At press conferences and press tours, I often meet journalists from other publications and have the opportunity to observe who uses what device. The statistics turned out to be quite funny and I decided to tell you about my observations in this issue mobile environment. Why is it interesting to learn about journalists' devices? The fact is that most of these people have tested almost all the top devices and their choice can be called one of the most balanced. Agree that it would also be much easier for you to choose a smartphone if you could use it and all its competitors before purchasing.

Smartphones

Perhaps four out of five reviewers have smartphones Apple iPhone 5 or 5s. To be honest, I was quite surprised by this selection, and I specifically asked my colleagues why they chose the iPhone. Most answered that it was simply more convenient for them, more pleasant to use, it had an excellent combination of dimensions, appearance, materials and technical characteristics. Many applications in App Store and excellent speed.

Another argument that was often used was fatigue from Android at work. After all, the Android smartphones that we test are not only top-end Samsung Galaxy S5 or HTC One M8. Most of them are various devices on MTK, budget or semi-budget models with varying degrees of stability. And the same iPhone against their background is a breath of fresh air.

Separately, I would like to note that almost all of them bought iPhones with their own money, and did not receive them as a gift from Apple, as some readers might think. That is, this is the most conscious choice.

The remaining 20% ​​of users use various Android smartphones. Interestingly, these are not necessarily flagship devices of the latest generation; last year’s models are also often found. I can’t single out just one smartphone, because the spread is very wide - they come from Sony, Samsung, and HTC (although they are much less common).

By the way, a couple of years ago the first one was very popular Galaxy Note. Everyone was delighted with its huge high-quality screen, great time battery life and a built-in pen. However, over time, the number of Note owners among journalists gradually began to decrease (according to my observations).

But smartphones on Windows Phone I met Russian journalists very rarely, in my opinion once or twice, and then they explained to me that they took it as a second phone for offline maps or a good camera (in the case of the Nokia 1020). By the way, at MWC 2012 I was able to communicate with foreign colleagues, the attitude towards WP there was much better, people liked both the OS itself and the fact that Nokia produces its smartphones on it.

If we talk about our editorial team, Sergey Kuzmin has been using an iPhone for a long time, and from time to time he is paired with some device from Sony, or a device being tested from another brand. Artem Lutfullin is a supporter of HTC, largely because of the design, good screen and shells, sometimes comes with Meizu MX2/MX3 or other tested device. Roman Belykh has three main phones - iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S5 and HTC One M7. Roma says that he keeps three devices to compare dimensions in review photos and to be able to compare photos of these smartphones with those being tested. Oh yeah, I almost forgot: Roman also has Nokia Lumia 1020, which is what he likes to shoot with. Eldar Murtazin has been using flagship devices from Samsung for a long time, with the advent of the Note line, Eldar usually has two main smartphones - the latest Galaxy S and the latest Galaxy Note. As for me, a couple of months ago I tried to “switch” to the iPhone 5s, it seemed to me that after getting used to the iMac there would be no difficulties, but alas, the iPhone did not catch on with me, by the way, there was a separate article about this , so I won’t repeat myself.

Honestly, I'm now inclined to buy a new HTC One, or a new Nexus, if it appears. The only thing that confuses me about the One M8 is the broken synchronization of contact photos. Its essence is that after “pulling up” contacts from Google, HTC does not download them high quality photos(except for “favorite” contacts).

In fact, I try to use each device I test as my main device to better understand its pros and cons, so I have little time to use my smartphone. In those rare free moments, the Meizu MX3 serves as my main phone. I can’t say that this is an ideal model, but at least it works quickly and has an excellent screen.

Tablets

To begin with, it is worth noting that, in principle, there are not very many journalists using tablets. That's about 25-30% of everyone I've seen. And if in the case of smartphones, 80% of colleagues have an iPhone, then in the tablet sector the absolute leader is the iPad (various versions). In fact, if a journalist has a tablet, then it is an iPad. To tell the truth, the only time I saw a person not with an iPad was MWC 2012 (Boris Vedensky had the first Nexus 7).

Unlike smartphones, I can perfectly understand the availability and choice of iPad. This is truly one of best tablets on this moment- a lot of games, software, a convenient browser and a stunning screen, all this coupled with an aluminum body makes it a very attractive option.

In our editorial office, Sergei Kuzmin, Eldar Murtazin and Roman Belykh have iPads. Artem Lutfullin, who uses the Lenovo Yoga Tablet 8 when traveling, stands apart.

Laptops and PCs

To dilute this “apple” cocktail a little, I’ll probably start with desktop computers. Most editors I've talked to, if they have home computer, then a sophisticated Windows system unit with a good quality monitor is a must (for example, Artem Lutfullin has a Samsung SyncMaster S27A850D).

And yet, for many journalists, the main tool for work is a laptop. And, as you probably guessed, the majority uses one or another modification MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. By the way, debates about what is more convenient for work, Air 13 or Pro 13 Retina, also often come up during press tours.

I often see how some commentators are indignant under articles devoted to Apple technology, any praise is perceived either as bias or as paid, but in fact, their laptops are currently the most convenient for our field: typing, working with video, editing, photo processing, MacBooks handle all this very well. And game lovers use a separate device for them (PC or PlayStation/Xbox).

In our editorial office, the situation is as follows: Eldar Murtazin has a MacBook Air 2011, this is his main tool for work. Sergey Kuzmin uses a MacBook Pro Retina 15 to work in the office or at home, and (if I’m not mistaken) Sergey also has a MacBook Air for working at exhibitions (MWC, CES, IFA). Roman Belykh uses the latest generation MacBook Air 13; in addition to it, Roma also has a regular computer, and it seems that he is still more accustomed to using a PC. Artem Lutfullin, in addition to a full-fledged PC, takes a laptop from Lenovo with him when traveling (to be honest, I don’t remember the model, it’s some kind of compact, powerful gaming laptop). As for me, for the last year I have been using an iMac 21.5 2012 Late (1 TB Fusion Drive + NVIDIA GeForce 640 + 8 GB RAM). This computer can be very convenient, but it requires you to get used to it and break your habits acquired on Windows.

As an optimal “travel” gadget, I’m trying various options, ranging from a regular ultrabook to a combination of a tablet and a Bluetooth keyboard, but I haven’t yet found the ideal option for myself.

Conclusion

Personally, I found it funny that most reviewers either already own an iPhone and/or MacBook or are planning on purchasing one. I decided to devote an entire article to this observation because such a sample is very revealing. This is the choice of people who have money and the opportunity to get to know quite well big amount gadgets before purchasing, and you must admit, if most of them choose Apple, then there’s probably something in it.

On the other hand, the fact that Apple technology is convenient for journalists does not make it the best; for a number of users, the same MacBook or iPhone will be either expensive or inconvenient, and there is no point in overpaying for them. By the way, commentators often write about this.

Finally, I will say that I like what Apple is doing in the laptop market, but the iPhone has a stronger competitor in the form of Android smartphones (than Windows 8 does in OS X), and although many journalists prefer the iPhone, Android's market share continues to grow, so the consumer does not always make the same choices as reviewers.

| How does a personal computer work? Basic characteristics of a personal computer

Lesson 7
The device of a personal computer and its main characteristics. Familiarization with the configuration of PC devices, connecting external devices

§7. How does a personal computer work?
§8. Basic characteristics of a personal computer

How does a personal computer work?

Main topics of the paragraph:

What is a PC;
- basic PC devices;
- the main principle of interaction between PC devices.

Questions studied:

What is PC

In § 5 we got acquainted with the basic devices of a computer - an electronic computer (computer). Modern computers are very different: from large ones that occupy an entire room, to small ones that fit on a table, in a briefcase, and even in a pocket. Different computers are used for different purposes. Today, the most popular type of computer is personal computers. Personal computers (PCs) are intended for personal (personal) use. Exist Various types PCs: stationary (desktops) and mobile (laptops, tablets, pocket PCs).

Despite the variety of PC models, there are many similarities in their design. These general properties will now be discussed.

Basic PC devices

The main “part” of a personal computer is the microprocessor (MP). It's miniature electronic circuit, created through very complex technology, performing the function of a computer processor.

A personal computer is a collection of interconnected devices. In a desktop PC, the central device is the system unit. IN system unit The “brain” of the machine is located: a microprocessor and internal memory. The following are also located there: the power supply unit, disk drives, and external device controllers. The system unit is equipped with fans to cool elements that heat up during operation.

On the outside of the system unit there is a power switch, a computer reset button, connectors (called ports) for connecting external devices, and a pull-out tray for installing an optical drive.

Connected to the system unit are a keyboard (keyboard device), a monitor (another name is a display) and a mouse (manipulator). Sometimes other types of manipulators are used: joystick, trackball, etc. In addition to the PC, the following can be connected: a printer (printing device), a modem (for access to computer network) and other devices (Fig. 2.7).

Figure 2.7 shows a stationary PC model, Fig. 2.8 - laptop.

Everything in the laptop necessary components combined in one case, which folds like a book (hence the name of the computer).

All devices external memory, as well as input/output devices interact with the PC processor via special blocks, which are called controllers (from English controller - controller, manager). There is a disk drive controller, a monitor controller, a printer controller, etc.

Relatively recently, a universal controller appeared as part of the PC, allowing you to connect via a universal connector (USB) different kinds devices: printer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.

The main principle of interaction between PC devices

The principle by which information communication between computer devices is organized is called the backbone principle of interaction. The processor communicates with other devices through a multi-wire line called a trunk (another name is a bus) (Fig. 2.9).

Each device connected to a PC receives its own number, which serves as the address of this device. Information transmitted from the processor to the device is accompanied by its address and supplied to the controller. Next, the operation of the device is controlled by the controller.

The typical organization of the bus is as follows: one group of wires (data bus) transmits the information being processed, and another (address bus) carries the addresses of memory or external devices accessed by the processor. There is also a third part of the highway - the control bus; control signals are transmitted through it (for example, checking the device’s readiness for operation, a signal to start the device’s operation, etc.).

Briefly about the main thing

The system unit includes: microprocessor, internal memory, disk drives, power supply, external device controllers.

External devices(input/output devices, external memory devices) interact with the PC processor through controllers.

All PC devices are connected to each other via a multi-wire line called information highway, or tire.

Each external device has its own address(number). The information transmitted to it via the data bus is accompanied by the device address, which is transmitted via the address bus.

Questions and tasks

1. Name the minimum set of devices that make up a personal computer and take photographs of these devices.

2. What devices are included in the system unit?

3. What is a controller? What function does it perform?

4. How are the various PC devices physically connected to each other?

5. How does information transmitted over the bus get to the desired device?

Basic characteristics of a personal computer

Main topics of the paragraph:

Microprocessor characteristics;
- volume of internal (RAM) memory;
- characteristics of external memory devices;
- input/output devices.

Questions studied:

Personal computer – a computer for personal use.
- Basic devices of a personal computer.
- Minimum set of devices.
- The main principle of interaction between personal computer devices.
- Microprocessor characteristics: clock frequency, bit depth.
- Volume is the main characteristic of RAM.
- Characteristics of external memory devices.

Increasingly, personal computers are used not only in production and in educational institutions, but also at home. You can buy them in the store the same way you buy them household appliances. When purchasing any product, it is advisable to know its main characteristics in order to purchase exactly what you need. PCs also have these basic characteristics.

Microprocessor Specifications

There are various models of microprocessors produced different companies. The main characteristics of MP are processor clock speed and bit depth.

The operating mode of the microprocessor and other associated devices is set by a microcircuit called a clock generator. This is a kind of metronome inside the computer. The processor is allocated a certain number of clock cycles to perform each operation. It is clear that if the metronome “knocks” faster, then the processor works faster. Clock frequency measured in megahertz - MHz. A frequency of 1 MHz corresponds to a million clock cycles per second. Here are some typical microprocessor clock frequencies: 600, 800, 1000 MHz. The last value is called gigahertz - GHz. Modern microprocessor models operate at clock speeds of several gigahertz.

Next characteristic - processor capacity. Bit capacity is the maximum length of binary code that can be processed or transmitted by the processor as a whole. The processor capacity on the first PC models was 8 bits. Then 16-bit processors appeared. Modern PCs most often use 32-bit processors. The highest bit depth is modern microprocessors used in PCs are 64 bits.

Volume of internal (RAM) memory

We have already talked about computer memory. It is divided into operational (internal) and long-term (external) memory. Machine performance is highly dependent on volume internal memory. If there is not enough internal memory to run some programs, the computer begins to transfer some of the data to external memory, which sharply reduces its performance. The speed of reading/writing data into RAM is several orders of magnitude higher than into external memory.

The amount of RAM affects the performance of your computer. For modern programs to work effectively, it is necessary RAM hundreds and thousands of megabytes (gigabytes).

Purpose of cache memory

To reduce program execution time, the PC includes a special type of internal memory called cache memory. This is a small section of computer memory that has the shortest read/write time. Cache memory duplicates the data and instructions from RAM that the processor accesses most frequently when executing a program. Therefore, the processor initially looks for the required information in the cache memory, and only if it does not find it there, it turns to the slower RAM.

Characteristics of external memory devices

External memory devices are magnetic and laser drives, flash memory. Magnetic disks built into the system unit are called hard drives, or hard drives. This is a very important part of the computer because it is where all the programs necessary for the computer to operate are stored. Read/write to HDD is produced faster than all other types of external media, but still slower than in RAM. The larger the volume hard drive, all the better. Installed on modern PCs hard disks, the volume of which is measured in gigabytes: tens and hundreds of gigabytes. When you buy a computer, you also purchase the necessary set of programs on your hard drive. Typically, the buyer himself orders the computer software.

All other external memory media are removable, i.e. they can be inserted into and removed from the drive. These include optical discs such as CDs (compact discs) and DVDs. Their properties were discussed in § 6. Disks are convenient for long-term storage of programs and data, as well as for transferring information from one computer to another.

The required set of a modern PC includes optical drives for working with CDs and DVDs. Distributed on these media software. The capacity of a CD-ROM is hundreds of megabytes (standard volume is 700 MB). The information capacity of DVD is calculated in gigabytes (4.7; 8.5; 17 GB). Video films are often recorded onto DVDs. On one disc you can fit a two-hour video with several soundtracks different languages.

Writeable optical drives allow you to write and rewrite information on CD-RW and DVD-RW.

Recently, flash memory has become the main means of transferring information from one computer to another. Flash memory is electronic device external memory used to read and write information to file format. Flash memory, like disks, is a non-volatile device. The storage capacity ranges from hundreds of megabytes to several gigabytes. And the speed of reading and writing data to flash media is approaching the speed of reading and writing to a hard drive.

I/O Devices

All other device types are classified as number of input/output devices. Mandatory ones are a keyboard, monitor and manipulator (mouse; on mobile PCs: trackball, touchpad, joystick, etc.). Additional devices: printer, modem, scanner, sound system and some others. The choice of these devices depends on the needs and financial capabilities of the buyer. You can always find sources of reference information about the models of such devices and their operational properties.

Briefly about the main thing

Main characteristics of the microprocessor: clock frequency and bit depth. The higher the clock frequency, the higher the speed of the processor. Increasing the bit depth leads to an increase in the amount of data processed by the computer per unit of time.

RAM capacity affects computer performance. Modern programs require hundreds or thousands of megabytes (gigabytes) of RAM to run efficiently.

Hard magnetic disk- a mandatory external memory device included in the computer.

Removable media are optical disks and flash memory.

Required set of input/output devices: keyboard, pointing device, monitor.

Additional I/O Devices: printer, scanner, modem, acoustic system and etc.

Questions and tasks

1. What characteristics of a computer determine its performance?

2. What order of information volume do hard drives, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs have?

3. Which memory devices are built-in and which are removable?

4. Which input/output devices are required for a PC, and which are optional?

Electronic lesson supplement

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So, what does our ordinary personal computer (PC) that we use at home or at work consist of?

Let's look at its hardware (“hardware”):

• system unit (that large box that stands on your table or under the table, on the side of it, etc.). It contains all the main components of the computer.
• peripherals(such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse, modem, scanner, etc.).

The system unit in a computer is the “main” unit. If you carefully unscrew the screws from its back wall, remove the side panel and look inside, then only in appearance its structure will seem complicated. Now I will briefly describe its structure, and then I will describe the main elements in the most understandable language.

The system unit contains the following elements(not necessarily all at once):

- Power unit

— Hard disk drive (HDD)

— Floppy disk drive (FDD)

— CD or DVD drive (CD/DVD ROM)

— Connectors for additional devices (ports) on the rear (sometimes also on the front) panel, etc.

— Motherboard(it is more often called maternal), which, in turn, contains:

• microprocessor;
• mathematical coprocessor;
• clock generator;
• memory chips(RAM, ROM, cache memory, CMOS memory)
• controllers (adapters) of devices: keyboards, disks, etc.
• sound, video and network cards ;
• timer, etc.

All of them are connected to the motherboard using connectors (slots). Its elements, highlighted in bold, we will look at below.

And now, in order, about the system unit:

1 . Everything is clear with the power supply: it powers the computer. Let me just say that the higher its power rating, the cooler it is.

2. A hard disk drive (HDD - hard disk drive) is popularly called a hard drive.

This nickname arose from the slang name for the first models of hard disk with a capacity of 16 KB (IBM, 1973), which had 30 tracks of 30 sectors, which coincidentally coincided with the “30/30” caliber of the famous Winchester hunting rifle. The capacity of this drive is usually measured in gigabytes: from 20 GB (on old computers) to several Terrabytes (1 TB = 1024 GB). The most common hard drive capacity is 250-500 GB. The speed of operations depends on the rotation speed (5400-10000 rpm). Depending on the type of connection between the hard drive and motherboard distinguish between ATA and IDE.

3. A floppy disk drive (FDD - floppy disk drive) is nothing more than floppy disk drive. Their standard capacity is 1.44 MB with a diameter of 3.5" (89 mm). Magnetic disks use magnetic materials with special properties as a storage medium that allows them to record two magnetic states, each of which is assigned binary digits: 0 and 1.

4 . Optical disk drives (CD-ROM) come in different diameters (3.5" and 5.25") and capacities. The most common of them are with a capacity of 700 MB. It happens that CD discs can be used for recording only once (then they are called R), and it is more profitable to use repeatedly rewritable RW discs.

DVD originally stood for Digital Video Disk. Despite the name, DVDs can record anything from music to data. Therefore, recently another decoding of this name has become increasingly common - Digital Versatile Disk, loosely translated meaning “digital universal disk”. The main difference between DVDs and CDs is the amount of information that can be recorded on such media. From 4.7 to 13, and even up to 17 Gb can be recorded on a DVD disc. This is achieved in several ways. First, reading DVDs uses a laser with a shorter wavelength than reading CDs, which has significantly increased recording density. Secondly, the standard provides for so-called double-layer discs, in which on one side the data is recorded in two layers, while one layer is translucent, and the second layer is read “through” the first. This made it possible to write data to both sides of DVDs, thereby doubling their capacity, which is sometimes done.

5 . TO personal computer others can join additional devices (mouse, printer, scanner and other). The connection is made through ports - special connectors on the rear panel.

There are parallel (LPT), serial (COM) and universal serial (USB) ports. A serial port transmits information bit by bit (slower) over a small number of wires. A mouse and modem are connected to the serial port. Through a parallel port, information is transmitted simultaneously over a large number of wires corresponding to the number of bits. A printer and an external hard drive are connected to the parallel port. The USB port is used to connect a wide range of peripheral devices- from mouse to printer. Data exchange between computers is also possible.

6. The main computer devices (processor, RAM, etc.) are located on motherboard.

Microprocessor (simpler - processor) is the central unit of a PC, designed to control the operation of all units of the machine and to perform arithmetic and logical operations over information.

Its main characteristics are the bit depth (the higher it is, the higher the computer’s performance) and clock frequency (largely determines the speed of the computer). The clock speed indicates how many elementary operations (cycles) the processor performs in one second.
Intel Pentium processors and its economical version Celeron are respected in the market, and their competitors are also appreciated - AMD Athlon with economy version Duron. Intel processors characterized by high operational reliability, low heat generation and compatibility with all software and hardware. And AMD shows greater speed with graphics and games, but is less reliable.

Computer memory can be internal or external. External memory devices include the already discussed HDD, FDD, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM. Internal memory includes permanent storage (ROM, ROM), random access memory (RAM), Cache.

ROM is designed to store permanent program and reference information (BIOS - Basic Input-Output System - basic input-output system).

RAM is fast and is used by the processor for short-term storage of information while the computer is running.

When the power source is turned off, the information in RAM is not saved. For the normal functioning of a computer these days, it is advisable to have from 1 GB to 3 GB of RAM.

Cache memory is an ultra-high-speed intermediate memory.

CMOS memory - CMOS RAM (Complementary Metall-Oxide Semiconductor RAM). It stores computer configuration settings that are checked every time the system is turned on. To change computer configuration settings, the BIOS contains a computer configuration program - SETUP.

Sound, video and network cards can be either built into motherboard, and external. External boards can always be replaced, whereas if the built-in video card fails, you will have to replace the entire motherboard. For video cards, I trust ATI Radeon and Nvidia. The higher the video card memory, the better.

Peripherals

The computer consists of 6 groups of keys:

• Alphanumeric;
• Controls (Enter, Backspace, Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Tab, Esc, Caps Lock, Num Lock, Scroll Lock, Pause, Print Screen);
• Functional (F1-F12);
• Numeric keypad;
• Cursor controls (->,<-, Page Up, Page Down, Home, End, Delete, Insert);
• Function indicator lights (Caps Lock, Num Lock, Scroll Lock).

Mouse (mechanical, optical). Most programs use two of the three mouse keys. The left key is the main one, it controls the computer. It plays the role of the Enter key. The functions of the right key vary depending on the program. In the middle there is a scroll wheel, which you quickly get used to.

Modem - network adapter. It can be both external and internal.

The scanner automatically reads from paper media and enters any printed texts and images into the PC.

The microphone is used to input sound into the computer.

(display) is designed to display information on the screen. Most often, modern PCs use SVGA monitors with a resolution (the number of dots located horizontally and vertically on the monitor screen) of 800*600, 1024*768, 1280*1024, 1600*1200 when transmitting up to 16.8 million colors.

The monitor screen size ranges from 15 to 22 inches diagonally, but most often it is 17 inches (35.5 cm). Dot (grain) size - from 0.32 mm to 0.21 mm. The smaller it is, the better.

PCs that are equipped with television monitors (CRT) are no longer so popular. Of these, preference should be given to monitors with low radiation levels (Low Radiation). Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are safer, and most computers have one.

Designed for printing text and graphic images. Printers are dot matrix, inkjet and laser. In dot matrix printers, the image is formed from dots using the impact method. Inkjet printers have thin tubes in the print head instead of needles - nozzles, through which tiny droplets of ink are thrown onto the paper. Inkjet printers also produce color printing by mixing base colors. The advantage is high print quality, the disadvantage is the danger of ink drying out, the high cost of consumables.

Laser printers use the electrographic method of image formation. The laser is used to create an ultra-thin beam of light that traces the contours of an invisible dotted electronic image on the surface of a pre-charged light-sensitive drum. After developing the electronic image with dye (toner) powder adhering to the discharged areas, printing is performed - transferring the toner from the drum to paper and fixing the image on the paper by heating the toner until it melts. Laser printers provide the highest quality printing with high speed. Color laser printers are widely used.

Speakers output sound. The sound quality depends - again - on the power of the speakers and the material from which the cabinets are made (preferably wood) and its volume. An important role is played by the presence of a bass reflex (hole on the front panel) and the number of reproduced frequency bands (high, mid and low speakers on each speaker).

USB flash drives, in my opinion, have become the most universal means of transferring information. This miniature device is smaller in size and weight than a lighter. It has high mechanical strength and is not afraid of electromagnetic radiation, heat and cold, dust and dirt.

The most sensitive part of the drive is the connector, covered with a cap. The capacity of these devices ranges from 256 MB to 32 GB, which allows you to select a drive of the required capacity, in accordance with your needs. Thanks to the interface, the USB drive can be connected to any modern computer. It works with Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP/Vista/7, Mac OS 8.6 ~ 10.1, Linux 2.4 operating systems. In Windows you don’t even need to install any drivers: just plug it into a USB port and go.

Needed to input dynamic images into a computer and sound (for communication and the ability to create teleconferences).

Uninterruptable power source needed in case of a power outage.

Puff, well, in my opinion, that’s all the main thing I wanted to tell you about the computer hardware, the so-called hardware.

The article “Computer Design” was written quite a long time ago. Therefore, if you find an error or find some inaccuracy, please write about it using the comment form. We will be very grateful to you!

What do you, dear reader, know about a computer? Of course, the completeness and depth of your answer will depend on many factors. Some of you will involuntarily turn to the superficial knowledge from the school curriculum acquired in computer science lessons. And it’s unlikely that the average user would think about what is hidden under the protective casing of the system unit. As a rule, a housewife's knowledge is based on a visual understanding of the subject of our discussion: an iron or plastic box, a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse. And we should agree with this, since the objectivity of such an opinion really characterizes a standard configuration PC in general terms. However, the components of a computer are more than the simplicity and limitations of the visible body parts of the system unit and some connected to it. Reading promises to be fascinating, and the material in the article is guaranteed to become a starting point for your curiosity.

The main components of a computer: what a housewife sees

No matter how much we would like it, we simply cannot do without computer terminology. So be prepared to become familiar with some specialized words. By the way, this will save you a lot of time in the future. Now let's move directly to the fascinating theory and consider the basic configuration of a desktop PC as an introductory list.

• The system unit is the case in which the hardware of the computer is located.
• Monitor is a device for displaying graphic and symbolic information.
• A keyboard is a keyboard-based computer control device through which data and commands are entered.
• A mouse is a hand-held manipulator that converts mechanical movements into a control signal.

Design features of computing devices

The mentioned computer components are integral elements of desktop modifications. Laptops, tablets and pocket electronic devices are portable types of computing equipment. Such devices have a compact body. All basic hardware components are combined into a single device, resulting in maximum practicality of the device. The undeniable advantage of laptop computers is operational autonomy and mobility during use. There is another type of computer equipment - all-in-one computers. This type of computing device is a cross between desktop and mobile systems. The miniaturization of the hardware, borrowed from laptops, and the stationary “attachment” to the workplace of traditional PCs distinguish this type of equipment into a separately presented type of computing device.

Inside the protective case are located what ultimately is the hardware configuration of the PC. The main part of a computer is considered to be the motherboard of the device, since this element is a kind of backbone of the electronic system, on which, in addition to the required components - a central processor and RAM strips - additional expansion modules can be installed. A special place in the system unit is reserved for an information storage device - a hard drive. Computer components such as the cooling system and power supply are also located inside the PC case. However, portable devices receive power from external power supply devices. Typically, a personal computer is equipped with an optical drive for reading and writing data. The main interface panel is displayed outside.

Important parts of the computer: the processor is the “heart” of the PC

This chip performs the function of a computer center. Without a CPU, a computer simply won't work. CPU power is characterized by a clock frequency, which is measured in MHz. At the same time, the final performance indicator of the processor depends on the level of technology used. When performing multi-threaded operations (working two or more simultaneously used applications), CPUs with a multi-core architecture have an absolute advantage. This technical part of the computer - the processor - consists of a core and associated components: an input/output bus and an address bus. The processing speed of data between the specified CPU components is expressed in bit depth. The higher the mentioned indicator, the larger the CPU bus.

RAM: The CPU's Fast Helper

This is a volatile component of the system, which is a kind of intermediary between the central processor and the hard drive. However, data exchange can also occur directly between the CPU and the computer's RAM. The RAM module is installed in a special bank slot on the motherboard. The performance of the OS depends on the amount of RAM, which is measured in information units (MB), as well as the throughput of the device’s system bus. Today there are several types of such memory:

• The outdated type of RAM is SIMM and DIMM.
• The most common are DDR, DDR2, DDR3.
• The new type of RAM is DDR4.

As you understand, the components of a computer must comply with a certain unified standard. When purchasing an additional one, you need to know exactly what type of RAM your motherboard supports.

Hard drive: “iron” memory

Unlike RAM, data written to the HDD can be stored for quite a long time. The operation of a hard drive is based on the principle of changing the magnetic field near the recording head. A drive of this type is a mechanical device, the efficiency of which depends on its inherent characteristics:

• Nominal capacity - the amount of data that can be stored on the HDD.
• Random access time—performing a positioning operation on a random portion of disk space.
• The rotation speed of the central spindle is a parameter measured by the number of revolutions per minute.
• The buffer volume is intermediate memory, which is calculated in MB.
• Data transfer rate is the ability of a device to read a certain amount of information per second. Sequential access to a specific (meaning external and internal zones) disk part of a personal computer is taken into account.

Upgrading a PC, compact computing device and service equipment is often associated with increasing the speed of the operating system. And solid-state drives, which have appeared quite recently, can solve the speed problems of any computing technology in the best possible way. However, the relatively small amount of disk space at the high price of an SSD device is, to put it mildly, an unacceptable solution for many users.

Video card: visual representation

What components of a computer are responsible for graphics? The answer to this question is quite simple. First of all, this is the video card, then the central processor, and only then the PC’s RAM. It is worth noting that graphics adapters are discrete and integrated. Therefore, it is necessary to consider in more detail the issue of the differences in this type of equipment.

Graphics chip built into the motherboard

As a rule, computers in the lowest price category are equipped with integrated video controllers. As you understand, such chips do not have special performance. However, for solving office tasks, viewing multimedia material, and even running a non-resource-intensive gaming application, this option is quite acceptable. Please note: the video adapter built into the chipset physically cannot be considered a separate element of the package.

Discrete type of video cards

Today, this is the most effective method to increase the graphics capabilities of a PC. This graphics module is inserted into a special PCI expansion slot on the motherboard. A monitor is connected via an interface connector, which is located on the video card itself and brought out to the outside of the system unit. The amount of video memory and the bandwidth of its buses, as well as the core frequency, texture and pixel fill rate are the main indicators of the graphic performance of the specified PC component. Now, if someone asks you: “List the components of a computer,” you must take into account that, unlike an integrated graphics chip, it is a separately presented module.

PC configuration: expansion of functionality and modernization

After you have learned or refreshed previously received information about what is inside the PC system unit, let's touch on the issue of how it relates to the topic of the presented article.

So, additional parts of a computer are not only peripheral devices: printers, scanners, web cameras, etc., connected to any interface connector or connected via wireless technology to a PC, but also some system components, which are usually called basic. For example, a user can always add operational resources to his computer by installing additional RAM modules in the free bank slots of the system board. Avid gamers often install two powerful video cards on their computers. Audio capabilities can be significantly expanded if you connect a sophisticated sound adapter. Network and DVB cards, various readers and TV tuners, as well as a lot of other equipment - all this can become elements of modernization, that is, a PC upgrade. The only limitation for the flight of user imagination may be the insufficient level of technology of the motherboard.

Before I finish

Now you won't be caught off guard if you're asked, "List the parts of a computer." However, to fully understand the structure of a PC, there are still a few things you need to understand. After all, in the previous paragraphs only a passing mention was made of the communication capabilities of the computer. Meanwhile, the PC motherboard is equipped with various interface connectors, among which the main ones can be distinguished:

• PS/2 - for connecting a mouse and keyboard.
• USB is a universal port for connecting to peripheral devices.
• VGA - monitor connector.
• RJ45 - for connecting a network connector.

Today, modern ones are equipped with various wireless modules. Developers are giving PCs new communication properties. Manufacturers are introducing revolutionary technologies that seemed fantastic just yesterday. Electronics is rapidly expanding the boundaries of its influence. However, the human thinking process will always be the basis for computer technology. Because no one and nothing in the world can think the way a person thinks.

Technical epilogue

You can confidently assume that you now know what the parts of a computer are called. However, the information presented is only a drop from the ocean of information on the topic raised, since talking about the structure of a computer in general terms means not saying anything! Therefore, as mentioned earlier, it is necessary to show curiosity and approach the issue of studying the computer structure more seriously. Rest assured, such knowledge will make you much richer. After all, the computer is the future!

A thousand and one tips on home and everyday life Polivalina Lyubov Aleksandrovna

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The second group consists of various peripheral and auxiliary devices: printer, scanner, modem, external storage media, multimedia, mouse, joystick, virtual helmet and much, much more.

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