Computer Systems

Computer Systems

Task 1:
Components
Processor
The Central processing unit (CPU) also known as the heart of the computer, is a small piece of hardware (a small chip) that is implemented on a computer board (motherboard) and other electronics, it is responsible for carrying out instructions and tasks of computer programs by doing calculations and performing input/output operations of the computer system.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the main printed circuit board (PCB) of the computer and it comes in different types and form factors. Form factors include standard ATX, micro ATX, mini ATX and there are many more types available in markets. The motherboard contains all the ports and slots and equipment’s that go along making a complete personal computer, these include the CPU, the Random Access Memory (RAM) which is the memory of the computer, it also includes video cards, network cards, sound cards and ports (e.g. USB and FireWire) and other extension cards or slots which may be added by the user to improve the performance of his computer.
BIOS
BIOS which is an acronym for Basic Input Output System is a program which is built into the computer and it’s the first program run by the computer when it’s switched on. The BIOS also loads the operating system and functions as a bridge between the motherboard and the PC as it displays the computer’s information and properties and each device and its specifications. The BIOS software is stored in a Read Only Memory (ROM) chip on the motherboard.

Power Supply
The power supply unit (PSU) is the hardware which is responsible for providing power for the computer and to turn it on; it converts AC power to DC for the components of a computer. It is worth noting that power supplies come in different types and form factors, just like how motherboards can come in different form factors as well.
Fan and Heat Sink
The Heat sink is a device which is used to cool down hot components such as the CPU; there are two types of heat sinks:...

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