What does a power supply do within a computer?

The power supply unit is a crucial component of a computer that converts electrical power from an outlet into usable power for the internal components. It is responsible for supplying power to the motherboard, hard drives, graphics cards, and any other connected devices, ensuring that they operate correctly.

This role is vital because without a stable and adequate power supply, the computer components would not function or could potentially fail. The power supply converts higher voltage AC (alternating current) from the outlet into lower voltage DC (direct current) that computer components require. Additionally, it often includes connectors for different components and may have built-in safety features to protect against over-voltage, over-current, and short circuits.

Other options, while they pertain to different functions within a computer, do not describe the specific role of the power supply. Processing data and instructions is primarily the job of the CPU. Storing data temporarily is handled by RAM, and transmitting data to peripherals involves the motherboard and various controllers, not directly the power supply. Thus, the correct choice highlights the fundamental responsibility of the power supply in maintaining the functionality and stability of a computer system.