Final answer:
The definitions and functions provided cover major computer components such as motherboard, CPU, cache memory, hard drive, BUS, RAM, and ROM, detailing their role in a computer system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Computer Component Definitions and Functions
- Motherboard: The main circuit board of a computer. It houses the CPU, memory, connectors for the hard drive and optical drives, expansion cards to control the video and audio, as well as connections to ports such as USB ports.
- CPU (Central Processing Unit): Often referred to as the brain of the computer, it handles the instructions from both hardware and software. The microprocessor is a key component of the CPU and is an integrated circuit that contains the processing power of the unit.
- Cache memory: A high-speed data storage area on the CPU which stores frequently accessed instructions and data, allowing for more efficient and quicker data retrieval
- Hard drive: The component where data is stored on a long-term basis. It can be a traditional spinning disk (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD) which is faster and has no moving parts.
- BUS: The data transfer pathways that connect different components of a computer, allowing them to communicate and send data between the CPU, memory, and other peripherals.
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage that the CPU accesses for running programs and active data. It is lost when the computer is turned off.
- ROM (Read-Only Memory): Permanent data storage that is not typically re-writable. It often contains the firmware or basic instructions for computer components.