- If you have a

desktop PC

, your computer case should look something like this.

- The first step is to remove the side panel in order to get inside.

- You should see the motherboard, which all of your other components attach to.

- Most important on the motherboard is the processor. This processes all of your data and is generally covered by a fan.

- Nearby you will see the RAM and RAM slots, which stores all of the computer's short-term memory. Most systems accommodate two to four memory sticks.

- You should also see at least one hard drive, which stores all of the long-term memory including files, programs and so forth.

- Located at the front of the computer are the disk drives, which are capable of reading or writing disks of various formats.

- At the back, you'll find your power supply, which transfers power throughout the computer and receives power via the power cable.

- You'll also see the expansion cards below the power supply. These might include a sound card, video card or other add-in cards.

- These cards are accessed through the back, where you may find USB ports, video out ports, speaker ports parallel ports and so on.

- At the front of your computer, you'll find your power and reset buttons.