Seeing is believing.

Ever looked at a computer beyond the image that we can see ?
Well today, I got a good look at what really makes a computer function the way we want it to.
Of course everyone knows that there isn't just a case, screen, mouse, keyboard and speakers to a computer, but do they really know what fascinating things lie behind them ?
To really think of it scientifically, a computer doesn't know anything unless we give it information and instructions. What carries out the instructions and process information are the many different computer parts that are built into the computer itself. Every computer part has its own function, and if each carry out what they are supposed to do, you've got yourself a proper working computer!

Here are just a few of the many computer parts built into the computer:

Motherboard
- everything is connected to the motherboard.
- it controls everything.
- it uses BIOS (basic input output system).
- BIOS wakes the computer up; it stores information so that when you turn on the computer, it can tell the computer what to do.

Video card
-turns binary data from the CPU (central processing unit)
- it takes some of the work that the CPU has to do and does it itself so that the CPU has time to do other things.
- Expensive video cards are coated in gold, but cheaper ones are coated in silver.

Hard drive & memory. (RAM)
- Hard drive is a long term memory.
- It connects to motherboard and power supply.
- It has a lot more hard drive space than RAM
- RAM is what you use right now.
- Every time you open up a program, it uses RAM.
- RAM is like a big table that you use to put and view information.
- USB keys maintain information even if you turn off your computer.

CPU/processor.
- CPU stands for central processing unit.
- It does all the work inside of a computer.
- It is the brain of the computer.
- Its the size of your pinkie.
-There is a fan on top of the CPU that help keep the computer and its parts cool.
- CPU is covered in ceramic which dissipates heat.

Modem.
- Takes binary data and turns it into sound.
- Transfers sound to phone line.

CD-ROM.
- Stores information on the data pads.
- There is a DOT , a laser, that reads your CD.
- While your CD is spinning, the laser moves up from the center of the CD to read it.
- It uses a laser to read bumps and pits.

Mouse.
- There are three types of mouse.
A laser mouse, that uses the reflection of light to send signals to the computer.
A LED mouse, that does the same thing as a laser mouse.
And an optical mouse, that uses two balls for navigation. A fron ball and a back one.

Keyboard.
- Its an input device.
- It is connected to the computer with a cable.
- The cable sends signals to and from the keyboard.

Remember! When you are holding a component, always hold it using the sides and never the top and bottom because there might be some electricity still running.

Until next time,

Peggy