Computer-Main Parts

Memory :

 "How the processor stores and uses immediate data“

 RAM (Random Access Memory):

 The main 'working' memory used by the computer.   When the operating system loads from disk when you .first switch on the computer, it is copied into RAM.   As a rough rule, a Microsoft Windows based computer will operate faster if you install more RAM. Data and programs stored in RAM are volatile (i.e. the information is lost when you switch off the computer).

 ROM (Read Only Memory):

 Read Only Memory (ROM) as the name suggests is a special type of memory chip that holds software that can be read but not written to.  A good example is the ROM-BIOS chip, which contains read-only software.  Often network cards and video cards also contain ROM chips.

How Computer Memory Is Measured

 Bit:

 All computers work on a binary numbering system, i.e. they process data in one's or zero's.  This 1 or 0 level of storage is called a bit.

 Byte:

 A byte consists of eight bits.

 Kilobyte:

 A kilobyte (KB) consists of 1024 bytes.

 Megabyte:

 A megabyte (MB) consists of 1024 kilobytes.

 Gigabyte:

 A gigabyte (GB) consists of 1024 megabytes.

Microprocessors:

 "The brain of the computer“

 PCs primarily use microprocessors (sometimes called the chip). The older Intel versions include the 386, 486 and now the Pentium line.The  CPU (Central Processing Unit) is normally an Intel Pentium (or equivalent) and it is one of the most important components within your computer.  It determines how fast your computer will run and is measured by its MHz speed.  Thus a 600 MHz Pentium is much faster than say a 400 MHz Pentium CPU.It is the CPU that performs all the calculations within the computer.

Some of the Factors That Impact on a Computer's Performance:

1.  CPU speed
2.  RAM size
3.  Hard disk speed and capacity