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Parts of a Computer

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Parts of the Computer

CD DVD Drive
The CD/DVD Drive allows a computer to play or create CD's or DVD's with information (data), photos, music or video.
CPU or Central Processing Unit

The CPU or Central Processing Unit is the "brains" of the computer.  This small chip manages the flow of information through the computer and controls instructions to the other parts of the computer.
Hard Drive

The Hard Drive allows the computer to store information.  Files and programs can be saved to the hard drive so you can use them later.  The hard drive is a kind of long term memory for the computer.
Keyboard
The Keyboard is an input device that allows us to type information into a computer.
Monitor

The Monitor is an output device that allows us to see information or images displayed from the computer.
Motherboard
The Motherboard connects all the different components inside a computer together.  It passes information to each part of the computer and helps them work together.
PCI Expansion Slot
A PCI Expansion Slot allows a computer to plug in another card or device into the computer.  It helps a computer upgrade or expand as our computer needs change.
Power Supply
The Power Supply passes electricity to all parts of the computer.  The power supply makes sure that a computer has the power it needs in order to process information and perform tasks.
Printer
A Printer is an external output device that allows a computer to print information or pictures onto paper.  Printers use ink to form the letters and pictures onto paper that we see on the computer screen.
RAM (Random Access Memory)

The RAM (Random Access Memory) is story term memory for your computer.  RAM lets a computer do more than one thing at a time.  RAM does not save the information it helps to process but is cleared every time you turn the computer off.
USB Drive
A USB Drive is an external device that stores information.  It works like a hard drive but it is small and portable.  A USB Drive connects to a computer through a USB port.