ICT O.L

physical components related to the computer system

• internal 
• external

• central processing unit
• the brain of the computer responsible for processing everything and carrying out calculations for software instructions

• circuit board
• connects al main components

where all processing and calculations are first saved before going to the CPU

responsible to enable computer to process and display graphics (attached to motherboard)

responsible to enable the computer to process, deliver and input sounds (attached to motherboard)

where all files and software information is stored

• input 
• output
• storage device

• control unit
• ALU (arithmic logic unit)

• RAM
• ROM

• random access memory 
• temporarily contains data that is being processed at the moment 
• read- write memory (can be edited)
• volatile (lost if computer switched off)

• read only memory
• stores instructions to boot up computer by locating operating system and turning it on
• non volatile