performance (video card) or wireless connectivity (wireless card).
• Laptops: typically do not have expansion slots.

Power Supply

• Power Supply Unit (PSU): takes power from wall outlet and distributes it to various components.
• Laptops: built-in battery for portable use.

Motherboard

• Large circuit board containing essential computer parts, including CPU, RAM, and more.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

• "Brain" of the computer, processing information and executing commands.
• Covered by a heat sink to prevent overheating.

Memory and Storage

• RAM (Random Access Memory): short-term memory for calculations, cleared when computer is shut off.
• Hard drive: long-term storage, keeps data even when computer is turned off.
• Hard drives use magnetic platters to store data.
• Solid State Drives (SSDs): faster, more durable, and more expensive alternatives to hard drives.

Expansion and Upgrades

• Desktop computers: expansion slots on motherboard for upgrades with expansion cards.
• Expansion cards: add features like better graphics performance (video card) or wireless connectivity (wireless card).
• Laptops: typically do not have expansion slots.

Power Supply

• Power Supply Unit (PSU): takes power from wall outlet and distributes it to various components.
• Laptops: built-in battery for portable use.

Motherboard

• Large circuit board containing essential computer parts, including CPU, RAM, and more.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

• "Brain" of the computer, processing information and executing commands.
• Covered by a heat sink to prevent overheating.

Memory and Storage

• RAM (Random Access Memory): short-term memory for calculations, cleared when computer is shut off.
• Hard drive: long-term storage, keeps data even when computer is turned off.
• Hard drives use magnetic platters to store data.
• Solid State Drives (SSDs): faster, more durable, and more expensive alternatives to hard drives.

Expansion and Upgrades

• Desktop computers: expansion slots on motherboard for upgrades with expansion cards.
• Expansion cards: add features like better graphics performance (video card) or wireless connectivity (wireless card).
• Laptops: typically do not have expansion slots.

Power Supply

• Power Supply Unit (PSU): takes power from wall outlet and distributes it to various components.
• Laptops: built-in battery for portable use.