COMPUTER

WHAT IS A COMPUTER ?

A computer is a device, usually electronic, that processes data according to a set of instructions.

COMPUTER OPERATIONS

All computers contain a central processing unit that interprets and executes instructions; input devices, such as a keyboard and a mouse, through which data and commands enter the computer; memory that enables the computer to store programs and data; and output devices, such as printers and display screens, that show the results after the computer has processed data.

So, according to what is mentioned above, there can be some basic operations of a computer. They are:

1. Input: It is the process of capturing or acquiring the information, or it is the process of accepting data or information. By using input the computer can do any process.
2. Process: It is the transformation procedure to convert the input into output.
3. Output: It is the result, which comes from the transformation procedure or it is the outcome of the process.
4. Storing: It is the process of storing or retaining the data or information or instructions, so that the user can retain and retrieve it whenever required.
5. Communication: It is the process of directing the manner and sequence in which all the operations are to be performed.

 

COMPUTER COMPONENTS

Computers come in all different shapes and forms (examples: desktops, laptops), but the main components that make up a computer pretty much stay the same. Components can also be refereed to as; hardware or parts.

Computer hardware

These are the mechanical, magnetic, electronic, and electrical components making up a computer system.

Some examples include :

• processor
• memory
• motherboard
• graphics card
• network card
• modem
• USB flash drive
• hard drive

Hardware needs software to tell it what to do. Without software, the hardware can not be used.

Computer software

Computer software is a collection of computer programs and related data that provide the instructions for telling a computer what to do and how to do it. It includes:-

• System software: This provides the basic functions for computer usage and helps run the computer hardware and system.
• Application software: This is developed to aid in any task that benefits from computation.