What are the Parts of the Computer?

The physical components required to set up a computer system to function are referred to as parts of
the computer. These physical parts are commonly called computer hardware.

Each part has an important role and helps to process/perform a specific task when we operate the
computer. For a computer system to operate, some basic parts are required such as a mouse, keyboard,
monitor, power cord, and computer case as well as its internal components.

How many parts of computers are there?

A computer is made up of different parts, whether it is small or large. Some parts can be easily
recognized and physically touched. However, there are many different parts that cannot be touched
until the computer system is completely disassembled. Based on the touch and viewing characteristics,
computer parts are generally divided into internal and external.

• Internal: Internal parts of computers refer to the built-in components and are placed inside the
computer case. For example: Motherboard, CPU, RAM, PSU, etc.

• External: External parts of computers refer to components that are attached to the computer by using
one of the ports linked to the motherboard. For example: Mouse, Keyboard, Speakers, Webcam, etc.

Monitor

Monitor, also called visual display unit, is one of the essential parts of a computer system. It’s made of
glass, circuitry, adjustment buttons, power supplies, and more, all enclosed within a casing. The monitor
is connected to a computer so that we can display output like text, image, or video on the screen.
Despite this, the adjustment buttons help control brightness, contrast, and other display settings.

Keyboard

The keyboard is one of the primary input devices which helps us to interact with the computer system.
The keyboard’s layout is similar to a traditional typewriter with additional keys. When we press a key on
the keyboard, a small portion of data is given to the computer to tell which key was pressed.

The computer receives Input from the keyboard and uses it in various ways. For example, we can enter a
single character or a command or a set of instructions into the computer for processing.

Although there are many types of keyboards, they all work in the same way. Keyboards are generally
classified as mechanical and membrane types. A typical keyboard has a set of keys, including
alphabetical keys, character keys, function keys, number keys, arrow keys, and control keys.
Mouse

The mouse is another input device and plays an important role as one of the essential computer parts. It
also helps us to communicate with the computer system. Since it uses a 'point-and-click' approach, it is
commonly referred to as a pointing device.

Mouse mainly enables us to move a pointer on the screen of the computer and select/open the object
using the mouse button. A typical mouse usually has three buttons, such as the left, right, and middle
roller buttons. However, advanced mice (such as a gaming mouse) may have more than three buttons to
help perform specific tasks.

Speakers

Speakers are one of the optional parts of the computer. They can be connected to a computer to get
audio output while watching movies, listening to the audio, listening to game music or dialogue, etc. The
speakers are attached to the sound card and convert the sound card's recovered electromagnetic waves
into audible audio waves. These speakers also have amplifiers that enable us to adjust the volume level
of the sound output.

Mic

The mic, or microphone, is another optional part of the computer. It allows us to give voice input to the
computer system. It comes in various shapes and sizes. We can connect a mic to a computer when we
need to insert audio into our presentation, do voice conferencing, recording, broadcasting, giving voice
commands to the computer, etc.

Webcam

Webcam is another optional part of the computer system which is mainly used to capture images and
videos and send them in digital form to a computer. Webcams are a little different from digital cameras
because they can't work on their own. They must be connected to the computer for proper functioning.

Computer Case

A computer case is a special box, usually made of metal or plastic, and contains many of the computer's
internal parts. Some such essential parts include a motherboard, central processing unit, power supply,
drives, memory, and wiring. It comes in various shapes and sizes. In most cases, the desktop case is
tower-style, tall, and sits next to the monitor.

Motherboard

A motherboard is a printed circuit board that is assembled inside a computer case. All basic and high-
end chipsets are integrated on the motherboard. It is one of the main parts of the computer system and
is present in all types of computers. It is also called the mainboard.

CPU

CPU, short for Central Processing Unit, is commonly referred to as the brain of a computer. It is one of
the main components of a computer system and includes the Control Unit (CU) and the Arithmetic Logic
Unit (ALU). It processes instructions and handles calculations and other logical operations of the
computer. In short, all the processes run by the computer are taken care of by the CPU. CPU is also
known as processor, central processor, microprocessor, and chip.

GPU

A graphics processing unit (GPU) is a chip or electronic circuit used to display high-quality images and
graphics by performing rapid mathematical calculations. Although the GPU helps in processing 2D data,
it also facilitates the rendering and decoding of 3D data such as animations or videos. It is also called a
graphics card, video adapter, video card, and display card.

Fan

A fan is an internal part of a computer system that primarily helps to keep the computer system or its
components cool by circulating air. This restricts overheating to prevent physical damage and extend the
lifespan of components. Normally, the fan speed is controlled by the computer BIOS based on the
temperature of the component concerned.

Sound Card

Most computers have a sound chip installed on the motherboard to generate the sound output. But to
experience high-definition sound output, it is always better to have a sound card. A sound card is an
expansion card that can be connected to a computer system using one of the ports such as USB, the PCI
slot, or the PCI Express x1 slot on the motherboard.

Memory

Memory is one of the basic parts for the proper functioning of the computer system. Memory units
typically store data and instructions for core system files and configuration. Memory is designed for fast
access. Therefore, it also participates in storing the currently running programs for faster processing.
The internal memory of a computer is mainly of two types, namely RAM and ROM:

• RAM: RAM, short for Random Access Memory, is one of the basic computer parts and serves as a
computer's primary memory for temporarily storing current data (or ongoing data). It has a fast
read/write speed and can be accessed quickly by the computer. It is a volatile memory and the data
stored in it is lost when the power supply is cut off.

ROM: ROM, short for Read-Only Memory, is a non-volatile storage medium that stores essential
computer data such as firmware. The data stored in ROM can only be read and is almost impossible to
modify by the user. It keeps the stored data even after the power is turned off. It gives read-access to
the computer's processor to write/load boot-up data and system files into primary memory.

Storage

The term storage is generally used to denote the 'external memory' or 'secondary memory' of the
computer. Storage devices are mainly used to store long-term data. This means we can store data like
images, videos, documents, etc., on the storage devices. The data saved in these devices is kept until we
delete it. The operating system is also installed in one of these storage devices such as HDD or SSD,
making storage an essential part of the computer.
• HDD: HDD, short for Hard Disk Drive, is a non-volatile storage device manufactured using a disc or
platter, head, motor, and other mechanical components. All mechanical components are housed inside
an air-sealed casing. Data is written to the platters using magnetic heads that move over the platters.
The faster the platter spins, the faster the data is read/written on the platters.

SSD: SSD, short for Solid State Drive, is another non-volatile storage device and is used in much the same
way as an HDD. However, solid-state drives do not contain any mechanical parts or moving parts.
Instead, these storage devices use interconnected flash-memory chips to store data. SSDs are smaller,
faster, and produce no noise.

CD/DVD Drive

CD/DVD drives are also optional parts of computer systems. These drives are attached to a computer to
read images, videos, software, and other data from CDs (compact discs) and DVDs (digital versatile
discs). These drives take advantage of laser technology to read/write data on/from optical discs such as
CDs and DVDs.

Internal All-in-One Reader

The internal all-in-one reader or multifunctional reader is primarily used as a replacement for the floppy
drives previously used on computers. It enables users to read or write data to different types of cards, or
flash memory. Some advanced readers also support several other ports, providing access to multiple
peripherals.The internal all-in-one reader or multifunctional reader is primarily used as a replacement
for the floppy drives previously used on computers. It enables users to read or write data to different
types of cards, or flash memory. Some advanced readers also support several other ports, providing
access to multiple peripherals.

Power Cords

Power cord refers to the primary cable used on a computer to deliver the power supply. Typically, one
side of the power cable is connected to the UPS and the other side is plugged into the computer case
which further connects to the power supply unit (PSU). Many other wires are used to connect monitors,
printers, scanners, and other peripheralsperipherals.

Power Supply Unit

A power supply unit (PSU) is an internal hardware component used in a computer case, primarily on
desktop systems. Despite its name, the power supply unit usually does not supply power to a computer
system but converts the given power supply for the computer.

UPS

UPS, short for Uninterruptible Power Supply, is a hardware device used as a power backup for a
computer. It consists of a battery inside a metal box that enables users to keep the computer running for
a short time after the primary power source has been lost, such as an outage or a power surge.