Unless you are a trained information technology engineer, or have a technical mind and a particular interest in learning about technology, it is likely that the workings of your PC remain mostly a mystery to you. Having a basic understanding of the components inside your laptop or PC can be useful when it is time to replace or upgrade your computer, or when you need to seek assistance to fix a fault.
When using a desktop PC some of the components are known as peripherals. This means that the processing part of the computer can work without them and they are external. These peripherals, including the monitor, keyboard and mouse can be very simply exchanged and replaced, with no need for technical knowledge.
The second level of components in a PC or laptop can be removed or inserted with little more than the removal of one or two screws. Generally these components are either subject to wear and tear, or can be upgraded to improve the function of your machine in one way or another. They include RAM, disc drives, card readers, graphics and sound processors or mechanical parts such as a fan. Changing these parts may require the installation of drivers to teach the PC’s main processor how to run them.
There are, of course, components within your computer that should not be touched without a high level of technical knowledge. The hard drive or drives in your computer hold not just all of your saved files, but also the operating system for the entire computer and cannot be simply swapped for a brand new drive. At this stage it is advisable to seek expert help, even if not professional, to ensure your files are safe and your PC will continue to function.
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