Understanding Your Computer Parts - Part 1

Computer Hard Drive

Now a hard drive is not a long trip in the car with your kids asking "Are we there yet?" every 15 minutes. Your computer hard drive is the part of the computer where your programs, folders and files are stored.

Information from your hard drive is taken by a computer program, used and then saved back onto the hard drive. When you have it in your hands, it almost looks like an old record player.

By the way, the bigger the hard drive, the more programs, folders and files can be stored on your computer. When you get close to filling the hard drive, your computer will slow down.

Computer Memory Sticks

RAM does not refer to the Dodge truck you are driving when it comes to computers. Nor does it refer to a farm animal in the back yard. RAM actually stands for Random Access Memory.

What it means to you and me is this: the amount of area the programs, folders and files have to work with when you are using them. When you open a program, it opens up invisibility into the memory or RAM and displays on your computer. The more memory you have, the more programs you can have open at the same time.

When you start running out of RAM or memory, the computer slows down or it can even freeze up on you. So, having lots of computer memory or RAM is a good thing. Memory sticks are available in different sizes. Memory can be replaced or increased . Remember: more memory is better than less memory.

Over on the left is a picture of desktop and laptop memory sticks. The laptop memory stick is smaller because of the limited space of a laptop. You will find your computer memory located in slots with white tab locks at each end. You press the white lock tabs down to remove memory and vice versa to install. Important: make sure you grab the case to discharge any static electricity before touching memory sticks - you can ruin them.

Computer Motherboard

No, your mother is not bored out of her mind. But you can see that the computer world is full of different names. The computer motherboard is the place where many of the computer parts are plugged in.

The computer memory or RAM is plugged into the motherboard for example. The motherboard mounts inside the computer case. The processor or brain of your computer is also found on the motherboard.

The motherboard looks similar in some respects to the circuit board in your TV or transistor radio if that will help you any to understand what it does.

Computer Cooling Fan

The cooling fan keeps all the circuits cool. Electrical components generate heat and heat is the enemy of all electrical parts. The fan draws cooler air into the computer and helps remove the heat. It is important to keep the fan clean so that air can move through the computer case freely. This is why it is important to clean your computer at least twice a year.

The cooling fan of this Dell computer is located directly to the right of the green cover. Cooling fans are generally located in the same rear area of most other models. Make sure you keep area clean of dust/dirt.

A laptop cooling fan has a smaller area to work with. A cooling tray will provide extra cooling for the laptop. I recommend buying a cooling tray to increase the life of your laptop.