No matter what model of laptop you have, the parts that make it work are similar.
A laptop computer, also called a notebook computer, has several parts that are necessary for it to function. While the specifications on these parts may vary depending on your laptop's manufacturer and configuration, each part performs the same function on every laptop computer. Certain parts, such as memory, may be upgradeable to expand your laptop's capabilities, but you should check with the manufacturer or your owner's manual to make sure.
Internal Parts
All laptop computers contain an internal hard drive that stores all the information on your laptop, unless you tell your computer to save it elsewhere, such as to an external hard drive or some other removable storage device (SD card, micro SD card, USB drive, floppy disc or CD-ROM). Your laptop's processor is the brains of its operation, controlling all of the information on your hard drive. The memory in your laptop allows your computer to function, and if you do not have enough available memory, your laptop will function slowly. Since the processor gets rather hot while it is running, a cooling fan is necessary. All of these items, as well as your audio and video cards, are connected to your laptop's motherboard, which in turn connects these parts together so that they interact appropriately. Additionally, your laptop has two batteries. The main battery runs the computer when you have disconnected the A/C adapter from the wall, and the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) battery keeps the internal clock running, even when your computer is shut off. This battery (or batteries) usually is a small button cell of the type also used in cameras and watches. Finally, most laptops have some sort of internal optical drive, which may play CD-ROMs, DVDs and/or Blu-Ray discs.
External Parts
Externally, your laptop has a hinged case that folds the LCD screen portion down over the keyboard, as well as a touchpad (which functions like a mouse) and speakers. Internally, the display on the LCD screen is controlled by a cable that connects the screen to the motherboard, which tells it what to display. An A/C adapter made specially for your laptop is used when you are running your laptop from a wall outlet or have docked it so that the battery can charge. Your laptop may also have several USB ports for connecting equipment or using USB drives, as well as readers for SD and microSD cards and floppy drives. Sony laptops may also include a port for the proprietary Sony MemoryStick.
Optional Parts
A wireless network card may or may not be built into your laptop. As of September 2010, most laptops sold new come with these cards built in. This allows you to connect to the local area network and to the Internet wirelessly through an available Wi-Fi connection. If your laptop does not have a built in card, you may be able to obtain an external one that plugs into a port on your computer, such as a PCMCIA bus. Check your owner's manual to see if this is an option. Your laptop may also have built in Bluetooth connectivity, which allows it to communicate with other Bluetooth devices, such as cell phones and MP3 players. If your laptop does not have built-in Bluetooth connectivity you can purchase a USB Bluetooth dongle to add it. Finally, if you do not wish to use the laptop's touchpad, you can obtain a mouse for it. In newer laptops the mouse will connect via an available USB port. With an older laptop, you may have a PS2 connector. You can still connect a USB mouse to an older laptop via a PS2-to-USB converter, which you can obtain from your local computer supply store, as PS2 mice are harder to find.
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