Computer (PC)
A computer is a device that is programmed internally to perform logical or arithmetic operations automatically without human supervision. Modern computer systems can execute virtually any set of operations, collectively termed programs, by the use of stored instructions. These programs allow computers to perform almost all types of tasks. Computers have therefore become an integral part of our lives.
The CPU (or central processing unit) is the brains of the computer system. The CPU consists of microprocessor chips that are connected together through a serial bus. These chips can execute computer software programs and can execute instructions that are fed from the central processing unit. The CPU performs multiple tasks that include reading and storing data from the hard disk and memory banks and running various processes such as scheduling work to be done, receiving and sending instructions from the operating system and handling signals from other software programs. A typical computer system has a separate control unit, called the motherboard, that also contains various hardware components such as the keyboard, monitor, graphics card and printer. Hardware components of a computer system include the memory, CPU and hard disk.
The computer system hardware also includes input devices such as keyboard, mouse, pointing device, gamepad and printers. Output devices refer to devices that send information to the computer system and include a monitor, speakers, printer, video card and so on. The computer system’s output devices are called computer peripherals. Peripheral devices can be a scanner, copier, fax machine, CD/DVD burner, telephone, fax and CD player.
One of the most important components of a computer system is the brain of the device – the central processing unit or PC. The CPU contains the core software that controls all the other devices and is the brain of all devices. The main job of the CPU is to process the instructions that are fed by the operating system into the input and output devices. It maintains the state of the computer and determines how the computer system works.
The PC is controlled by a microprocessor, which is a programmable device. The microprocessor helps in the control of the PC. The central processing unit or CPU runs programs that control the input and output devices. The PC is controlled by a boot ROM that allows loading of the basic operating system to run the computer. The boot ROM also determines whether the computer is in a mode in which it can process data or not.
The main task of the CPU is to process data from the input and output devices and convert them to the actual form for the computer system unit. The data that are processed in the CPU need to pass through a number of stages before they reach the system unit. The system unit is the brain of the computer system and contains many microprocessors. The system unit can control either single or multiple processors. The computer system unit helps in the operation of the computer.
One can classify the PC according to its hardware arrangement. The first one is the Systems Unit (SU) that is commonly known as the CPU. This is the most important component of the computer and is mainly responsible for running and processing the applications. Other hardware components include the booting device, memory (RAM), hard drive, keyboard, mouse, monitor, video card and any other peripheral devices.
There are many types of PC such as a desktop, laptop, personal computer, tablet PC and netbooks. Each of these have their own specific features. Desktop computer software refers to the software that is installed directly in the PC without needing to install any other hardware. Laptop software is software installed on the laptop or tablet PC. Netbooks are ultra portable computers with built-in applications.
