HARDWARE
MICROPROCESADOR
The microprocessor is the most important part of the computer. It is responsible for processing data, performing arithmetical-logical operations and controlling all the other devices. It is characterised by its working frequency, measured in hertz, which determines its operating speed.
MOTHERBOARD
Microprocessor
socket
The microprocessor is plugged in here. When you open the computer, what you normally see is a large fan with an aluminium heat sink below it. A thermal paste is added under the sink to improve heat dispersal and, finally, the microprocessor is located above the socket.
Chipset This is a set of chips on the motherboard that carries out communications between the microprocessor and the different components connected to the motherboard. It controls the operating mode of the board and determines its performance and characteristics. The most important chip normally has an aluminium heat sink above it, smaller than the microprocessor.
RAM memory slots RAM memory modules are plugged into these. These differ from other slots in that they include clips to hold the module in place and in that there may be empty slots but there will always be a RAM module inserted.
ATX connector This connector joins the power supply to the motherboard through cables, as shown in the picture. It requires sufficient power to work.
IDE and SATA
connections
These are the connections for the storage units: the hard disk, the DVD-ROM, the DVD recorder, etc. The boards can have two types of connection, IDE or SATA, or just one, depending on the age of the computer. SATA connections are the more modern ones. The picture shows the SATA (red) and IDE (blue) cables that connect the
motherboard to the storage units.
Expansion slots These are for inserting expansion cards, such as the graphics card,sound card, network card, etc. These cards are sometimes integrated into the motherboard so the slots might be empty. There are various types.
PCI
AGP
PCI
External
connections
These are ports for connecting to the network (RJ45) and external devices, such as the keyboard (purple PS2), the mouse (green PS2),headphones (audio jacks), USB memory cards, etc.
Chip and battery
for BIOS
The BIOS is an integrated circuit that stores the computer booting program. It can normally be distinguished from others as it generally has the word BIOS written on it, as shown in the picture. To prevent specific setup parameters from being deleted, the BIOS requires a battery.
SOFTWARE