Computer essentials include: CPU (central processing unit),software,CD/DVD drive,monitor,modem,keyboard,mouse,printer,speaker,webcam. Parts...
Computer essentials include: CPU (central processing unit),software,CD/DVD drive,monitor,modem,keyboard,mouse,printer,speaker,webcam.
Parts of a computer: A computer is an electronic machine that accepts ,processes,stores and outputs information. A typical computer consist of two parts: hardware and software.Hardware is any electronic or mechanical part of the computer system that you can see or touch. Software is a set of instructions,called a program,which tells a computer what to do.
There are three basic hardware sections:
Parts of a computer: A computer is an electronic machine that accepts ,processes,stores and outputs information. A typical computer consist of two parts: hardware and software.Hardware is any electronic or mechanical part of the computer system that you can see or touch. Software is a set of instructions,called a program,which tells a computer what to do.
- The CPU is the heart of the computer ,a microprocessor chip which processes data and coordinates the activities of all the other units.
- The main memory holds the instructions and data which are being processed by the CPU. It has two main sections : RAM (random access memory) and ROM (read only memory).
- Peripherals are the physical units attached to the computer .They include :
-Output devices ,which let us extract the results.
-Storage devices ,which are used to store information permanently
Disk drivers are used to read and write data on disks.
At the back of the computer there are ports into which we can plug external devices (e.g. scanners ,a modem etc). They allow communications between the computer and the devices.
Functions of a PC: input (we enter data with a keyboard,a webcam etc). Processing:(the data is manipulated according to program instructions). Storage: (we keep data and programs in memory system,where they are available for processing).Output: (we can see the result on the screen or in printed form).
Types of computers: a) A mainframe is the most powerful type of computer.It can process and store large amounts of data. It supports multiple users at the same time and can support more simultaneous processes than a PC. The central system is a large server connected to hundreds of terminals over a network .
b) A desktop PC has its own processing unit,monitor and keyboard.It is used as a personal computer at home ,or as a workstation for group work.Typical examples are the IBM PC and the Apple Macintosh .It's designed to be placed on your desk. Some models have a vertical case called a tower.
c) A laptop is lightweight computer that you can transport easily.It can can work as fast as a desktop PC ,with similar processors , memory capacity and disks drivers,but it is portable and has a smaller screen.Instead of a mouse they can have a touchpad built into the keyboard - a sensitive pad that you can touch to move the pointer on the screen.
d) A tablet PC looks like a book,with an LCD screen on which you can write using a special digital pen.You can fold and rotate the screen 180 degrees . Your handwriting can be recognized and converted into editable text.
Until recently,if you were in the market for a new computer and had to decide between a laptop and a desktop,the choice was simple.The laptop versus desktop dilemma was usually decided by whether mobility or performance was more important to you.Oftentimes ,students and remote workers chose laptops ,while gamers and designers went for desktops.Fortunately,computer technology has come a long way since the days of laptops with limited battery life and desktops with cumbersome hard drives and tangles of wires . Nowadays , when you choose a new computer ,you really can take your needs into account.
