Title: Introduction to Hardware
Course: CIS 121: Linux/UNIX I: Fundamentals ~ For IGNITE Review > Section: Learning Modules

(Quick_overview_of_pc_hardware.jpg, Miko3k at the English language Wikipedia, 2007-02-25)

CPU

One or more CPUs (Central Processing Unit) or processors serve as the "brain(s)" of your computer and handle the computational functions. They often are the limiting factor when it comes to the speed of your computer, but other hardware can also limit performance. CPU families are different product lines, each of which has stengths and weaknesses. The main lines are:

- x86: Started by Intel in the 1980's with 8086. Linux can run on the 80386 and later.
- x86-64: This is x86 taken to 64 bits. Linux will run on these as well.
- PowerPC: Older Macs (pre-2006) use this line, amoung other users.
- Itanium: Intel's line that runs 64-bit, used mainly on servers. Some Linux distros can run on this.

You can determine the type of CPU you have and additional information with the following commands:

- uname -a
- lscpu
- more /proc/cpuinfo

Motherboard

The Motherboard handles much of the hardware interfacing for your computer. It has slots for CPU(s), RAM, PCI Cards, SATA or PATA connections, connections for USB, keyboard and monitor(sO. You can check the features offered by your motherboad by running the lspci command.

Power Supply

The purpose of the power supply is to convert AC current to lower voltage DC current. A power supply needs to be correctly sized for your computer. Too large a power supply will waste electricity and increase cooling needs. Too small a power supply will limit what hardware you can run with your system.