What is the definition of a computer?

Any machine that can be programmed to carry out a set of algorithms and arithmetic instructions is referred to as a computer.

Of course, today’s computers are much more than that—and I’m not just talking about devices that are used to play games and watch cat videos on the internet!

A computer is made up of five elements.

The five primary components that make up a standard, modern-day computer, whether it’s a gaming machine or a residential PC, are:

• a computer’s motherboard
• A CPU is an acronym for “central processing unit” (CPU)
• A graphics processing unit (GPU), sometimes known as a video card, is a computer component that does graphics processing.
• Random Access Memory (RAM), often known as volatile memory, is a kind of computer memory.
• Solid State Drive (SSD) or Hard Disk Drive (HDD) storage (HDD)

Each of these primary components is joined to the motherboard and then placed inside a protective casing, giving it the clean, polished appearance that most of us are accustomed to seeing.

Although most computers have their own individual design and different brands of hardware installed, the components listed above are universal.

Important: Before we get into the details, keep in mind that I’ll be listing and discussing the many components of a computer. This isn’t meant to be a call to disassemble your computer, nor is it a collection of instructions for doing so. You can seriously harm your computer if you don’t have the right information, and it’s also dangerous.

The mainboard

What it is: As previously stated, all components of a computer interact through a circuit board known as the motherboard.

Consider the motherboard to be the glue that keeps everything else together.

An integrated (built-in) chipset houses the motherboard’s video card and Central Processing Unit, as indicated in the diagram below:

Central Processing Unit

What it entails: Because of its direct link to the motherboard and communication with all of the computer’s other components, the CPU is frequently referred to as the “brain” of the computer

What it does: Every line of code you write (in Python, Java, C++, or any other programming language) gets translated into assembly language, which the processor can comprehend. It gets these instructions, decodes them, and then executes them.

And that’s where the CPU comes in: the CPU is in charge of all the activities that a computer does.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)

What it entails: It’s not uncommon to hear gamers obsessing about the next big graphics card, as graphics cards enable computers to create high-end images like those seen in a variety of video games.

Graphics cards are useful for people who rely on visuals to perform their trade, such as 3D modelers who use resource-intensive applications, in addition to video games.

What it does: Graphics cards frequently interface directly with the display monitor, thus a $1,000 graphics card will be useless if it isn’t linked to a high-end monitor.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM, often known as volatile memory, is a type of memory that holds information about frequently used applications and processes. (It’s referred to as volatile memory since it’s deleted every time the machine reboots.)

What it does: RAM speeds up the startup and shutdown of apps and games.

Storage

What it is: Every computer need a storage location for its data. A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or a Solid State Drive (SSD) are used in modern computers (SSD).

What it does: A hard disk drive (HDD) is a device that stores data on a physical disk. A mechanical arm reads the disk. (HDDs are less expensive than SSDs, but they are quickly becoming outdated.)

Because no time is wasted waiting for a mechanical arm to find data on a physical spot on the disk, SSDs (think SIM cards) are quicker than hard drives.

Some people love using computers on the front end, watching YouTube videos, buying on eBay, and playing video games (and experiencing the benefits of doing so.).

Others, on the other hand, are more interested in the “how”! Taking computers apart and reassembling them, installing new hardware, troubleshooting hardware assembly, and powering them up (while crossing their fingers!) are all part of the fascination.