A personal computer (PC) is a type of electronic device that can be a desktop, laptop, or tablet and processes information using microchips. A PC is made up of multiple physical components that cooperate to carry out different functions, such using apps, browsing the internet, playing games, etc. These components are referred to as hardware and are divided into five categories: arithmetic and logical, control, input, output, and central processing units. We will go into great detail about each of these groupings and their essential elements in this blog post.
Input unit
The input unit reads data from the user or from other devices, like a scanner, camera, keyboard, mouse, microphone, and so on. Before sending the data to the central processing unit, the input unit transforms it into binary signals that the computer can understand.
Central processing unit
The central processing unit, or CPU, is the computer’s brain. It interacts with the other PC components and manages computer operations. The arithmetic and logical unit (ALU) and the control unit (CU) are the two primary components that make up the CPU.
The data that is received from the input unit or memory is processed by the ALU through calculations and comparisons. It can, for instance, compare, multiply, divide, and subtract. Logical operations like AND, OR, NOT, and so forth are likewise carried out by the ALU.
Coordinating and directing the other units to carry out the instructions contained in the memory is the responsibility of the CU. The CU retrieves the instructions from the RAM, translates them into commands, and then signals the relevant units to carry out the directives.
A number of registers on the CPU are also used to store temporary data or information required for processing. The address of the next instruction to be executed is stored in the program counter (PC), the result of an arithmetic or logical operation is stored in the accumulator (AC), and so on. The instruction register (IR) is used to hold the current instruction being processed.
The performance and speed of the CPU are gauged. The clock rate of the CPU, or the number of cycles per second it can complete, determines its speed. There are various units of measurement for clock rate, such as Hz, MHz, GHz, etc. The architecture, design, cache size, core count, and other factors all impact CPU performance.
Output unit
The output unit is used to show the user or other devices—like a projector, printer, speaker, or monitor—the processing results. The output unit transmits the binary signals from the CPU to the proper output device after converting them into a format that the user or device can understand.
Memory
The data and instructions required for processing are kept in the memory. Primary memory and secondary memory are the two categories into which memory can be separated.
Random access memory (RAM) is another name for primary memory. It is the location where data is temporarily stored while programs are actively using it. RAM is volatile, meaning that when the power is switched off, its contents are lost. RAM has a lower capacity than secondary memory but is speedier.
Other names for secondary memory include flash drives, optical disc drives, solid state drives, HDDs, and ODDs. It is the location of long-term or permanent data storage. Since secondary memory is non-volatile, its contents are retained even in the event of a power outage. Although secondary memory has a larger capacity than primary memory, it is slower.
Motherboard
The primary circuit board that links and holds all of the physical components in place is called the motherboard. It also offers a channel for information sharing and power distribution amongst them. CPU, RAM, HDD, SSD, ODD, flash drive slots, connectors, cables, wires, chips, buses, fans, and other components are all housed on the motherboard.
Additional peripheral devices that expand or improve the PC’s functionality are also located on the motherboard. For instance:
- Graphics are processed and displayed on the monitor via the graphics card, also known as the video card.
- Sound is processed by the sound card and sent to speakers or headphones.
- To connect to a wide area network (WAN), like the internet, or a local area network (LAN), one needs a network card or adapter.
- A wireless network (Wi-Fi) or Bluetooth device is connected to the wireless card or adapter.
- The PC can have more features or capabilities added to it by using the expansion card or slot.
Hard Drives
The main component of your computer that stores, retrieves, and manages data is the hard drive. They mostly come in two varieties:
1. Hard disk drive (HDD): Provides substantial storage at a slower speed.
2. SSD (Solid State Drive): Exceptionally quick access, ideal for efficiency.
