System Unit - the system unit is the main enclosure of a desktop computer that houses its internal

components and provides connections for peripherals.

RAM - RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of computer memory that stores data and instructions
that the CPU (Central Processing Unit) needs to access quickly while a computer is running. It
provides high-speed data storage for active programs and processes, allowing for faster and more
efficient computing tasks.
Cooling Fan - is a device that circulates air to dissipate heat and prevent overheating in electronic
devices, such as computers and gaming consoles.
AT/ATX Power Supply - a power supply provides the necessary electrical power to run and operate a
computer or electronic device.
Optical Disc Drive/Cd Rom - is a hardware device used to read and sometimes write data from optical
discs like CDs and DVDs.
Mouse - is a computer input device used to control the cursor on the screen, enabling users to interact
with and navigate through digital content.
Keyboard - is a computer input device with keys for typing text and issuing commands. It's a primary
tool for entering data and interacting with computers.
Monitor - is a display screen used with computers and other devices to visually present digital content,
including text, images, and videos, allowing users to view and interact with their computer
output.
SATA Cable - SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) cable is a data cable used to connect
storage devices, such as hard drives and SSDs, to a computer's motherboard. It facilitates data
transfer between the storage device and the computer, enabling efficient access to stored
information.
Hard Disk Drive - a storage device used in computers to store data, including the operating system,
applications, and user files, using spinning disks to read and write data magnetically.
Motherboard - is the main circuit board in a computer that houses and connects all the essential
components, including the CPU, RAM, storage devices, and peripheral devices, enabling them to
work together to run the computer.
 COMPONENTS OF HARD DISK DRIVE

COVER MOUNTING HOLES - are holes or fasteners on the outer casing of a device used to secure
and protect the cover, ensuring the internal components are safeguarded and preventing debris from
entering.
CASE MOUNTING HOLES - are holes in a computer or electronic device's chassis that serve to secure
internal components and ensure proper alignment, stability, and protection of the device's
internals.
PLATTERS - These are the circular, magnetic disks inside the HDD where data is stored. Modern HDDs
typically have multiple platters stacked on a spindle.
RIBBON CABLE - a flat, flexible cable with multiple conductors used for transmitting data or electrical
signals between components in electronic devices, such as computers, printers, and peripherals.
TAPE SEAL - tape seal is a strip of adhesive tape used to seal or fasten objects, packages, or materials
together securely, providing protection, containment, or closure.
POWER CONNECTOR - a specialized electrical plug or socket used to supply electrical power from a
source to an electronic device or component, ensuring proper and safe power delivery.
JUMPER CONNECTOR - a small electrical connector used to close, open, or configure a circuit on a
circuit board or within an electronic device. It is typically a simple, removable component used to
make or break connections temporarily for various purposes, such as setting hardware
configurations or enabling specific functions.
SCSI INTERFACE CONNECTOR - SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) interface connector on
an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) facilitates high-speed data communication between the hard drive and a
computer or storage system, enabling the storage and retrieval of data from the drive's platters.
ACTUATOR - a component responsible for positioning the read/write heads over the spinning platters
inside the drive. Its function is to precisely move the heads to the correct track or location on the
platter for reading or writing data, allowing for data access and storage on the hard drive.
ACTUATOR AXIS - is responsible for moving the read/write heads of a hard disk drive (HDD) across
its spinning platters. It positions the heads with precision to access and store data on the platters,
allowing for data reading and writing operations.
ACTUATOR ARM - is responsible for positioning the read/write heads over the spinning platters inside
a hard disk drive (HDD). Its function is crucial for accessing and storing data on the platters
accurately.
SLIDER (AND HEAD) - part of the read/write head assembly, maintains a tiny, non-contacting gap
above the spinning platters inside a hard disk drive (HDD). This allows the read/write heads to access
data tracks with precision, ensuring data can be read and written without physical contact,
safeguarding both data integrity and the drive's longevity.
SPINDLE - is a motorized component in a hard disk drive (HDD) responsible for spinning the magnetic
platters at high speeds. This rotation enables data to be read from or written to the platters by the
read/write heads, facilitating data access and storage within the HDD.
BASE CASTING - is the protective housing that encloses and stabilizes the internal components of a
hard disk drive (HDD). Its primary function is to safeguard the delicate HDD components from
physical damage, contaminants, and vibrations while maintaining their proper alignment for
accurate data reading and writing.
 Motherboard Components

Primary and slave ide connector - The Primary and Slave IDE connectors were used in older computers
to connect IDE devices like hard drives and optical drives to the motherboard. The Primary IDE
connector was for the main drive (Master), often the boot drive, while the Slave IDE connector
allowed for an extra drive (Slave). These connectors enabled data transfer between devices and
the motherboard. However, they are now outdated, replaced by faster interfaces like SATA and
NVMe.
Start/restart/hdd/power/led - Start: Turns the computer on and initiates the boot-up process.
Restart: Reboots the computer, often used for troubleshooting or updates.
HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Stores data on spinning disks for long-term storage.
Power LED: A visual indicator on the computer case that displays the power status of the
computer.
Lit LED: Indicates that the computer is powered on and running.
Unlit LED: Suggests that the computer is powered off or not receiving electricity.
Chipset – the chipset on a computer motherboard serves as a central hub that:
 Manages data flow between the CPU, memory, storage, and peripherals.
 Controls interfaces for USB, SATA, Ethernet, and more.
 Determines expansion slots and graphics support.
 Can offer overclocking and power management features.
 Influences compatibility and upgradability of the system.
Co - Processor - a co-processor is a specialized processing unit that works alongside the main CPU to
perform specific tasks more efficiently, such as graphics rendering, mathematical calculations, or
 encryption. It enhances system performance in specialized applications and can include GPUs, AI
accelerators, FPUs, and more.

Cmos Battery - the CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) battery on a computer

motherboard provides a small, continuous power supply to maintain the system's real-time clock
(RTC) and store BIOS/UEFI settings, ensuring that essential system information and settings are
preserved even when the computer is powered off.

PCI slot - a PCI slot is a type of expansion slot on a computer motherboard used to connect various add-
on cards, such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network adapters, to enhance the computer's
capabilities. It comes in different versions, with PCIe being the most common and offering faster
data transfer speeds.

AGP SLOT - an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) slot was a specialized expansion slot on older
computer motherboards primarily used for connecting graphics cards. AGP slots offered higher
bandwidth than standard PCI slots, enhancing the performance of graphics-intensive tasks like
gaming and video editing. However, AGP slots have become obsolete and have been replaced by
PCIe (PCI Express) slots for modern graphics card connections.

Power Supply Connector - a component that connects the power supply unit (PSU) to computer or
electronic device components, delivering electrical power for their operation.

HEAT SINK FAN CONNECTOR - is used in computers to attach and power cooling fans that help
dissipate heat from components like the CPU. It regulates fan speed based on temperature for
effective cooling.

BIOS/ROM - BIOS/ROM (Basic Input/Output System/Read-Only Memory) is a firmware on a computer

motherboard that initializes hardware components during startup, performs system checks, and
provides essential instructions for the computer to boot up and interact with hardware devices and
the operating system

GAME PORT - is a legacy hardware interface used in older computers to connect game controllers, such
as joysticks and gamepads, to the computer. It allowed users to play games and control
applications using these input devices. However, game ports are now outdated and have been replaced
by USB and other modern connections for gaming peripherals.

AUDIO PORT - is a hardware interface on a computer or electronic device used for connecting audio
input and output devices. Common audio ports include the headphone jack (3.5mm), microphone jack
(3.5mm), and various digital audio ports like HDMI and optical audio. These ports facilitate
audio communication between devices such as headphones, speakers, microphones, and audio
equipment.

VGA (VIDEO GRAPHICS ARRAY) PORT - is a type of video connection used to connect a computer
or other device to a VGA-compatible display, such as a computer monitor or projector. It
transmits analog video signals, providing a standard way to display video content on older monitors
and some legacy devices. However, VGA has largely been replaced by digital video interfaces like
HDMI and DisplayPort in modern systems.

COM PORT - is a hardware interface for serial communication with external devices, often used for data
transfer and device control. It has become less common in modern computers, replaced by digital
interfaces like USB
USB (UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS) PORT - is a common hardware interface on computers and devices
for connecting various peripherals such as keyboards, mice, external storage devices, and more. It
allows data transfer, power delivery, and device connectivity through a standardized and versatile
connection.

PS/2 KEYBOARD PORT is a round, 6-pin connector used in older computers to connect a PS/2
keyboard. It allowed the keyboard to communicate with the computer. PS/2 keyboard ports have
been largely replaced by USB ports for connecting keyboards in modern systems.

PS/2 KEYBOARD PORT is a round, 6-pin connector used in older computers to connect a PS/2
keyboard. It allowed the keyboard to communicate with the computer. PS/2 keyboard ports have
been largely replaced by USB ports for connecting keyboards in modern systems.

PARALLEL PORT - is a hardware interface on computers that allowed for high-speed, parallel data
communication between the computer and external devices, such as printers and scanners. It used
a 25-pin or 36-pin connector and was commonly used in older PCs but has been largely
replaced by USB and other modern interfaces for data transfer.

CONDENSER - often called a capacitor, stores electric charge between two plates and is used in
electronics for various purposes like energy storage and signal processing.

CPU SOCKET - is a connector on a computer motherboard that holds and connects the CPU, enabling it
to process data and communicate with other components. It must match the CPU's socket type for
compatibility.

RAM SLOT - short for Random Access Memory slot, is a connector on a computer's motherboard where
you can install RAM (memory) modules. RAM slots allow for the expansion of a computer's
memory capacity, which is crucial for faster data access and multitasking. Different types of
RAM slots exist, such as DIMM (Dual In-Line Memory Module) or SO-DIMM (Small Outline DIMM),
depending on the form factor and compatibility with the motherboard. Adding or upgrading RAM
modules in these slots can improve a computer's performance and responsiveness.

FDD (FLOPPY DISK DRIVE) CONNECTOR - is a ribbon cable connector found on older computer
motherboards and used to connect floppy disk drives. Floppy disk drives were once common
storage devices for reading and writing data on floppy disks. However, they have become
obsolete, and FDD connectors are no longer found on modern motherboards. These connectors
typically featured 34 or 40 pins, depending on the specific type of floppy drive being used.