The Components of a Computer and Information Processing System In today’s world, computers are everywhere. People use them in a wide range of ways in every aspect of life whether it is interacting with friends, cooking a meal, or transferring funds from one account to another. However, many people do not think about the many aspects of computing and the various devices and software that are part of the information process. Basics of the Computer A computer is a device that can be programmed to perform a specific operation. Computers take input from human operators and process it into something the user can see on an output device (Computer, 2012). Hardware/Software Hardware and software are what make up computers. Hardware is the physical aspect of a computer. The monitor, mouse, keyboard, and the computer itself would all be hardware. Software is the program that runs on a computer like Apple’s OS X Lion, for example. Software is usually thought of as something involved with computers but it can actually be used on other forms of hardware such as cell phones, GPS devices, or PDAs (Kayne, 2012). Basic Components of a Computer Computers today come in many different shapes and sizes. However, the basic components that make up computers are all generally the same. The computer case is where all the other components are stored. The brain of the computer is the CPU, or central processing unit. It is used to process all the functions the computer performs. RAM is where data is temporarily stored and accessed and is attached to the motherboard. The motherboard is the most important component; it connects all the other hardware in a computer system. A power supply sends the other hardware power so that they can run. Hard drives are... ... middle of paper ... ...Networking Hardware. (2012, January 20). Retrieved 2012, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Networking_hardware Networks. (2012). Retrieved 2012, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_network Process (computing). (2012, January 16). Retrieved 2012, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Process_%28computing%29 Beach, T. E. (2010, September 7). Computer Terminology. Retrieved 2012, from Computer Concepts and Terminology: http://www.unm.edu/~tbeach/terms/inputoutput.html Karbo, M. (2002, September 2). Information Processing Cycle. Retrieved January 22, 2012, from iNFOSYSSEC: http://www1.pacific.edu/comp25/reading/1-InfoProcessingCycle.html Kayne, R. (2012). What is the Difference Between Hardware and Software? Retrieved January 22, 2012, from wiseGEEK: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-hardware-and-software.htm
Information and Software Technology Years 7–10: Syllabus. (2003, June). Retrieved April 10, 2014, from http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_sc/pdf_doc/info_soft_tech_710_syl.pdf
Well, Before anything else, here is a few names of components that need to be known to not be completely lost. The CPU(Central Processing Unit) (It processes everything from basic instructions to complex functions.) (Techterms.com). The Hard drive (the location of all the computer’s folders, files, and information, saved magnetically so even if turned off it’ll all stay saved). The RAM (Random Access Memory) (The more RAM your computer has, the more data can be loaded from the hard drive into the RAM, which can effectively speed up your computer.)(Techterms.com), The OS (Operating System) (just what it sounds like, this is the system that works the computer, as in Windows, Linux, and Apple OS.) The Graphics card (helps the CPU by processing the graphics portion of what the CPU has to process). The Disk Drive( this is the CD,DVD, or Blu-Ray driver that is installed to use CD’s DVD’s and or Blu-Ray disks.) The last major term to know is the Motherboard ...
As the internet is becoming faster and faster, an operating system (OS) is needed to manage the data in computers. An Operating system can be considered to be a set of programed codes that are created to control hardware such as computers. In 1985 Windows was established as an operating system and a year earlier Mac OS was established, and they have dominated the market of the computer programs since that time. Although, many companies have provided other operating systems, most users still prefer Mac as the most secured system and windows as it provides more multiple functions. This essay will demonstrate the differences between windows
Software - the programs or language that controls the functioning of the hardware. Table of contents - a section on a CD that lists the locations of files to help a computer locate data.
The functionality of computers is quite diverse. One example of a functionality of computers are servers. Servers are vital to the world of cyber. By having servers it allows people the ability to get on the internet or even play video games online. Servers in short provide resources depending on the needs of a user using a computer. Another functionality of Computers is that they can also be set up as work terminals to allow the ability for workers to receive or send information pertaining to
Computers; they are a part of or in millions of homes; they are an intricate part of just about every if not all successful businesses, the government, and the military. Computers have become common place in today’s society and the lives of the people who live in it. They have crossed every national, racial, cultural, educational, and financial barrier, which consequently ushered in the information age. A computer is a programmable electronic device that can store, retrieve and process data, and they come in all shapes, and sizes. They can be used for and in just about anything. As stated before, they are used in just about every aspect of modern society. They are so fundamental to modern society that it would be disastrous to society without them. As stated before, there are many areas in modern society that are run by computers. They play an intricate part of millions of homes in the world. Office workers in business, government and the military may use them to write letters, keep rosters, create budgets, find information, manage projects, communicate with workers, and so on. They are used in education, medicine, music, law enforcement, and unfortunately crime. Because computers have become such a part of the world and how it operates, there is a tremendous responsibility for those who are in control of these computers and the vital information that they carry, to manage and protect them properly. This is management and protection is vital because any loss or damage could be disastrous for the affected entity. For example, a mistake or intentional alteration of a personal credit file could affect ones ability to buy a car or home, or can lead to legal actions against the affected person until the mistake or intentional alteration has been corrected. Therefore, with the advent of computers in the information age, and all of the intentional and unintentional violations against them, comes the need to safeguard them and the information they carry with strong systems and policies of computer security.
The motherboard is the main circuit board of a microcomputer. The motherboard contains the connectors for attaching additional boards. Typically, the motherboard contains the CPU, BIOS, memory, mass storage interfaces, serial and parallel ports, expansion slots, and all the controllers required to control standard peripheral devices, such as the display screen, keyboard, and disk drive. Collectively, all these chips that reside on the motherboard are known as the motherboard's chipset. On most PCs, it is possible to add memory chips directly to the motherboard. You may also be able to upgrade to a faster CP by replacing the CPU chip. To add additional core features, you may need to replace the motherboard entirely. (Glossary)
Softwares are instructions, commands, or data that direct the operation of computer systems. Hardware is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunications, and other devices. Hardware such as electronic circuitry and other components of a computer use software or programs to make technology do things. Hardware is permanent and not flexible, while software or programming can easily be varied and modified. You can put an entirely new program in the hardware and make it create an entirely new experience for the user. People can change the modular configurations that most computers come with by adding new adapters or cards that extend the computer's capabilities.
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
Central processing unit (CPU), Random Access Memory (Ram) for short term data storage and program execution, Basic input / output system (BIOS), Buses: PCI bus, PCI-E or ACP bus, USB, CD, DVD, Floppy disk, Internal storage, This just a mention of a few of the features of course there are many more parts that comprise the hardware.
Ans: CPU or central processing unit is where all the programes exists. CPU act like a Head of computer
A program is a sequence of instructions that tells the hardware of a computer what operations to perform on data. Programs can be built into the hardware itself, or they may exist independently in a form known as software. In some specialized, or "dedicated," computers the operating instructions are embedded in their circuitry; common examples are the microcomputers found in calculators, wristwatches, automobile engines, and microwave ovens. A general-pur pose computer, on the other hand, contains some built-in programs (in ROM) or instructions (in the processor chip), but it depends on external programs to perform useful tasks. Once a computer has been programmed, it can do only as much or as little as the software controlling it at any given moment enables it to do. Software in widespread use includes a wide range of applications programs-instructions to the computer on how to perform various tasks.
Computers are very complex and have many different uses. This makes for a very complex system of parts that work together to do what the user wants from the computer. The purpose of this paper is to explain a few main components of the computer. The components covered are going to be system units, Motherboards, Central Processing Units, and Memory. Many people are not familiar with these terms and their meaning. These components are commonly mistaken for one and other.
Information Systems is an academic study of systems with a specific reference to information and the complementary networks of hardware and software that people and organizations use to collect, filter, process, create and also distribute data. An emphasis is placed on an information system having a definitive boundary, users, processors, storage, inputs, outputs and the aforementioned communication networks
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.