The processor, Memory, Input/Output devices and storage devices need to be integrated
together to function. These components have to be placed on a board called the Mainboard
or the Motherboard. Without this the computer cannot function. Some additional
circuit boards may be required to integrate additional devices if they are already not
embedded into the motherboard. These circuits are commonly referred to as cards. They
are plugged into expansion slots available on the motherboard. Some of the most
common cards are the Video Graphics Adapter card, Sound card, Ethernet card, TV card,
Data-Fax Modem card, USB card and FireWire card. These cards provide expansion to
the motherboard and the ability to connect other input, output and storage devices.
There are additional cables that are required to connect devices. Hard disk and floppy
drive ribbon cables, CD/DVD drive analog audio cable, video cable, printer cable, USB
cables and the FireWire cables are some of the most common cables found in a computer.
In addition to the devices mentioned above, there are technologies to connect
computers to external devices like mobile phones, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant) and
Laptops. Such technologies create a direct connection between the computer and the
external device. Some of the most common technologies are Blue-tooth (wireless), IrDA
(infrared) and Wi-Fi (wireless).