Introduction to Computer Systems

What do you already know about computer systems?

I know quite a lot about computer systems, having used Windows 98/ME/XP/Vista/7 since I can remember and of course, troubleshooting many PCs and laptops that my relatives have told me to fix.

What do you want to learn about computer systems?

I want to learn more about the internal components of the computer, while I do have knowledge of the parts and what it does, I want to learn how to build my own computer, and learn how to do advanced stuff like BIOS editing.


1. What is the tower? - What does it look like? - What is its function? A tower, shown here, is an enclosure that houses the internal parts of a computer. These parts could range from the Hard Drive, CPU, fan, etc.



2. What is RAM? - What does it look like? - What is its function? - What does RAM stand for?

RAM stands for Random Access Memory which allows the computer to perform processes that require it to access and save memory randomly.


3. What is a Hard Drive? - What does it look like? - What is its function?

A hard drive is a disk drive that holds and stores information on a magnetic or optical disk that reads and writes information on it.


4. What is a DVD and DVD drive? - What do they look like? - What is their function?

a DVD usually stands for Digital Versatile Disc which allows people to store large files on a disk. A DVD drive allows a computer to "accept" and interpret information on a DVD.


5. What is a Ethernet cable? - What does it look like? - What is its function?

An Ethernet cable looks like an oversized phone cable, which is used for Local Area Networks and connecting to your modem or router.


6. What is a motherboard? - What does it look like? - What is its function?

A motherboard is the primary circuit board that "holds" and allows connections to necessary computer interfaces.


7. What is an IDE and SATA cable? - What do they look like? - What is their function?

Both are different ways for connecting a Hard Drive to the motherboard.


8. What is USB? - What does it look like? - What is its function? - What does USB stand for?

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus allows many computer peripherals, such as a mouse, keyboard, printer, etc. to be connected through a "universal" input.


9. What is a video card? - What does it look like? - What is its function?

A Video card is responsible for generating and outputting images to display. Some video cards also support video capturing, allowing you to record videos on your computer.


10. What is a PCI card? - What does it look like? - What is its function? What does PCI stand for?

a PCI card could be many different computer peripherals, such as a network card, sound card, video card, usb ports, etc. They all are able to connect through the motherboard using a PCI system.