Name: Shaheen Ladha

Parts of a Computer
Follow along on the PowerPoint, and fill in the blanks. Also answer the Checkpoint questions
along the way.
Hardware Parts:
1. Motherboard
The main circuit board of the computer to which all components are attached. It contains metal
tracks through which electricity flows, electronic devices, and transistors that control the flow
of electricity.
(The motherboard is like a city with highways and streets that connect the buildings together.)
2. CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Also called the microprocessor, this is the main computer chip that processes instructions,
processes data, and manages the flow of information in the computer. The CPU is the brain of
the computer.
3. Hard Drive
A disk drive that holds, reads from, and writes to the hard disk, which is the memory storage
space in the computer. It is used to store software and data files.
The hard drive is where your files and programs are stored for everyday use.
4. Storage devices
Spaces in the computer case where disk drives are housed. A computer can have several disk
drives that are located in the drive bay. Usually, one disk drive is for 3.5 floppy disks. Others
are for CD-ROMs or DVDs. (Storage devices allow you to save your work).
5. RAM (random access memory)
Also called user memory. This is temporary memory that stores information for the length of
time a computer is left on or a program is left running. The data you see on your monitor while
using your computer is stored here. Once the computer is turned off, any information in this
device is lost unless you saved it to another location.
6. ROM (read only memory)

Also called factory memory This is computer memory on which information has been stored at
the time of manufacture (example: instructions needed on start-up).
CHECKPOINT QUESTIONS: (Not on Powerpoint slides)
a) What part of the computer is considered the brain of the computer? What does this part do?
The part of the computer that is considered the brain of the computer is the CPU also known as the
Central Processing Unit. The CPU process most data.
b) What is the difference between RAM and ROM?

RAM is the random access memory. The memory which only works when the program is
loaded. ROM is the read only memory. it runs the memory when the computer is turned on
Peripheral Parts:
1. Monitors
Devices that provide a visual display on a screen.
2. Keyboards
Consist of typewriter like keys that enable users to enter information into a computer.
3. Modems
Devices that allow a computer to transmit data over telephone lines.
4. Printers
Devices that print text or illustrations on paper, providing hard copy for users.
Connecting Computers (How do computers communicate with each other?)
1. Stand Alone Environment
An environment in which computer systems are not linked to each other through a network.
Example, your computer at home.
2. Networked Environment
A system that that connects computers to allow the sharing of software, data, and peripheral
devices.

2 types of networks:

LAN (Local Area Network)

A computer network that connects computers in a small area

Users at individual workstations can share data and peripheral devices. (Example: in this
classroom)

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A computer network that connects the computers over a larger geographical area such as a
province or a country. (Example: In the in the Peel School Board
CHECKPOINT QUESTIONS:
a) What is the difference between stand-alone and networked computer environments?

A networked computer are connected together. A stand-alone is the computer by itself.

b) What are peripherals? Give three examples

peripherals are extra devices for a mouse. For example a mouse, printer, and a USB
c) What is the difference between hardware and software? (Refer to yesterdays note to

help you answer this question)

Hardware is the electronic circuit in order to build the computer and software is the program
of the computer.