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Internal components
Internal computer components are designed to fit INSIDE the computer system and they all carry out important roles.

1. Motherboard
2. Processor
3. Internal Memory
4. Storage devices
Motherboard
One of the most important component in a computer system is the motherboard. All components plug into the motherboard either directly or indirectly. Motherboard holds all the major components of a computer such as the CPU and the memory of the computer. Back panel ports will allow other items of hardware to connect to the computer however there are many different types of ports on a computer. The network port allow the computer to connect the internet via this port. The USB port allow the computer to connect external items like pen drive, external hard disk, etc.

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Processor
A processor is the brains of any computer system. Also known as a CPU or central processing unit it is used to execute instructions that enable the operating system and application software to run on a system. Processor performs arithmetic and logical calculations in the ALU (arithmetic logical unit) and control instructions in the control unit. The processor communicates with storage devices such as the hard drive and RAM to process information used to control the operating system and applications that run on a computer system. Processors are being made smaller and faster all the time and this allows systems to carry out instructions faster and perform better. A processor in a mission critical system used in space or a medical device needs to be very powerful to carry out instructions quickly. CPU’s come in a variety of speeds which are known as ‘clock rates’. Clock rates are measured in ‘Hertz’. Generally, the faster the clock rate, the faster the performance of the computer.

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Internal Memory
The three main types of internal memory in a computer system are RAM, ROM and cache. RAM or random access memory is memory that linked to a processor on the motherboard. Data can be written to and read from random access memory at roughly the same speed. RAM chips are stored on separate printed circuit boards that can be plugged into a system motherboard. Applications write data to the RAM chips based on current operations. RAM is wiped when a systems shuts down. For example, if a large amount of data is copied on to the clipboard it would be stored in random access memory. If you do not clear the clipboard the information will still be available to paste in an hour or even weeks’ time but if the system shuts down the information will not be available to paste as the RAM will be cleared. RAM upgrades can increase system performance as more applications can be used at the same time with less impact on system resources. ROM or read only memory contains system information such as the BIOS (although some bios is stored directly on the motherboard itself). Although it is considered read only it can be configured in some sense like setting the BIOS password. ROM also stores information about the operating and other programs stored on the system. ROM does not get wiped when a system reboots. Cache memory is ram that can be accessed much quicker than regular RAM that is slotted into a motherboard on a computer system. Cache is normally stored within the CPU or on a separate cache memory chip located right beside the CPU. Cache has different levels high speed and ultra-high speed. L1 or level 1 cache is normally stored on the CPU chip and is the fastest type of cache. Cache memory is used by the processor to carry out instructions more quickly as data can be accessed by the processor quicker due to the proximity of the cache and ultra-high speed.