The Anatomy of Your Computer
The motherboard, hard drive, electro-lizards, RAM, CPU, dust monsters, and noodle boosters are all
pieces of hardware humming and clicking away inside of your computer. Some are intended to be there
in order for your computer to function. Others are just words I made up or uninvited guests, but do you
know the difference? Let’s take a look at and discuss the basic anatomy of your computer.
Motherboard – Functions like the central nervous system of your body. It is responsible for sending the
electrical signals to and from every other piece of hardware inside your PC. Everything in your PC is
connected to the motherboard in some way, shape, or form.
CPU – The CPU, or central processing unit, is the brain of your computer. The CPU is one of the largest
deciding factors in the speed of your computer. It “processes” all of the calculations and functions that
take place. The CPU interprets all of the instructions you give it and then tells the other components
what they need to do.
Hard Drive – The hard drive is where all of your files, like pictures and documents, are stored. Hard
drives can vary in size, but the bigger the drive the more “stuff” it can store. Think of it as a file cabinet.
RAM – Random access memory, or RAM, functions like your short term memory. How fast can you
recall recent events? RAM is what allows you to switch between applications you’re working in and
helps your computer keep track of what you’re working on. RAM is another large contributing factor to
the speed of your PC.
Other Components - Other pieces of hardware in your computer include things like video, sound,
network cards, etc. Typically these are built onto to the motherboard but can also plug into expansion
slots.
Dust Monster
Motherboard
This is a very basic explanation of the main components of your computer and what they do. It may
come in handy the next time you’re computer shopping and trying to decide what is better, a bigger
hard drive or faster processor? Who knows though, maybe I just helped you answer the bonus question
on Jeopardy!
PS – My grandma is celebrating her 76th birthday this month. She can’t turn a computer on and has no
interest in learning… Yet she still reads my newsletter every month. Happy birthday Grandma and
thanks for reading!