Here are the main hardware components that make up a desktop computer. There is of course more available but these are the basic parts that all desktops have.
Motherboard
Click for Larger Image
The motherboard is the main circuit board in a computer. All hardware in a computer are either directly or indirectly connected to the motherboard. Think of it as the body or nervous system of the computer.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Click for Larger Image
The CPU is considered the brain of the compute and is the most important microprocessor in the computer. It is responsible for most of the data processing that takes place in the computer. It is also responsible for managing the activities of the entire system. CPU speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz). A 1 GHz CPU can perform 1 billion instructions per second. WOW! So by this logic a 3.0 GHz processor is much faster than a 2.0 GHz processor.
There are two main manufacturers of CPUs in the market today; Intel and AMD. Most desktop and laptop computers use their CPUs.
Heat Sink + Fan
Click for larger Image
The heat sink sits directly on top of the CPU. It's sole purpose is to keep the CPU cool. CPUs run extremely hot! The heat sink, in turn, usually has a fan attached on top of it. The fan sucks the heat off of the CPU and blows it into the computer case.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Click for Larger Image
Random Access Memory (RAM) provides storage for your computer to read and write data to be accessed by the CPU (central processing unit). When people refer to a computer's memory, they usually mean its RAM.
Hard Drive
Click for larger Image
This is the permanent storage device of the computer. This is where are your data is saved when the computer is turned off. Them memory of hard drives is measured in Gigabytes and Terabytes. This is one of those things in life where more is actually better. The higher the capacity of the hard drive, the more data you can save on it.
Optical Drive
Click for Larger Image
CD/DVD/BluRay drives are standard on computers systems today because most software comes on a CD/DVD. The drive itself holds no memory. Only the disks inside the drive are used for storing and retrieving data. The Rom part of a cd means that it can only read data, not write. The RW part of it means you can copy data onto onto a disc.
Power Supply
Click for Larger Image
This brings power from the plug to the various parts of the computer. *Remember the safety issues here. Don't open a power supply. It can kill you.
Monitor
Click on Larger Image
One of the most common output devices available. This allows you to see what you are doing with the software and operating system of the computer.
Keyboard and Mouse
Click for Larger Image
The two most common input devices. These are a must for helping you interact with your computer.