Engine wash - howto

I asked my buddy about washing my engine and he says just cover any exposed wire areas (the connectors that look like computer wire connectors) but I was told you have to cover distributor, intake etc. Can someone tell me what I need to cover on a 93 ex coupe? Remember I dont know hardly anytyhing about cars, so "That big black thing with the huge hole in it in the front left" is what I am looking for, or a pic of any engine with circled parts. Yeah I am probably being really lazy, but if so just say go search google and I will try again (didn't get far with it though). Thanks!

The important parts are the battery and fuse box next to it. The filter if you have an exposed cone-style filter, the distributor and surrounding electronics.

Everything else can handle a splash. Just get plastic walmart bags and cover them up. If you need more of an explanation, too bad, I'm lazy too :)

Yea cover everything such as the filter, distributor, alternator, fuse box....yea well you get the point.:D