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Randy The Tech Professor

January 11, 2011 at 1:02 pm

How I Teach Computer Basics (Part 1: The Major Hardware Components)

Hello everyone,

I love to repair computers, but what I really love is to teach others how to understand/repair computers. I attempt to simplify any kind of explanation so that even the novice can understand what I’m teaching. Here is how I teach/explain the seven major computer components:

1) Motherboard

The motherboard is the heart of the computer. Every other computer part either sits on, or connects to, the motherboard in some way. The motherboard is the rectangular colored board that sits at the bottom of the case.

2) CPU

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of the computer. It runs the software and processes the data that you are working on. The CPU sits on top of the motherboard and is covered up by a heat sink and cooling fan.

3) RAM

RAM (Random Access Memory) holds or remembers the data of the software that you are currently running. The RAM modules (“sticks”) are long and thin and look like a short ruler. Each RAM module snaps into a corresponding slot on the motherboard.

4) Video Card

The video card creates the images that appear on the computer monitor. Almost all modern day video cards attach to either the AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) slot, or to the PCI Express (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) slot on the motherboard.

5) Power Supply

The power supply supplies the power that the computer needs. All wires going from the power supply go either directly to the computer components or to the motherboard. The power supply sits at the top of the case.

6) Hard Disk Drive

The Hard Drive holds all of your information (even when the computer power is off). When you turn on the computer, the software and data load from the Hard Drive into the RAM. The Hard Drive slides into the Hard Drive bay in your computer case.

7) Optical Drive

The optical drive uses a laser to read (play) or write (record, burn) CDs and DVDs. The optical drive sits in the front bay of the computer.

Professor Randy says: Fix a man’s computer and you will satisfy him for today, teach a man how to fix computers and you may satisfy him for a lifetime!“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today.  Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime”—Author unknown “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today.  Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime”—Author unknown Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today.  Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime”—Author unknown “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today.  Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime”—Author unknown

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17
  • jamaal
    1:43 am on May 11th, 2012 1

    i am interested in learning computer stuff!

  • nilesh
    12:34 am on July 18th, 2012 2

    i love to teach hardware

  • Hardware Overview - Brian Duffy
    9:30 pm on September 3rd, 2012 3

    […] What’s most important? […]

  • Pankaj Sharma
    3:37 am on November 8th, 2012 4

    Computer is my soul

  • ouko
    11:25 pm on September 4th, 2013 5

    Good work

  • yikealo mebrahtu
    2:07 pm on January 8th, 2014 6

    i really like to learn computer and i have highly interested on it.If it is possible i would like you to help me how to repair computers on videos,pictures and theoretical .
    thank you for your
    cooperation.

  • Randy Knowles
    7:39 pm on January 10th, 2014 7

    Hello yikealo,

    Thank you for the comment. I would be very happy to help you learn computers. If you continue to read my blog, you will find posts that will help you to learn. You can also email me if you have any questions.

    Best wishes,
    Randy Knowles

  • Shashi Chamodya
    12:31 pm on May 24th, 2014 8

    I’m fond of this page.
    I learn more about this topic.

  • Shari Drefienad
    9:20 am on March 13th, 2015 9

    kool

  • miki
    1:37 pm on April 15th, 2015 10

    ? i really like to learn computer and i have highly
    interested on it.If it is possible i would like you to
    help me how to repair computers on
    videos,pictures and theoretical .
    thank you for your
    cooperation..

  • wyatt
    8:47 am on September 17th, 2015 11

    cool

  • satyamsoni
    12:19 am on May 14th, 2016 12

    really like to learn computer and I’m highly
    interested in it. If it is possible i would like you to
    help me learn how to repair computers on
    videos, pictures and theoretical.
    thank you for your time

  • Delisa Nelson
    11:57 am on May 19th, 2020 13

    I am not computer literate. I would love to learn about computers. I can then stop asking people to show me how to do this and that.

  • Randy Knowles
    9:00 pm on May 24th, 2020 14

    Hi Delisa,

    Just watch YouTube videos. Every time you have a problem or question, go to YouTube and watch a video.
    If at all possible practice on your own machine or get an old beat up computer and practice.
    I have spent thousands of hours reading, practicing, watching videos and learning about computers.
    I take them apart, study the best and most appropriate software, check out repair forums, etc.
    If you really have a desire to do it you can do it. Best wishes,
    Randy Knowles

  • Ronald Sanborn
    10:38 pm on July 26th, 2021 15

    I would like to learn more about computers. The more I know about them I can teach my students. Logical, step by step process is very helpful.

  • Patricia Walker
    4:53 pm on July 15th, 2022 16

    Every time I’ve had an issue with my computers, it either cost me a large fee or I end up purchasing a new one. I would love to learn how to service my own electronic devices, and I guess it starts here.

  • Earl
    7:12 pm on April 23rd, 2024 17

    Computers are the source of our lives right now. As we teach these kids new technology techniques we all can benefit from, we have to empower our minds to learn more.

 

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