How+Computers+Work

Here is a brief explanation of how all the parts of a computer work together to make it work correctly.

__Overview__:
PC stands for personal computer. A PC is a general purpose machine built around a microprocessor. "General Purpose" means that you can do a large variety of things with your PC, such as: typing documents, sending emails / instant messages, browsing the internet, playing games, and much, much more. They have many parts, including memory, a hard disk, a modem, etc. and they all work together to help your computer work properly.

The PC began to get more popular after Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak released the Apple II computer. Other companies followed their lead and many types of computers were made from companies like Commodore, Atari, Texas Instruments, and IBM. Today, most people consider PCs to be "machines running on the Microsoft Windows operating system with and x86-compatible microprocessor." Apple Macintosh (Mac) computers are technically PCs, but people don't usually consider to be PCs.

__PC Parts__:
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 * __Central Processing Unit (CPU)__: The CPU is the microprocessor "brain" of the computer system. It is a chip that holds a full computational engine. Assembly language is its' "native language." The CPU controls and oversees everything the computer does.
 * __Memory__: The memory is very fast storage that holds data. It must be fast because it connects to the microprocessor. Computers have several different kinds of memory (described below):
 * __Random-access memory (RAM)__: The RAM temporarily stores information that the computer has recently worked with.
 * __Read-only memory (ROM)__: The ROM is permanent memory storage used for important information that always stays the same.
 * __Basic Input/Output system (BIOS)__: The BIOS is a type of read-only memory (ROM) used for basic communication as soon as the computer turns on.
 * __Caching__: Caching is the storing of information that is used often in very fast RAM, which connects to the CPU.
 * __Virtual Memory__: Virtual memory is space on a disk that temporarily stores data and switches it in and out of RAM as needed.
 * __Flash Memory__: Flash memory does not use moving parts and takes in information at all times, even when the computer is off.
 * __Motherboard__: The motherboard is the main circuit board that all the internal parts connect to. The CPU and memory are attached to the motherboard directly. Other parts are either on the motherboard (like the CPU and the memory) or connected to it in other ways.
 * __Power Supply__: The power supply is an electrical transformer that controls the amount of electricity the computer uses.
 * __Hard disk__: The hard disk is permanent storage that can hold lots of information at one time (such as programs and documents). Traditional hard drives have moving parts - the drive has "platters" that store data. The platter spin to record and read the data. Some newer hard drives have no moving parts. These are called solid - state drives.

__PC Parts (cont.)__:
 * __Operating System__: The operating system is the basic software that lets the user "cooperate" with the computer.
 * __Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) Controller__: The IDE controller is the main interface for the hard drive, CD-ROM, and floppy disk drive.
 * __Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)__: The AGP is "a very high-speed connection used by the graphics card to interface with the computer."
 * __Sound Card__: The sound card is used by the computer to play any and all sounds.
 * __Graphics Card__: The graphics card changes image data from the computer to a form the monitor can display. Some have their own processing units (GPU - Graphics Processing Unit). The GPU does things the CPU usually does.
 * __Ports__: A port, in computer hardware language, is "an interface that allows a computer to communicate with peripheral equipment."
 * __Real - Time Clock__: A clock with a crystal that vibrates (this is found in every single PC). This clock helps all the parts of a computer to work together.
 * __Complementary Metal-oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)__: The CMOS and its battery help the computer to store data, even when the computer is off. The battery provides nonstop power.
 * __Fans, Heat Sinks, and Cooling Systems__: The parts of a computer can get very hot. Cooling systems prevent computers from over heating.

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