This presentation outlines various internal components of a computer for intermediate learners, focusing on their functions and applications. Key components discussed include memory cards, flash memory, hard drives, solid-state drives, power supplies, wireless cards, sound cards, processors, and motherboards. The document emphasizes the differences between these components regarding data storage, speed, and connectivity.

1. Internal Components
for Intermediate
Learners
Ross Walker

2. About
• This presentation is designed for those who are mostly
computer literate, it describes most parts of a computer in an
easy to read presentational format. Enjoy.

3. Memory Cards
• Memory cards are a type of memory that lets you store data
and files. They store data on a flash memory chip which is
similar to RAM/Memory, but it stores it on a more permanent
basis. These cards are often used on platforms that require an
easily accessible format to read and write data. This will often
be found in cameras or mobile phones, which stores
temporary data like photos and music.
• They also work with a wide variety of things like
computers, cameras and systems at photo printing centres.

4. Flash Memory/RAM
• Flash Memory (also known as RAM) is used to store
smaller, time-limited information for short periods of time.
This type of data will often be from open programs like web
browsers, which require fast and regular access to temporary
data like webpages.
• It is not used to store stuff permanently, but as and when the
computer needs it.

5. Memory Stick/USB
• Similar to a Memory Card, stores images and data. Uses the
memory transfer system USB (Universal Serial Bus) and is
often called by just the USB phrase.
• This will only work with USB 1.0+ compliant devices and may
cause issues with a device if used incorrectly.

6. Hard Drive
• A hard drive is another type of memory, which, instead of
flash memory, stores data on metal disks. It uses a similar
process to that a CD or DVD drive would use: a laser reads and
writes to the disk on a swing-arm that can cover the whole
surface of the data.
• This is used for permanent and system-necessary files like
programs and games.

7. Solid Hard Drive
• This serves the same purpose as a regular Hard Drive, but
stores the data in ‘solid’ memory chips which can be read and
written to at much higher speeds than the disk-based system.
• These are rather costly, but they are a invaluable addition to a
workstation or gaming station system providing extremely fast
access to read and write data. This cost prevents most normal
PCs and laptops being fitted with them at the factory.

8. Power Supply
• The power supply is a smaller form of transformer used to
reduce the voltage before it reaches the internal components.
This is a necessary part, as without it most components
cannot handle the 240V given by a power plug directly.
• Reduces the voltage from 240V to a voltage usable by the
internal components.

9. Wireless Card
• Used to connect to other computers and network devices
using the wireless standards. These are installed in the PIC
slots of a computer or are embedded into a motherboard at
product, enabling your device to communicate using a variety
of wireless standards.
• The typical standards a wireless card will offer to work with
are 802.11a/b/g/n, each standard having its own limitations
and advantages.

10. Sound Card
• Used to receive and emit audio from a computer. These
devices are fitted, like a Wireless NIC, into the PIC ports of a
computer or embedded into the motherboard in production.

11. Processor/CPU
• Processes everything on the computer, from the running of
programs to graphical displays. There are two main types of
processor, and you will need to buy a motherboard that is
compatible for the CPU you have.
• Inserted into a special slot on the motherboard then covered
with insulating fluid and a Processor Cooler, which helps the
processor to run correctly without overheating.

12. Processor Cooler
• Attached to the CPU to cool it down. It consists of metal mesh
and a fan unit, that are used to draw heat away from the
processor unit and draw cooler air towards it.
• It may also contain extra fans or have optional liquid cooling to
ensure that the processor runs correctly.

13. Motherboard
• The motherboard is the hub of all activity on a computer or
laptop, it is home to several important slots like the PCI, RAM
(Memory) and the processor slots. It may also hold cooling
elements like metal mesh and fans to ensure optimal running
of the unit.
• Not a fatherboard.

14. CD/DVD Drive
• Works in a similar fashion to a Hard Drive, except the disk it
reads and writes to can be replaced and shared between
devices. Uses a laser on a swing-arm to read and write content
to the CD or DVD standard disk.

15. Computer Case
• Used to store all the internal components of a computer. It can
also house some fancy flashing lights, like the model below.