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 amongall computer systems.

whether we are talking standalone home pc, high performance networkedservers, Unix computers, Linux, Windows, or Macs, they all have fivemain 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 andcoordinates 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 takesplace. 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 thecomputer components.

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

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

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

The keyboard does all the stuff you need, although some keyboard havemore 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 normalhome user, It is hard to use 1000MB. Nowadays, you get disks with morethan 10 Gigabytes.

The output, like the monitor can be changed anytime, without changingany computer parts. Also, there is not lots of options you need for amonitor, 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, becauseyou will be running few applications at the same time. Also, you canbe 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 theapplication quick. The faster is your CPU, the faster all application are running.

Also, the CPU is very expensive, after few years of using yourcomputer, 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

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