What Parts are Inside My Computer?

Frequently Asked Question:

What Parts are Inside My Computer?

When it comes to repairing a PC, many of our customers are confused as to what can and cannot be fixed in their computer. While laptops are a little limited in upgradeability, both laptops and desktops share common components. The common parts that make up your computer are the following:

Motherboard

The motherboard is an essential component of a computer. In human terms, this board is like the skeletal system. All computer components are attached to the motherboard and without it, nothing would function. While both desktop and laptop motherboards can be changed, the high cost for laptop replacement (parts and labour) usually result in the customer opting out of repairs.

Processor

The processor (or CPU) is attached to the motherboard and, if we're still using the body as a point of reference, can be compared to the brain. The processor is the control centre, delegating tasks and resources. Each processor is configured to fit with a particular socket so while they can be changed, one size does not fit all and a newer processor will not fit with an older motherboard.

Hard Drive

The hard drive stores the operating system as well as all user data. This is your long-term memory. Anything you've ever saved on your computer is here. All programs and documents are stored here. While changing a hard drive results in some downtime, it is a routine job for our techs and this is one of the easier parts to replace/upgrade.

RAM

RAM is your system's short term memory and remembers the information for your current session but is wiped clean upon reboot. More RAM is like having more deskspace and leaves you free to work on more tasks at a time. The amount of RAM that your system can handle is predetermined by your motherboard (a certain number of slots are alotted). Adding more RAM is a quick and inexpensive fix.

Video Card

The video card transmits video to your monitor. High end desktops often have dedicated video cards that can be replaced if they fail while lower end desktops and laptops have on-board video (saudered on the motherboard) that cannot be replaced.

Power Supply

This component simply delivers power to your computer. Some companies use proprietary power supplies that can only be replaced with a power supply ordered directly from their warehouse while others use a standard size that can easily be replaced.

Optical Drive

Optical drives are the CD, DVD, or Blu-ray player or recorders in your computer. They play media from other sources (ie. movies and software) and/or record media from your computer. A failed optical drive is easy to replace and the only restrictions are on the availability of new or used products with the proper internal connections.

Card Reader

Card readers are used for transferring photos and video from cameras to your computer. The card reader does exactly what it sounds like it should do - it reads the information on your card and makes the data available to your computer. Card readers in desktops can easily be replaced for a small price. If your laptop's card reader no longer works, an external USB card reader is the most cost effective option.

Should I Back Up My Data?

Frequently Asked Question:

Should I Back Up My Data?

If you have data that you either can't live without or can't imagine living without, back up your computer. One of our customers has a great motto "If your data isn't in 4 places, it doesn't exist". While this might seem excessive, bear in mind that back ups do fail, that theft does occur and that any disaster capable of killing your computer, is more than capable of killing your back ups. When it comes to backing up your important information, you can never be too safe.

Backing up your data doesn't have to be a long and frustrating process. There are many ways in which your data can be regularly backed up without interfering with your day. The most popular forms of back up are the following:

• CD/DVD
• Flash Drive
• External Hard Drive
• Cloud
• Server

CD/DVD

Backing up to disc tends to be a simply and fairly inexpensive option. CDs and DVDs are easy to come by, simple to store, and most computers come preloaded with burning software.

Drawbacks? Discs can be misplaced or damaged. When preserving data on disc long term, it's best to invest in archival quality media.

Flash Drive

If you're only backing up a small number of files (ie. photos, documents) then a flash drive may be a good choice. Flash drives are small and portable and can easy be stored in a safety deposit box or small drawer.

Drawbacks? These small drives can easily be lost due to their physical size and, in the event of a device failure, your data cannot be recovered.

External Hard Drive

There are two types of external hard drives - those with back up software and those without. External hard drives can be purchased in various capacities and are built either for your desktop or with portability in mind.

Drawbacks? Like your computer's internal hard drive, external drives can fail. Data recovery is expensive but is usually possible.

Cloud

There are many cloud back up services available that conveniently back your data up on an approved schedule for a set rate. In the event of a theft or natural disaster, your data is safe and accessible from any other computer.

Drawbacks? There is a recurring cost associated with this form of back up (either monthly or annual rates) and your data is stored with a third party and may be subject to international laws.

Server

Most large organizations, and those with vital data (ie. doctors and lawyers) maintain back ups of their data on servers. Servers can be purchased preconfigured or can be customized to meet the customer's needs and are able to store large amounts of data from all computers of the network.

RAID can be configured on servers to allow data redundancy - that is, to allow for data to be mirrored on a second drive - so that in the event of a hard drive failure, a second drive is ready to go.

Drawbacks? Servers are more expensive than most other options.