THE MOTHERBOARD

The motherboard is the part of the computer where such things as the processor, memory modules, expansion cards and external devices are attached. This means that the motherboard controls the functions of different components. The number of connection slots for peripheral devices and the number and type of memory slots are important properties of the motherboard.

In addition to the various connections, the motherboard also has a small battery ensuring that settings made on the board are retained even when the computer is switched off.

THE PROCESSOR

The processor can be considered to be the ‘engine’ of the computer because it executes the lion’s share of the information processing; the processor fetches commands and necessary information from the RAM, carries out the tasks specified by the commands, and returns the processed information to the RAM.

The speed of a computer depends largely on the speed of the processor. The processor’s speed, in turn, is affected by various factors, such as the so-called clock frequency (usually expressed as gigahertz, GHz), the amount of cores and of the so-called cache memory inside the processor.

RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY

The RAM (Random Access Memory) is a memory storage that functions during computer use and is especially utilised by the processor. In modern computers, the amount of RAM is around 4 – 16 GB depending on the type and purpose of the computer (please see data measurement units for more information). The RAM consists of one or more memory modules (see image above).

When the computer is started, the operating system is loaded into the RAM (an operating system is a program that controls the devices and programs in a computer – please see operating systems for more information). The computer also loads the files being processed – music, assignments, videos etc – to the RAM.

If there is enough RAM, the computer executes requested tasks quickly. This is why it is a good idea to add to the memory by buying more memory modules as the need arises.

HARD DRIVE

The hard drive is the permanent memory of the computer where saved files remain even when the computer is turned off. This is why the hard drive is used for saving files.

The capacity of hard drives varies; currently the typical capacity is 500-1000 GB, but hard drives of over 1500 GB, i.e. 1,5 terabit, are also available. However, the capacity of the internal hard drives in laptop computers is often less than that.You can add to the capacity of your computer by attaching an additional hard drive, either internally or externally. More information about storage sizes can be found here.

The hard disk is used for the storage of the computer’s operating system and all important files. It is therefore packed in a fixed protective housing. The disks may become damaged in spite of this protection, so you should absolutely make backup copies of files on the hard drive from time to time (please see backup copies for more information)!

DVD AND BLU-RAY DRIVES WITH WRITING CAPABILITIES

Most computers these days come with a Blu-ray drive or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) drive with writing capabilities, with which you can burn such things as backup copies of important files to DVDs. CD drives are older and have mostly been replaced with DVD drives. CD drives can only burn data on CDs, which have a substantially smaller storage capacity, while DVD drives can burn data to both CDs and DVDs with more capacity (please see recording media for more information).