Question

List the five major components of a computer system.

Short answer

Answer: The five major components of a computer system are the Central Processing Unit (CPU), Random Access Memory (RAM), storage devices, input/output (I/O) devices, and the motherboard. The CPU executes instructions in a computer program and performs most of the processing inside the computer. RAM stores the data and instructions required for the CPU to perform its tasks and is volatile memory. Storage devices like hard drives and solid-state drives allow the computer to permanently store data and programs. Input/output devices such as keyboards, mice, monitors, and printers facilitate communication between the computer and the outside world. The motherboard connects and allows all these components to communicate with each other.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the first major component

The first major component of a computer system is the Central Processing Unit (CPU). The CPU is responsible for executing instructions in a computer program and performs most of the processing inside the computer.

Identify the second major component

The second major component of a computer system is the main memory or Random Access Memory (RAM). RAM stores the data and instructions required for the CPU to perform its tasks. It is a volatile memory, meaning that the data stored in it is lost when the power is turned off.

Identify the third major component

The third major component of a computer system is the storage devices, which includes hard drives, solid-state drives, and other forms of non-volatile storage. Storage devices allow the computer to permanently store data and programs, keeping them safe even when the power is turned off.

Identify the fourth major component

The fourth major component of a computer system is the input/output (I/O) devices. These devices facilitate communication between the computer and the outside world. Examples of I/O devices include keyboards, mice, monitors, and printers.

Identify the fifth major component

The fifth and final major component of a computer system is the motherboard. The motherboard is a circuit board that houses the CPU, RAM, storage devices, and input/output devices. It connects all these components and allows them to communicate with each other.