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Desktop PCs
The hardware in a desktop computer is modular, making it easy for someone with intermediate knowledge of a computer to modify one. Desktop computers are generally more affordable than notebook computers. more...
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This is because no extra effort is needed to miniaturize the components, nor to find design solutions to the thermal management problems that arise from the use of components that emit heat in a compact space.
Components
Fan - cools the computer. These are present on most computers. There are often multiple, one to cool the processor(see below), one in the power supply, and possibly additional ones for the graphics card and general cooling.;
Motherboard (a.k.a. mainboard) - links all of the components together and routes data.;
HDD (hard disk drive) - location where all information can be stored even when power is off.;
ODD (optical disc drive) - reads most or all types of CDs and/or DVDs.;
Processor - The main brain of the computer.;
CPU Cooler - cools the processing unit. Typically a fan combined with a heatsink.;
RAM - short-term data storage, volatile (data is erased when the computer is powered off);
Graphics card - codes video output and delivers to monitor.;
Physics card - performs physics computations in some modern games.;
Sound card - codes sound output and delivers to speakers.;
Speakers - deliver sound.;
Modem - used to access data via a telephone line (dial-up connection). Used to access BBS and the Internet.;
Network card - allows the computer to be linked to a computer network where it can communicate with other computers. Also used as a means of accessing the Internet via a broadband connection.;
Computer PSU (power supply unit) - A device that provides power to the rest of the computer parts.;
FDD (floppy disk drive) - Reads and Writes floppy disks. Although largely supplanted by CDs and Flash Drives, is still common on many systems, and may be required during set-up on certain operating systems.;
Ports
All desktop computers have ports which plug external devices into the computer such as monitors, keyboards, printers and scanners.
USB universal serial bus - Used for the majority of peripherals. Designed to be a universal connector, to be compatible with any device.;
Ethernet - Used for networking and broadband Internet connections.;
Modem - Used for data access via a telephone line (eg. dial-up Internet connections). Slowly being replaced by broadband connections as dial-up becomes an obsolete technology.;
Headphone jack - Used for connecting sound devices. (USB can also be used);
Serial - Used for connecting any device that uses a serial connector. These are being replaced by USB.;
Parallel - Used for connecting any device that uses a parallel connector. These are being replaced by USB.;
PS/2 - Used for computer mice and keyboards (These are being replaced by USB);
Video (VGA) - Used for connecting a monitor / projector with analog signal.;
Digital Video Interface (DVI) - Used for connecting a monitor, but keeps in the signal in digital format. Usually used for LCDs.;
Power - Used for connecting the power lead.;
FireWire/IEEE 1394 - Used for connecting external hard drives and camcorders.;
Card reader - used to read flash memory cards belonging to digital cameras, mobile phones, music players etc.;
Read more at Wikipedia.org
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