INTERNAL MEMORY
CD/DVD ROM http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4572421_a-cdrom-work.html
Description of purpose: The DVD/CD-ROM drive is a CD and DVD player and its name stands for READ ONLY MEMORY as opposed to other forms of memory which store long term data. The DVD rom is built into the base unit and allows the computer to run DVD'S and CD's.
how it communicates with other components: The data on a compact CD is stored on the disc as a series of tiny bumps that represent a single piece of data, when data is read from a CD a laser directs an extremely fine line of light onto the surface of the disc. A special tracking system in the CD-ROM drive constantly monitors the laser and adjusts its path to ensure it follows the correct data path on the CD.
Description of purpose: The DVD/CD-ROM drive is a CD and DVD player and its name stands for READ ONLY MEMORY as opposed to other forms of memory which store long term data. The DVD rom is built into the base unit and allows the computer to run DVD'S and CD's.
how it communicates with other components: The data on a compact CD is stored on the disc as a series of tiny bumps that represent a single piece of data, when data is read from a CD a laser directs an extremely fine line of light onto the surface of the disc. A special tracking system in the CD-ROM drive constantly monitors the laser and adjusts its path to ensure it follows the correct data path on the CD.
Random access Memory (RAM) http://www.howstuffworks.com/ram.htm
Description of purpose: RAM or random access memory is used for temporary data storage and is the main memory device on the computer where programs, application software and data are stored, RAM is a volatile device which requires electricity to store data, so when the computer is shut down all the memory stored on the RAM is wiped, it has the potential to be retrieved only when the computer is switched on and is accessible through the central processing unit. (measured in kilobytes)
How it communicates with other components: Similar to a microprocessor a memory chip is an integrated circuit made of millions of transistors and capacitors and these create a memory cell which represents a single bit of data.
Description of purpose: RAM or random access memory is used for temporary data storage and is the main memory device on the computer where programs, application software and data are stored, RAM is a volatile device which requires electricity to store data, so when the computer is shut down all the memory stored on the RAM is wiped, it has the potential to be retrieved only when the computer is switched on and is accessible through the central processing unit. (measured in kilobytes)
How it communicates with other components: Similar to a microprocessor a memory chip is an integrated circuit made of millions of transistors and capacitors and these create a memory cell which represents a single bit of data.
CMOS BATTERY
Description of purpose: This is used to retain the BIOS configuration whilst the computer system is disconnected from its power source, without this the computer would not remember the settings and if you were to take out the battery and leave it out long enough the computer would restore itself to factory setting as it would not remember the settings of the date and time.
How it communicates with other components: The battery powers a chip called RTC (real time clock) which is essentially a watch that runs all the time, whether or not the computer is on or off the battery powers this clock and when you switch your computer on the RTC gets the correct date and time because of the CMOS battery
Description of purpose: This is used to retain the BIOS configuration whilst the computer system is disconnected from its power source, without this the computer would not remember the settings and if you were to take out the battery and leave it out long enough the computer would restore itself to factory setting as it would not remember the settings of the date and time.
How it communicates with other components: The battery powers a chip called RTC (real time clock) which is essentially a watch that runs all the time, whether or not the computer is on or off the battery powers this clock and when you switch your computer on the RTC gets the correct date and time because of the CMOS battery
CACHE http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/58867-28-what-cache
Description of purpose: Cache is a special type of memory used as spare to store data; it is stored with the CPU and acts as its assistant.
How it communicates with other components:
Cache is like the fast memory on the CPU chip, the processor takes data from the memory it expects the CPU will soon use and stores it on the cache, this speeds up the time your CPU wait for data
Description of purpose: Cache is a special type of memory used as spare to store data; it is stored with the CPU and acts as its assistant.
How it communicates with other components:
Cache is like the fast memory on the CPU chip, the processor takes data from the memory it expects the CPU will soon use and stores it on the cache, this speeds up the time your CPU wait for data