The articles you will find on this page explain in some detail what components a computer consists of and what to look for when buying. This is not the most in depth information, but it will serve as a general guideline.
Building Your Own Computer -- Part One
Before building a new computer you must decide what it will be used for. This will allow you to allocate your budget to purchase specialized equipment where needed.
Computers – Build Your Own or Buy?
Many people are intimidated by the inside of a computer case. At first glance all those wires and components look confusing and impossibly high-tech.
The Basic UPS Guide
It could happen to you at any time, and in a blink of an eye. All it takes is a small spike, surge, brownout, or any other fluctuation in the voltage , and your equipment can be permanently damaged, your data destroyed, and your operating system files corrupted.
Computer Components Introduction
There are many fancy add-ons that can be incorporated into a computer, but before these can be installed the basic components of the computer must be connected and operating correctly.
CPU Basics
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is often described as the 'brain' of the computer. Perhaps describing it as the 'engine' may be more appropriate - it has no innate intelligence of its own, and more powerful CPUs cannot do more complex work; they simply work faster.
The Motherboard
When you open up a computer case you see a large printed circuit board underneath all the other components. This circuit board is the motherboard.
The Basics of Computer Memory
Computer memory is a storage area for both program code and data which is currently in use. Computer programs can write and retrieve information from memory in any order, allowing for fast data retrieval and manipulation.
Hard Drives
The hard disk is also a form of memory. When the computer is turned off all your work and other data can be stored on the hard drive for later retrieval.
Optical Drives - CD and DVD
Data can also be stored on removable media such as floppy disks, memory sticks, CDs and DVDs.
Graphics Cards
The visual output that a computer provides is handled with the video card. This is a dedicated circuitry that interprets information from the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and sends it to the computer monitor.
Sound Cards
Even though most motherboards have built in sound capabilities, adding an extra sound card can give you access to more audio features.
Computer Accessories – Part One
Besides the essential components of the computer like the motherboard, the CPU and the hard drive, there are many useful peripherals that can be added.
Computer Accessories - Part Two
This article will look at some of the true accessories – useful but not essential.