The computer is unquestionably one of the most significant inventions of our time. It has made our lives easier (and better) in more ways than one. It is a reliable tool for creating reports, making movies, viewing pictures, or simply connecting to the internet. I know.. I know.. some people still have violent reactions on the “reliable” part– but hey, that’s another story.

The computer is a complex device with infinite capabilities– surely, it is as powerful as it is because of the components that make it. So have you ever wondered what’s inside that plain old rectangular box sitting on top of your office table?

The following is a list of the seven major components inside a regular computer.

Motherboard (A).

The motherboard is the green area on the image below and the word “mother” should already give you a general idea about its functionality. Every important component is either placed on it or connected to it in some way. It provides all the sockets that enable all these components to communicate with each other.

The even major components of a computer.

The motherboard is also called a “mainboard”, a “mobo” or in the case of Apple computers, a “logic board”.

CPU or Processor (B).

CPU is an acronym for Central Processing Unit –and no, we are not talking the big fan that sits on top of the motherboard, but rather, what’s under it.

The processor is the brain of the computer because it performs all the calculations needed for the computer to work properly.  It plays a significant role in almost all of the major tasks performed by the computer, like running the software or processing the data that you are working on. It is the smallest of all the seven basic components of a computer and also the most expensive. Without it, your computer will be nothing but an expensive piece of junk.

Intel Processor

RAM (C).

RAM is an acronym for Random Access Memory.  It holds the software and the data that currently runs on your computer and allows all these information to be accessed by the processor in random order. It is therefore responsible for holding information from one process to the next.

The RAM can hold the data for as long as the computer is powered on. It basically works like an average person’s short-term memory.

RAM (random Access Memory)

You can always upgrade or speed up your computer by adding more RAM to it. A typical motherboard has a couple of extra slots where you can put additional RAM sticks, like in the image above.

Videocard (D).

A video card is also known as a graphics accelerator card or a display adapter. Its primary purpose is to create the images that display on your monitor.

NVIDIA Video Card

Some motherboards already have generic video cards built into them– but that would only work if you’re not too keen about graphics or how fast they load on your computer. Video cards are used to optimize video games, 3D animation or anything that involves graphics.

Power Supply (E). The power supply is the source of a computers electrical power. All the major components need electricity in order to run, so pretty much everything is connected to the power supply.

Power Supply

The power supply converts electricity from a regular outlet to a suitable amount of voltage needed by a specific component to operate. It usually comes with its own cooling fan to eliminate excess heat.

Hard Disk Drive (F). Shutting down a computer erases all the data that is stored in its RAM. That means that a permanent storage is needed to retain information even if the computer is off. 

The hard disk is a magnetic disk which can store large amounts of computer data such as documents, files and applications among many others. The amount of data that can be stored in one hard disk is often measured in gigabytes (1 billion bytes).

Hard Disk

Optical Drive (G). The optical drive is the component uses that laser light or electromagnetic waves read or write data on CD’s and DVDs. Though a computer can still  function without it, an optical drive is a standard feature in most computer set-ups because most consumer media like music, video and software drivers are distributed in disc form.

Optical Drive

Writing or “burning” your files to a disc is a great way to transfer or share information without having to transport your bulky computer everywhere. You can also use discs to backup your important files.

If you want to know about computers and how it can help your small business, contact us. We will be more than happy to help you with any of your concerns.

1.

Always use a surge protector to guard your laptop from power surges.  It can happen anytime, anywhere and especially in places where electricity is unstable. A sudden increase in the amount of electricity may not destroy your laptop at once, but it does have a long term effect.

Belkin Surge Protector

2.

Invest in a good laptop bag. A well-padded and insulated bag will protect your laptop from unexpected bumps that may contribute to its wear and tear. Make sure that it has a lot of additional storage compartments to avoid scratches on your machine.

Booq Laptop Bag

If you are traveling, don’t carry your laptop inside a bag that screams, “Laptop Inside!”.  That will only entice thieves into making you their next target. Disguise your computer by using less obvious handbags or backpacks that are also specially designed for carrying them.

3.

Speaking of thieves, make it a point to buy a sturdy lock for your laptop. It’s going to come in handy when you have to leave your laptop unattended for several minutes.  It slips right into the Kensington security slot that is found in almost all laptops.

Kensington Security Slot

4.

Don’t drink or eat anything while you’re working.  Laptops don’t like water and bread crumbs anywhere in it’s body so you have to respect that. A good amount of liquid may cause the laptop to short-circuit and morsels of food may settle in between the keys.

Keyboard Spill

5. Don’t put your laptop on the floor or anywhere your children or your pets can reach them. If the words “children” and “pets” doesn’t scare you, try imagining a big adult foot accidentally squishing your expensive laptop.

Believe me, doing away with this nasty habit can save you from a lot of mini-heart attacks. I’ve been there.

Laptop on the Floor. Tsk. Tsk.

6.

Avoid placing your laptop on soft surfaces like rugs and bedsheets while its running. Fibers or dust may cause overheating by blocking the air vents under your laptop.

Give your laptop as much ventilation as possible. Keep it away from hot objects and warm environments.

Overheating Laptop

7.

Unless you are an expert on computers, never try to repair your laptop by yourself.  Laptops are different from desktop computers because they have smaller components and a more complicated design.

Do-it-yourself tricks will save you a few bucks or do just the opposite. Let a qualified professional do it for you or better yet, ask tech support. Holding for the next available technician can be worth it sometimes.

Laptop Repair

8.

Don’t expose your laptop to a cold environment or place it there for a long period of time.  Cold temperature alone will not harm your laptop, but moisture will. The liquid that is formed inside your laptop due to a sudden change in temperature will cause it short circuit.

The Process of Condensation.

9.

Bring an ethernet cable anywhere you go. Everyone’s using wireless nowadays but you’ll never know when you’ll need one. Bringing items like a mouse, a universal adapter or a fully charged extra battery won’t hurt either.

Cat5 Ethernet Cable

10. This is the last and most important tip of all. Back-up your files! Just like any other machine, you’ll never know when your laptop will crack open or swim on water. Laptops have a higher risk for wear and tear because you carry them everywhere.

A broken laptop is the least of your worries when all of your important files are erased. Unlike new laptops, you can’t buy important family pictures and office documents anywhere. A lot of people make the mistake of waiting for tomorrow to back up their data and deeply regret it when something disastrous happens. Don’t be a statistic.

File Back-Up