Fortunately, this level of detail isn't really necessary to provide the background necessary when working with PCs. A direct current electricity source of a specific voltage, used primarily in small circuits. Original photo Kamco Services Image used with permission. As you could probably guess from the name, a resistor increases the resistance of a circuit. The main purpose of this is to reduce the flow of electricity in a circuit.
Resistors come in all different shapes and sizes.
Generally, bigger resistors can handle more power. There are also variable resistors, which can have their resistance adjusted by turning a knob or other device. These are sometimes called potentiometers . Magnified surface-mount resistor from a motherboard. These small resistors are now much more common on PC electronics than the older, larger pin type.