Computer Systems

Alistair Burden
Unit 2: Computer Systems
Assignment Brief 1

Core Computer Components

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The CPU is the abbreviation for central processing unit.
Sometimes referred to simply as the central processor, but more commonly called processor, the CPU is the brains of the computer where most calculations take place.

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

A graphics processing unit (GPU) is a computer chip that performs rapid mathematical calculations, primarily for the purpose of rendering images. In the early days of computing, the central processing unit (CPU) performed these calculations.

Motherboard

The motherboard is a printed circuit board containing the principal components of a computer or other device, with connectors for other circuit boards to be slotted into.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Random-access memory is a form of computer data storage. A random-access memory device allows data items to be read and written in roughly the same amount of time regardless of the order in which data items are accessed. PSU (Power Supply Unit)

The power supply is a system that converts AC current from the wall outlet into the DC currents required by electronic circuits. A computer power supply converts AC into multiple DC voltages.

CD-ROM Drive (Compact Disk-Read Only
Memory Drive)
A CD-ROM is an optical disc which contains audio or software data whose memory is read only. A CD-ROM Drive or optical drive is the device used to read them, it uses laser light or electromagnetic waves within or near the visible light spectrum as part of the process of reading or writing data to or fromoptical discs.

HDD/SSD (Hard Drive/Solid State
Drive)
A HDD is a storage device used to store data. Unlike RAM, which requires electrical power to maintain its state, a hard disk drive stores data magnetically. Therefore, it retains its data when the power source is turned off or disconnected.
An SSD is a storage device containing non-volatile flash memory, used in place of a hard disk because of its much greater speed.

Input Devices

Keyboard

A keyboard is the set of typewriter-like keys that enables you to enter data into a computer. Computer keyboards are similar to