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Motherboard
The motherboard is aptly named since without it, the computer would not function. It is actually a circuit board which provides pathways and connections to the essential components of the computer. It holds the computer’s microprocessor and memory chips. The motherboard is usually located at or near the base of the system unit or tower.
{motherboard1.jpg}
The motherboard connects to four main components of the computer:
1. the central processing unit (see other page for explanation);

Random Access Memory (RAM)
Modern computer processors can perform several billion operations per second, creating and changing incredible amounts of data in a short period of time. To perform at this level, they have to be able to juggle the information they process and have someplace to store it until it is needed again for modification or reference. As a metaphor, the more jobs a technician takes on at once, the more bench space they are going to need to place the components they are assembling, and the more shelf space they will need to place the finished products. Similarly, computers need space to store data while they are working on it, and space to store data that is not being worked on, but will be needed in the future. This is provided by RAM (Random Access Memory) and hard disk drives respectively.
memory you havehave, the faster
For sources and more information see:
HowStuffWorks

Operating System
An operating system is a complex topic, but at least most of us are familiar with the names of operating systems, many of which are already installed when we buy our computers: Windows XP, Windows VISTA, MacOS X, LINUX, and UNIX (the last two are open source operating systems, meaning that the code behind them is available to the public, and any individual can help improve them).
to function, and so they
Did you know that operating systems are not just used for computers? Nowadays, most cell phones have operating systems as well! One example is Android, which is an open source operating system (see definition above). What's amazing is that the computers inside cell phones today are more powerful than desktop computers were 20 years ago!
This is a basic introduction, but please explore the attached links to learn more!

FireWire has many similarities to the USB, but FireWire is faster. The current version can transfer up to 800 megabits per second, which is almost twice as fast as USB 2.0. FireWire is a better choice than USB when transferring data from high-bandwidth devices like digital camcorders. Also, FireWire allows for real-time, uninterrupted video streaming. This is so useful for video editing that today most camcorders are sold with FireWire plugs.
Also, whereas USB is host-based (peripherals must be attached to a computer to transfer data), FireWire allows for peer-to-peer communication. This means that with FireWire two digital cameras can share information without going through a computer.
peer-to-peer communication areis required in
For sources and more information see:
How Stuff Works

*Just a tip: before you read about FireWire read about USB. FireWire has many similarities to USB, but differs in several important ways described below.
FireWire is a way to transfer large quantitites of information, like digital video and digital audio, from peripherals to a computer, or between peripherals. FireWire was originally developed by Apple and was standardized in 1995 and given the official name ISEEE 1394.
allows for real-timereal-time, uninterrupted video
Also, whereas USB is host-based (peripherals must be attached to a computer to transfer data), FireWire allows for peer-to-peer communication. This means that with FireWire two digital cameras can share information without going through a computer.
FireWire is more expensive than USB, so USB has become the standard unless high speed or peer-to-peer communication are required in the transfer of data.

The Central Processing Unit or CPU is the most essential element of the computer. Without it, the computer would not function; thus, it is often called “the brain” of the computer. It is a small square-shaped chip which is connected to a socket located on the motherboard. On the underside of the chip are multiple metallic connectors or pins. Attached to the top of the CPU are the heat sink and fan to dissipate heat from the chip.
The CPU performs three main functions:
mouse, scanner, and modem.
2. It analyzes and processes data to become output.
3. It produces output such as what is seen on the monitor or printer.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)
the CPU will beare the heat
The CPU performs three main functions:
1. It receives input from sources such as keyboard, mouse, scanner, modem.