What are the Main Components of Any Computer, and Which are the Most Critical to Its Performance?

Computers are everywhere, and vary in specification, brands, sizes, shaped, and prices. However, there is one common characteristic among all computer systems.

whether we are talking standalone home pc, high performance networked servers, Unix computers, Linux, Windows, or Macs, they all have five main components: Input device, Output device, Central Processing Unit, Memory, and Storage device

1- The input device is used to enter the data into the computer. Examples of input devices are: Keyboards, Scanners, or light pens.

2-The output device is used to redirect the processed data to a device connected the output connection of the computer. Examples of output devices are: Monitors, Printers.

3-The Central Processing Unit is where the computer processes data and coordinates tasks among different components of the computer.

4-Memory is where the computer stores data. The memory is two types:

a-RAM, random access memory, where temporary storage of the data takes place. The data in the RAM will be lost is the computer is shut down.

b-ROM, read only memory which has built in information used by the computer components.

5-Hard Disk storage, where you can store the data permanently. It will stay stored, even if the power is shut off.

For you computer to function properly, it should have the five metioned elements. But, some of these parts are more critical to the performance of the computer.

The most critical two I found, are the RAM, and the CPU speed. Here is why:

The keyboard does all the stuff you need, although some keyboard have more keys and functions to them, it depends what kind of application you are using, some keys you will never need.

The Hard disk is usually larger than what you need. For a normal home user, It is hard to use 1000MB. Nowadays, you get disks with more than 10 Gigabytes.

The output, like the monitor can be changed anytime, without changing any computer parts. Also, there is not lots of options you need for a monitor, you can get any monitor that will do the job. Just get a good size, good resolution, and pick a regular or flat LCD one. The rest of specs are not to critical.

Now, let us look at the most important parts: The Ram, and the CPU. With today's application, you need lots of processing power, because you will be running few applications at the same time. Also, you can be running a very powerful operating system that need lots of processing and memory power.

Every running application consumes some ram memory, and every application today need lots of it. Example, is Internet Explorer 6, and Netscape Navigator. So the ram will be used up fast. This is why you need as much as Ram as you can get. Get 250MB at least.

With the big ram , you need fast CPU also in order to process the application quick. The faster is your CPU, the faster all application are running.

Also, the CPU is very expensive, after few years of using your computer, the CPU will cost you more than the whole used computer.

In summary, when you buy a computer, the most important factors in your decision should be getting a big RAM ( 250MB At least), and getting a fast CPU processor.

Thanks,
George Chamoun

For tips about your Windows XP computer, visit our new website: http://www.ResolveWindowsXpProblems.com

---

5 Minute Guide to Video Editing for Beginners

Getting started with video editing is very simple you only... Read More

10 Tips to Stay Safe and Secure Online

The Internet can be a dangerous place.While you're enjoying the... Read More

How To Become A True CCNA

I've worked my way from the CCNA to the CCIE,... Read More

Put Order and Information into File Names

Unless you place your faith in internal search engine software... Read More

The Benefits of Open Source

If you are a building a website or a forum,... Read More

Mail-merging: The Principles

About mail-mergingMail-merging is the process of merging variable data and... Read More

Why Build Your Own Computer System

Have you ever thought about building your own computer system?... Read More

Password Nightmares

Good Morning Mr. Sampson. Please type in you Personal Identification... Read More

Basic Computer Maintenance

One of the most common questions computer users ask is,... Read More

Protect Your PC from Viruses, Worms & Trojans

Each of the items in the checklist below is part... Read More

Computer Performance Tips

Introduction In this article I will clearly spell out the... Read More

HTML Explained: Part 1

Want to save money while promoting your web-based business? Of... Read More

Healthy Webmasters Choose Ergonomic Computer Products

Webmasters usually sit at their computers much longer in a... Read More

Use Your Computer For Your Entertainment Needs

By using your computer today you can find a lot... Read More

Is Online DVD Rental or Pay-Per-View the Best Way to Get Your Movies?

With renting methods such as online DVD rental and pay-per-view,... Read More

HTML Explained: Part 2

Get started creating web pages using text files and HTML... Read More

Nephrology and Dialysis For a PDA

Saving Lives With A Pocket PCFree medical downloads can be... Read More

Image Formats: GIF, JPEG, BMP

When browsing the internet you are likely to come across... Read More

CCNA 640-801 Certification Primer

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification is meant for... Read More

Virtual Memory - What is It?

I recently got an e-mail asking about virtual memory. The... Read More

Are You Putting Off Productivity?

I recently took a good look at what was keeping... Read More

Dont Let the Internet Overstimulate Your Mind

The Internet is an awesome tool, but be careful and... Read More

How to Protect your PC from Spyware in the Cyber Age

Wouldn't you be shocked to find that your personal sensitive... Read More

5 Steps to Remove Spyware for Free

Have you ever tried to remove Spyware off your PC... Read More

SmartCar Memory Stick for LapTop Transfer Data

With the new technology used to transfer information to from... Read More

New Computer? Steps to Protect Your Computer Before Connecting to the Internet

Getting a new computer should be an exciting and gratifying... Read More

Help, I Need a New HDTV! (Part 3 of 5)

Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More

Flash Your nVidia Video Cards BIOS

You will need the following:1. 1.44MB FDD (floppy)2. NVFLASH utility... Read More

Home Electronics: The Facts About Plasma TV

Not so many years ago, homes across the country watched... Read More

What Has A Portable MP3 Player Have To Do With Your Business

Plenty! When we made the decision to be our own... Read More

Looking For an MP3 Player?

If you don't have an mp3 player, and even if... Read More

Flash Memory, Part I: MMC and SD

MMC and SDFlash memory is available in so many formats... Read More

Advantages and Guidelines of Automated Testing

"Automated Testing" is automating the manual testing process currently in... Read More