Define Mother Board

The motherboard connects nearly all of the computer's components together.

You may have wondered at one time or another exactly what makes your computer run. A computer is made up of many crucial components that all work smoothly together. One of the main components is a called a motherboard.

Definition

The motherboard is the primary printed circuit board, also known as the main board or logic board. This serves as the main hardware component that connects almost all of the other parts in a computer.

Function

The motherboard has many functions, including ensuring that all of the other components in the computer receive a sufficient amount of power. The motherboard provides a platform, or mount, as well as a power source for the computer's central processing unit. The motherboard is also responsible for providing a home for the data bus, the channel that allows data to flow to various parts of the computer. The motherboard connects to such input devices as the mouse and keyboard.

Maintenance

The motherboard should be cleaned annually to ensure proper cooling of all connected components. It is best to take your computer to a technician to perform a professional cleaning.

References

• PCMag: Definition of: Motherboard
• "How Computers Work"; Ron White; 2007

Resources

• "Principles of Computer Hardware"; Alan Clements; 2006