HARDWARE & SOFTWARE

SOFTWARE

DEFINITION

Programs, instructions, computer applications and the operating system.

MOTHERBOARD

DEFINITION

PARTS

MICROPROCESSOR SOCKET

A thermal paste is added under the sink to improve
heat dispersal and, finally, the microprocessor is located above the socket.

CHIPSET

Is a set of chips on the motherboard that carries out communications between the microprocessor and the different components connected to the motherboard. It controls the operating mode of the board and determines its performance and characteristics.

RAM MEMORY SLOTS

RAM memory modules are plugged into these. These differ from other slots in that they include clips to hold the module in place

ATX CONNECTOR

Joins the power supply to the motherboard through cables

IDE AND SATA CONNNECTIONS

SATA connections are the more modern ones. The picture shows the SATA (red) and IDE (blue) cables that connect the motherboard to the storage units.

EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS

Ports for connecting to the network and external
devices(keyboard,headphones ,USB memory cards, etc.)

CHIP AND BATTERY FOR BIOS

Is an integrated circuit that stores the computer booting program.

MICROPROCESSOR

DEFINITION

THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE COMPUTER

RESPONSIBLE FOR:

Processing data, performing arithmetical-logical operations and controlling all the
other devices.

CHARACTERISED BY:

Working frequency, measured in hertz,(which
determines its operating speed)

HARDWARE

DEFINITION

Physical part of the computer