Question

1. Describe the purpose and function of the following hardware components:
   1. Motherboard
   2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
   3. Random Access Memory (RAM)
   4. Read-Only Memory (RAM)

Answer 1

Motherboard

A motherboard is the main circuit board inside a computer that connects the different parts of a computer together. It has sockets for the CPU, RAM and expansion cards and it also hooks up to hard drives, disc drives and front panel ports with cables and wires.

Purpose of a motherboard:

• The motherboard acts as the central backbone of a computer on which other modular parts are installed such as the CPU, RAM and hard disks.
• The motherboard also acts as the platform on which various expansion slots are available to install other devices / interfaces.
• The motherboard is also responsible to distribute power to the various components of the computer.
• They are also used in the coordination of the various devices in the computer and maintain an interface among them.
• Some of the Sizes in which the motherboards are available are : BTX, ATX, mini-ATX, micro-ATX, LPX, NLX etc..

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

CPU is considered as the brain of the computer. · CPU performs all types of data processing operations

Purpose of CPU

• CPU is considered as the brain of the computer.
• CPU performs all types of data processing operations.
• It stores data, intermediate results, and instructions (program).
• It controls the operation of all parts of the computer.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Random-access memory, or RAM, is an essential component in all devices, from PCs to smartphones to game consoles.

Purpose of RAM

Reading Files

Hard drives can store vast numbers of files, but compared to other computer components, drives run very slowly. Accessing hard drive files -- especially when those files are scattered across the drive due to fragmentation -- requires the drive to move its mechanical read/write head back and forth and to wait for the spinning platters to spin into the correct position

Temporary Storage

In addition to storing files read from the hard drive, RAM also stores data that programs are actively using but that doesn't need to be saved permanently. By keeping this data in RAM, programs can work with it quickly, improving speed and responsiveness.

Types of RAM

• Static RAM (SRAM)
• Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

Read Only Memory(ROM)

ROM stands for Read Only Memory. The memory from which we can only read but cannot write on it. This type of memory is non-volatile. The information is stored permanently in such memories during manufacture. A ROM stores such instructions that are required to start a computer.

Data stored is unchangeable or may require a special operation to modify

Purpose of ROM

• ROM is used for storing data which is read only and it is non-volatile hence data is not lost when the power supply is disconnected.

Types of ROMS

• Masked ROM (MROM)
• Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM)
• Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM)
• Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM)