5.77. Electronic Device http://www.ck12.org
The parts of a computer that transmit, process, or store digital signals are pictured and described in theFigure5.166.
They include the CPU, hard drive, ROM, and RAM. The motherboard ties all these parts of the computer together.
FIGURE 5.166
- The CPU, or central processing unit, carries out program instructions. You can learn more about CPUs and
how they work by watching the video at this URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c06WxAvD4Nk.
MEDIA
Click image to the left for use the URL below.
URL: http://www.ck12.org/flx/render/embeddedobject/82414- The hard drive is a magnetic disc that provides long-term storage for programs and data.
- ROM (read-only memory) is a microchip that provides permanent storage. It stores important information
such as start-up instructions. This memory remains even after the computer is turned off. - RAM (random-access memory) is a microchip that temporarily stores programs and data that are currently
being used. Anything stored in RAM is lost when the computer is turned off. - The motherboard is connected to the CPU, hard drive, ROM, and RAM. It allows all these parts of the
computer to receive power and communicate with one another.
Q:Which part(s) of a computer are you using when you type a school report?
A:You are using the RAM to store the word processing program and your document as you type it. You are using
the CPU to carry out instructions in the word processing program, and you are probably using the hard drive to save
your document.
Summary
- Electronic devices—such as computers, mobile phones, remotes, and cameras—use electric current to encode,
analyze, or transmit information.