Essential Components of Computing and Network Connectivity

Hardware: The Physical Foundation

• Motherboard

  The main printed circuit board that connects all the components of a computer. It provides the physical foundation and facilitates communication between all components.

  Relation: "It allows the phone's hardware parts to communicate with each other to process actions."

• Processor (CPU)

  Known as the "brain" of the computer. It is responsible for making calculations, executing instructions, and controlling the overall operation of the system.

  Relation: "The CPU calculates the data of the message or video to display it on my screen."

• RAM Memory

  Temporary, volatile memory used to store data and instructions actively being used by the CPU. Data is lost when the computer is powered off.

  Relation: "The application is loaded here so it runs fast while I am using it."

• Hard Drive (Storage)

  Permanent storage hardware used to store information like the OS, applications (apps), and files. There are two types: SSD (faster/more expensive) and HDD (slower/cheaper).

  Relation: "It stores my messages or downloaded movies permanently so I can access them later."

Infrastructure and Networks: The Connection

• Internet

  A global computer network that is open for all devices to connect.

  Relation: "It is the global network that connects my device to the remote server."

• Datacenter

  Large buildings that contain servers to store and manage vast amounts of data. They use redundancy (backup systems) to ensure data is always safe and available.

  Relation: "The movie or data is not on my phone; it is stored in a server inside a remote datacenter."

• BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)

  A network protocol that allows information packages to find their way to the destination device in very large networks like the internet.

  Relation: "BGP finds the most efficient route for my message to travel from Spain to Australia."

• Router

  The "dealer" of messages that handles traffic inside and outside the network and uses IP addresses to identify destinations.

  Relation: "My router sends the data from my local Wi-Fi network to the global internet."

Software and Protocols: The Logic

• Operating System (OS)

  Software that controls the hardware of a device and acts as an intermediary between applications and hardware.

  Relation: "Android or iOS manages the hardware's internet connection so the application can send data."

• Mobile Application

  Software installed on a device that might have its own database but also connects to a remote server.

  Relation: "The app provides the interface for me to interact with the service and send instructions."

• TCP Protocol (Transmission Control Protocol)

  A set of rules for sending information that confirms packages are received, ensuring no loss of data.

  Relation: "TCP ensures my email or text arrives perfectly without missing any information."

• UDP Protocol (User Datagram Protocol)

  A protocol that sends packages as fast as possible without confirming if they arrive, prioritizing speed.

  Relation: "UDP is used for my video call to avoid lag, even if some image quality is lost."