Inside Your Computer

Many of us our mystified by the components inside our computer. However, as with any mechanical device, it is simply a combination of motors, switches, fans and electronic components.

The system backbone is the motherboard. This is the main board that houses the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and accepts the necessary cards such as memory, modem, sound, video, etc. These cards plug into specially designed slots and vary by model, year and release … similar to our automobiles. That is where the confusion comes in when selecting a new computer.

Motherboards hold various types of cards, and come in different shapes and sizes. The main consideration in selection is typically the CPU, commonly referred to as a "Chip". Intel Celeron, AMD K-3 and Pentium are terms associated with our processors. They are rated in terms of megahertz and have different motherboard requirements. Most of us will find 450 MHz to be ample, higher speeds are usually associated with those using the newest video games or associated with the graphic arts field. Transfer speeds are also rated in terms of MHz; they are commonly referred to as bus speeds.

As for the cards, memory is our next consideration. It is sold in units such as 64 or 128 megabytes of Ram and is the easiest component to replace. Memory controls how much information we work with at a time. This is the active information visible on the screen, but not yet in permanent storage. Permanent storage is handled by our hard drives. Keep in mind that the information stored on your hard drive must be retrieved into memory to be made available for you to work with on your screen.

Our sound cards and video cards tend to represent decisions that are more personal. Do you want to play and hear music CDs from your computer? Are you playing the newest video games? If so, you'll want to invest in a quality sound card and speakers. The same considerations involved in purchasing a new stereo system are used here. If not, a basic card is ample.

The video card controls your monitor. Here you will want to determine if you'll be working with pictures and photos. Higher resolution is the main consideration, determined by the amount of pixels (or small dots) that produces the image. Flat screens and flat panels are also considerations. Flat screens eliminate distortion that is visible towards the edges of the screen. Because your monitor will most likely be around longer than the other components, here you may wish to explore a quality model.

Finally, your modem allows your connection to the Internet. This is a basic device, with not many choices. As DSL and cable modem enter the picture, new requirements are being added that are dictated by your provider.

Look at the inside of a computer some day and take the mystique away. A word of warning, static electricity can destroy your computer, so find a friend who's been there.