What really goes on inside a computer?

Answer 1

Here is a list of things inside your computer.

Random Access Memory (RAM) - This is where the running programs are stored. Information in memory is only kept until the computer is turned off or it is deleted by the system.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) - This is the "brain" of the computer. It is where everything happens. The gigahertz is how often the processor refreshes. The more the Hz, the more it refreshes, and the faster it is in general.

Storage

- Common Storage - Hard drives or Solid State Drives (SSD). With HDD's, a head moves rapidly around rapidly spinning disks and reads and stores information constantly. With SSD's, everything is done in chips so there is no moving parts or noise, hence the term "Solid State".

- Other storage - Flash drives or Optical drives. Optical drives work by using a laser to read and write information while the disc spins.

Memory and Storage - What's the difference? Memory is temporary, and storage is permanent. RAM is an example of memory. When you turn the power off then, *poof*. information in memory is gone. Data on Hard drives are stored on magnetic disks so the information is kept there.

Graphics Card - A PCI, PCIe, or AGP card that connects to the back of the computer and renders graphics. Some computers have built-in graphics cards. PCI graphics cards are generally designed for compact, everyday use, and not gaming purposes.

wires

The last edit was done by the first editor on January 17, 2014.

Answer 2

If you have a few months I'd be glad to teach a course on digital logic, operating systems, electronics and anything that peripherally deals with what goes on inside.
Don't expect to understand those rather complex subjects without spending a little time learning the details. Nobody can explain it all to you in two paragraphs.

Answer 3

A computer is a machine designed to give reliable answers to computational questions. It accomplishes this function by representing symbols (such as numbers) in terms of some physical measurement (for example, the sizes of gears in older generation analog computers, or measurements of voltage in more modern digital computers). While a computer is solving a problem, the arrangement of the physical parameters in the hardware (the machinery) is exploited to produce the desired results.

In electronic computers, for example, the flow of electrons through prearranged paths (circuits), as determined by the architecture of the central processor(s) and by the sequencing of programming (software) commands, effects the output of desired results.