Contents
Wondering what type of technology you need for a computer? Check out this blog post to find out!
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CPU
At the heart of every personal computer is a central processing unit (CPU), or simply a processor. A CPU is responsible for executing a sequence of stored instructions called a program. Programs can be small and simple, like a single instruction to display “Hello, world!” on the screen, or large and complex, like an operating system or a video game.
CPUs are typically die-cast in the integrated circuit (IC) format, containing circuitry that performs the processing functions. A modern CPU typically contains several cores, each of which can execute instructions independently. This allow multiple programs to run simultaneously on the same CPU without interfering with each other.
Most CPUs are used in conjunction with supporting hardware components like memory, storage drives, and input/output devices. When these components are all connected together, they form a complete computer system.
Memory (RAM)
RAM is the short-term memory of your computer. It stores the data and instructions that your CPU needs to access quickly. The more RAM you have, the more data your CPU can store in its short-term memory, which means it can work on more tasks at once. If you’re a power user with lots of demanding applications, you’ll need more RAM.
Storage (Hard Drive)
All computers need some type of storage to save their files, whether it’s a PC, a laptop, a tablet or even a smartphone. The most common type of storage is a hard drive, which is like alarge flash drive that stores everything on your computer.
Graphics Card
A graphics processing unit (GPU) is a type of microprocessor that specializes in processing images. They are commonly found in personal computers, workstations, and servers. GPUs are used in embedded systems, mobile phones, personal digital assistants, and other devices that need to display high-quality graphics.
They were initially used only to accelerate the process of 3D rendering, but they are now also used for other types of video processing, such as deinterlacing and video scaling. Some GPUs are also used for general-purpose computing tasks such as machine learning and deep learning.
There are two main types of GPUs: discrete and integrated. Discrete GPUs are dedicated chips that are usually mounted on a PCI-Express card. Integrated GPUs are embedded processor cores that share resources with the CPU.
The main types of discrete GPUs are:
-AMD Radeon
-NVIDIA GeForce
-ATI Radeon
-Intel HD Graphics
-S3 Graphics
-Matrox Graphics
-SiS 300 Series
Power Supply
To build any computer, you need a power supply that converts standard household electricity into the specific voltages required by your components. Most personal computers use an internal power supply, although some high-end servers and most mainframes use an external unit.
An internal power supply is usually a rectangular box with one or more connectors on the back. The front of the power supply usually has a fan to help keep it cool. The back of the power supply connects to a circuit board in the computer case called the motherboard. The motherboard provides connectors for all of the other components in the system.
The power supply provides several different voltages, including +12 volts, -12 volts, +5 volts, and +3.3 volts. The +12 volt and -12 volt voltages are used by the CPU and memory modules. The +5 volt voltage is used by most of the other components in the system, including the hard drive and optical drive motors, as well as by some of the integrated circuits on the motherboard. The +3.3 volt voltage is used by some of the newer generation CPUs and by some of the integrated circuits on newer GPUs (graphics processing units).
Computer Case
A computer case is the metal and plastic enclosure that contains the main components of a desktop computer. Most cases are designed to be placed on a desk, although some towers are designed to be placed on the floor. Cases come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, and some cases come with features such as lights or windows.
Fans and Cooling
Computers generate a lot of heat, and if that heat isn’t properly managed, it can lead to serious problems. That’s why every computer needs one or more fans to keep things cool.
The type of fan you need depends on the type of computer you have. For example, most desktop computers have an internal power supply unit (PSU) that requires a cooling fan. Some cases also have room for additional fans, which can help improve airflow and keep things even cooler.
Notebooks usually have a fan built into the CPU, and some also have an additional fan for the GPU (graphics processing unit). These fans are important because they help keep the components inside the notebook from overheating.
You might also see cooling products that use water or other liquids instead of air to help cool down your system. These are typically reserved for high-end gaming PCs and other computers that generate a lot of heat.
Peripherals
Your computer is only as good as the devices you use to interact with it. That’s why it’s important to have the right peripherals, so you can get the most out of your machine. Here are some of the most popular types of peripherals:
-Monitors: A display device that shows pictures generated by a computer. The picture is created by a video card that is inside the computer. The monitor connects to the computer using either a VGA, DVI, HDMI, or DisplayPort cable.
-Mice and trackballs: A pointing device that is used to move a cursor around on a screen. Mice have a button on the top and bottom, and some also have a scroll wheel in between. Trackballs are similar to mice, but instead of moving the whole device, you use your thumb or fingers to move a ball that is on top of the device. This ball moves the cursor in whatever direction you roll it.
-Keyboards: An input device used to type text and give commands to a computer. Keyboards connect to computers using either USB or PS/2 ports. Some keyboards also have extra keys that can be used to perform special functions.
-Webcams: A digital video camera that allows you record video and audio, or take pictures. Webcams typically connect to computers using USB ports.
Operating System
An operating system (OS) is a type of system software that manages computer hardware and provides common services for computer programs. All computers and most mobile devices need an operating system to run.
There are four main types of operating systems:
-Desktop operating systems: These include Windows, macOS, and Linux. They are designed to be used on personal computers and laptops.
-Server operating systems: These are designed to be used on servers, which are powerful computers that store or provide information over a network. Examples include Windows Server, Linux Server, and IBM z/OS.
-Embedded operating systems: These are designed to be used in devices such as cars, TVs, and industrial control systems. They are usually customized for the specific hardware they will be running on.
-Real-time operating systems: These are designed to respond quickly to events. They are often used in devices such as aircraft controllers and medical equipment.
Software
Computer software, or simply software, is a collection of data or computer instructions that tell the computer how to work. This is in contrast to physical hardware, from which the system is built and actually performs the work. In computer science and software engineering, computer software is all information processed by computer systems, programs and data. Computer software includes computer programs, libraries and related non-executable data, such as online documentation or digital media. Computer hardware and software require each other and neither can be realistically used without the other.
