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C
The Case
All computers need a case to house all the electronic components. Cases can
come in a variety of colours and shapes, but all of them have the same purpose
– that is, to hold and protect the electronic components.
The computer’s power supply is normally supplied with the case.
The Motherboard
The motherboard is a large circuit board. All the other components are plugged
into the motherboard. The motherboard supplies power to all the components
and connects them together.
Motherboards vary in terms of speed and features. More expensive boards
tend to be faster, more reliable and support more features and advanced
components.
The motherboard is mounted in the computer’s case.
The Microprocessor or Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU can be thought of as the brain of the computer. It is the part of the
computer that does the actual computing, and co-ordinates the actions of the
whole system. Software programs are written to give the CPU a set of
instructions. The CPU will follow the instructions to accomplish a specific
task.
Like all other components, the CPU is connected to the motherboard. It is easy
to spot on the motherboard, as it usually the largest microchip on the board.
This is why it is often called the “chip” for short. The CPU is covered by a
cooling fan.
Computers are differentiated by the type and speed of their CPU. For example,
in terms of type, people may refer to a computer as a 486, a Pentium, Pentium
II or Pentium III. This describes the different type of CPU used.
In terms of speed, people may refer to a computer as a Pentium III 600. The
600 refers to the speed of the CPU. In this case, the CPU has the capacity to
operate at a frequency of 600 MHz. The CPU is capable of 600 million
operations per second.
Memory (RAM and ROM)
RAM
The CPU has to process digital data to carry out instructions. This data has to
be stored so that the CPU can quickly retrieve the data, process it and save it
again for further processing. This storage space used to hold the data that the
computer is working with at any time is referred to as the computer’s memory.
Memory is like the CPU’s scrap paper - somewhere to write down notes and
calculations as it works. It is referred to as Random Access Memory (RAM).
RAM is storage space that is available for short-term storage of data.
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Community Radio Technical Manual