Categories of Computers and Components of a Computer Categories Personal Computers A Personal Computer (PC) is a computer that is generally only used by one person at a time. A PC with the help of a user is able to perform all of its output, input, storage, and processing activities by itself. (1) There are many types of PCs that include Laptops and Desktop. Laptops sometimes called notebooks are a portable type of computer that is designed fit into a person’s lap and comes in many different sizes and capabilities (1). Desktop computers are a non-portable type of computer that’s components sit on or under a desk. On a lot of Desktops the monitor is separate from the tower. The tower holds all of the components necessary to run the computer. Some desktops are all-in-one which means that all of the components need to run the computer and the monitor are not separate from each other. (1) Laptops vs Desktops There are …show more content…
All of the other components of a computer are connected to. (6). The components of the motherboard are connected in various ways, some components connect via a cord, others connect directly into one of the slots on the motherboard itself, and some are integrated on to the board (1). On a laptop motherboard you will find more of the components integrated in to the motherboard but usually on a desktop motherboard you will find less integration. Processor The Processor or the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is basically the brain of the computer, it manages most of a computers operations. It handles interpreting and carrying out the basic instructions needed to run a computer. RAM Random Access Memory (RAM) is where things currently in use are stored (7). RAM is volatile, things are only stored there temporarily and only when the power is on. If the power was turned off everything stored in the RAM would be lost unless saved to the hard
a. Central Processing Unit (CPU) The Central Processing Unit is the primarily segment of a computer system that executes the computer’s functions. It also performs instructions from computer programs. The CPU controls the operating system and applications, continually receiving input from software programs or user and producing output.
People always wonder who invented the first computer that used electricity. It was Konrad Zuse in 1936 (PatrickB). The computer he invented was the first computer that was reprogrammable (PatrickB). He started the Computer Hardware Engineering field. One of the best inventions that computer hardware engineers ever made is the transistor (PatrickB). The transistor allowed the computer to store information (PatrickB). Without the transistor this career would not be as big as it is. Transistors today hold more than 1,000 billion bytes. Konrad Zuse made this career possible with his amazing invention. There are a lot of reasons why I want to study this career. First of all I am very interested in computers in general and I like to get more in depth with the computer hardware.
It is part of the main memory to the computer. RAM carries data and programs that are used by your computer at a given time. As the name suggests, any memory location can be accessed randomly arrival time is the same for each and every place any Volatile Memory and Memory storage of information as long as it is providing power. It is lost when the contents of the power supplies.
The conflict between personal computers (PCs; developed by Microsoft) and Macintosh computers (Macs; developed by Apple) has occurred for many years. The two are constantly competing with each other to win over the computing market. Macintosh claims that their computers are more efficient when working with graphic design and media arts, while a PC is known for mathematical superiority and a stronger variety of hardware and software. Many myths about both systems have been spread amongst the consumer world. However, proper research can easily clarify these fictions. Someone looking to buy a new computer has a right to know the truths behind both systems. Though the Macintosh computer and the personal computer have been competing for years, a PC is a much wiser choice for the average consumer.
A microprocessor, as the term has come to be known, is a general- purpose digital computer central processing unit (CPU).
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of the system. It executes all the program code from the operating system and the applications you run, and does most of the calculating and processing of data. It sends commands to direct the actions of all the other components in the PC and it manages the distribution of data to/from those various components.
Desktop a computer keyboard, mouse and even a computer screen does not require getting your computer repaired with a specialist repair shop. Because mobile computing have every thing built in, such as the afore-mentioned features, it truly is more challenging to replace a computer keyboard or computer screen as opposed to desk-top computers, which function on outside connections.
The laptop computer has had a tremendous impact in the areas of business, education, government, and personal use. The emergence of portable computing and the laptop computer can be traced to the introduction of the personal computer itself. In 1975, the MITS Altair 8800 was introduced. The Altair is recognized as being the first commercially successful personal computer and the launching point for the personal computer revolution (Sysop, n.d.). Almost simultaneously, the idea of portability (in particular for the business-person) became a major focus in the industry.
CPU Stands for "Central Processing Unit." The CPU is the primary component of a computer that processes instructions. It runs the operating system and applications, constantly receiving input from the user or active software
System units are commonly mistaken as the Central Processing unit (CPU). System units sometimes called “computer chassis”, “base units” or “Tower cases” however are simply the housing for the integral parts of a computer. System units usual house all components of a computer excluding the monitor, Keyboard and mouse. System Units are a very simple component of the computer because they do none of the actual computing. They are usually just a square or rectangular prism made of some type of plastic or metal that hold all of the vital parts of a computer in a secure manner. Other than that there is not much to be said about the system unit.
There are four types of memory. These are the RAM, ROM, EEPROM and the Bootstrap loader. The RAM, also known as Random Access Memory, is the temporary space where the processor places the data while it is being used. This allows the computer to find the information that is being requested quickly without having to search the hard drive space. Once the information has been processed, and stored onto a permanent storage device, it is cleared out of the RAM. The RAM also houses the operating system while in
Technology is the way which extends humans ability. It is very difficult to obtain a precise definition of technology. It is generally accepted that "technology" is more than just a collection of physical products of science. "Technology" is the link between society and its tools.
A CPU has various discrete units to help it in these tasks for example there is an arithmetic and logic unit(ALU) that takes care of all the math and logical data comparisons that need to performed. A control register makes sure everything happens in the right sequence. The motherboard is the main circuit board inside the PC. All other components are either slotted into or soldered to this board.
In designing a computer system, architects consider five major elements that make up the system's hardware: the arithmetic/logic unit, control unit, memory, input, and output. The arithmetic/logic unit performs arithmetic and compares numerical values. The control unit directs the operation of the computer by taking the user instructions and transforming them into electrical signals that the computer's circuitry can understand. The combination of the arithmetic/logic unit and the control unit is called the central processing unit (CPU). The memory stores instructions and data.
Following the research done, it can be concluded that the computer today plays a vital role in everyday life whether it is liked or not, it is imposed to each and everyone in a way or another. Today it is unimaginable to think of a world without computers. And the technology advances in industry and at home. It has become necessary that everyone can have the basic knowledge of computer. It is important to note that there has to be a balance between the old way of educating and the new era to get everyone adjust and well equipped. Computers have invaded almost all areas and has become one of the hallmarks of an “ educated person”.