INSIDE A COMPUTER

EXPERIENCE

• "Dissecting" the computer was extremely interesting and thought invoking
• It gave us a look into the hardware of the computers we use every day
• We understood, from taking apart the computer:
• That every component of the computer was essential for it to function
• While we were dissecting, we applied our knowledge of the History of computers

COMPONENTS

MEMORY

• These are called memory sticks, or RAM
• They store memory
• This memory's location can be accessed and changed
• It is volatile (can be changed)
• Other memory like mag-tape or mag-disks are ROM cannot be changed

POWER SUPPLY

• Also known as PSU
• Modern PSUs are switch-mode
• They have a manual selector input voltage
• it gives power to the different parts of the computer that need it

SPECIFICS

• DELL computer
• Made in China
• Assembled in the United States
• Manufactured May 8, 2006

MICROPROCESSOR

• This is a motherboard
• This is a main circuit board which holds CPU and memory
• Small black chip is microprocessor
• A fast processor can execute instructions quicker
• Measured in megahertz gigahertz

INTEGRATED CIRCUIT

• Read only memory or ROM
• Also called IC
• Replaced the vacuum tube

INPUT/OUTPUT

• Ethernet
• USB ports
• Audio/Video ports
• Audio examples: Microphone, Headphones, and speaker

MONITOR

• Picture is the inside of a cracked momitor screen
• Output device
• LCD or LED monitor
• Display for computer software functions

FLOPPY INTERNET CABLE

• Transfers data and other information to the USB ports
• Also called floppy drive connector

HEAT SINK

• Heat from the computer is disperesed
• Disperses heat through individual ridges or files
• Often has fan above it