Hello all,
I like to fix computers, but what I like is teaching others how to understand / repair computers. I try to simplify all kinds of explanations so that even beginners can understand what I teach. Here’s how I teach / explain the seven main computer components:
1) Motherboard
The motherboard is the heart of the computer. Every other part of the computer sits or is connected to the motherboard in a number of ways. The motherboard is a rectangular colored board at the bottom of the case. Motherboards can also be called “main boards”, “system boards”, or “mobos”.
2) CPU
CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of the computer. It runs the software and processes the data that you are working on. The CPU is above the motherboard and is covered by a cooler and a cooling fan.
3) RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) stores or remembers the software data that you are running. The RAM module (“stick”) is long and thin and looks like a short ruler. Each RAM module is installed in the appropriate slot on the motherboard.
4) Video Card
The video card creates images that appear on the computer monitor. Almost all modern video cards are installed in the AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) slot, or PCI Express (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) slot on the motherboard.
5) Power Supply
The power supply supplies the power needed by the computer. All cables coming from the power supply go directly to the computer components or to the motherboard. The power supply is at the top of the case.
6) Hard Disk Drive
Hard Drive stores all of your information (even when the computer is turned off). When you turn on the computer, software and data are loaded from the Hard Drive into RAM. Hard Drive slides into the Hard Drive space in your computer case.
7) Optical Drive
The optical drive uses a laser to read (play) or write (record, burn) CDs and DVDs. The optical drive is in the front room of the computer. Some optical drives are “read only” (ROM) media, while other optical drives are “capable of reading and writing” (RW).
Professor Randy said: Fix a man’s computer and you will satisfy him for today, teach a man how to repair a computer and you can satisfy him for life!
