Basic Parts of a Computer

Network Card

Allows your computer to communicate over a network and access the Internet. It can either connect with an Ethernet cable or through a wireless connection (often called Wi-Fi).

Power Cord

Connects a computer to the main electricity supply via a wall socket or extension cord.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

System's short-term memory. Whenever your computer performs calculations, it temporarily stores the data in the RAM until it is needed.

Hard Drive

Where your software, documents, and other files are stored. The hard drive is long-term storage, which means the data is still saved even if you turn the computer off or unplug it.

Sound Card

Also called an audio card—is responsible for what you hear in the speakers or headphones.

Central Processing Unit

Called a processor, it is located inside the computer case on the motherboard. It is sometimes called the brain of the computer, and its job is to carry out commands. Whenever you press a key, click the mouse, or start an application, you're sending instructions to the CPU.

Keyboard

A panel of keys that operate a computer. One of the main ways to communicate with a computer.

Software

A set of instructions and associated documentation that tells a computer what to do or how to perform a task. Without software, most computers would be useless. For example, without your Internet browser software, you could not surf the Internet.

Mouse

Commonly known as a pointing device, it lets you point to objects on the screen, click on them, and move them.

Motherboard

Computer's main circuit board. It's a thin plate that holds the CPU, memory, connectors for the hard drive and optical drives, expansion cards to control the video and audio, and connections to your computer's ports (such as USB ports). The motherboard connects directly or indirectly to every part of the computer.

Video Card

Responsible for what you see on the monitor.

Computer Case

The metal and plastic box that contains the main components of the computer, including the motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), and power supply. The front of the case usually has an On/Off button and one or more optical drives.

Power Supply

The power supply unit in a computer converts the power from the wall outlet to the type of power needed by the computer. It sends power through cables to the motherboard and other components.

Monitor

Works with a video card, located inside the computer case, to display images and text on the screen.