As I mentioned above, computer programs are nothing more but written
instructions. Now, you will actually find out how are those instructions are
brought to live, for you to see and hear.
CPU
CPU (Central Processing Unit), also called a Possessor, is the brain of your
computer. It is involved with every activity you do on your PC. CPU is the very
component that understands computer programs. It takes your input from your
Keyboard or Mouse, while you are using a particular computer program, and gives
you desired results, in return. Without a functional CPU, PC becomes completely
non-functional. Although CPU is such an important component of a PC, it is very
small in size and usually fits on the palm of your hand.
RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory), most people refer to it simply as Computer
Memory. Think of RAM as you think of your office/computer table. Just like the
surface of your table, RAM holds things for you to read, see, or hear. For
example, right now, you are reading my article. RAM is partially responsible
for holding this article up for you to see and read. I say partially because
everything you do with your computer requires the effort of several components.
For instance, CPU had to tell the RAM that you wanted to see this article.
Also, while I was typing this article, RAM held everything I typed. RAM only
holds information while your computer is on. If computer is off, everything
gets lost. This is where the Hard Drive comes in and saves the day.
Hard Drive
Think of Hard Drive as file cabinets of your office/computer table. Hard
Drive stores everything (software and files) that you are not using right now.
When you want to use any software, CPU finds that software on your Hard Drive
and puts it into RAM for your use. Hard Drive is one of the slowest components
of your PC, because it consists of several disks that rotate. Because of
friction, heat, vibration, and other physical factors, there are certain
limitations to how fast the disks in Hard Drive are able to rotate.