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Caching: The storing of frequently used data in extremely fast RAM that connects directly to CPU.
Virtual memory: Used to temporarily store data and swap it in and out of RAM.
Motherboard: This is main board in computer that has processor, RAM, BIOS ROM, timing and control, interrupt and direct memory access hardware and keyboard interface on it which are connected to it through secondary connection.
Soundcard: this device attaches to motherboard with a socket called PCI, which allows computer to play CD's or music files, or MP3 CD's. All soundcards have speakers and connectors. The quality of sound depends upon quality of card.
Hard drive: This is main storage device of a computer. It stores information including OS that allows you to access it all. Most common OS for PCs is Microsoft Windows. And Apple computers use Macintosh operating system.
Other drives: Most computers are also complete with floppy disk and CD drives. These vary from system to system, however all work in same way. They read information stored on disks. These are necessary for maintaining and updating computer's software and operating system.
That's components that create average computer. Although there are many different systems, and configura- tions, it is difficult to imagine our lives without them.
Roger A. Pendey is founder of All About Computers an excellent resource site dedicated to information about computers.