The Components of the system unit

1. Ports and Connectors

1.1. A port is the point at which a peripheral attaches to or communicates with a system unit (sometimes referred to as a jack)

1.2. A connector joins a cable to a port

2. Data Representation

2.1. Analog

2.2. Digital

3. Processor

3.1. Multi‐core processor

3.2. Dual‐core processor

3.3. Quad‐core processor

4. Memory

4.1. The operating system and other system software

4.1.1. Volatile memory

4.2. Application programs

4.3. Data being processed and the resulting information

4.3.1. Nonvolatile memory

5. Expansion Slots and Adapter Cards

5.1. An expansion slot is a socket on the motherboard that can hold an adapter card

5.2. An adapter card enhances functions of a component of the system unit and/or provides connections to peripherals

6. Power supply

6.1. The power supply converts the wall outlet AC power into DC power

6.2. Some external peripherals have an AC adapter, which is an external power supply

7. Summary

7.1. Components of the system unit

7.2. How memory stores data, instructions, and information

7.3. Sequence of operations that occur when a computer executes an instruction

7.4. Comparison of various personal computer processors on the market today

7.5. How to clean the exterior and interior of a system unit