A computer is the most versatile machine man has ever made, now computers are being used for day-to-day work, in their homes, offices, and anywhere else. Past decades had witnessed exponential growth and development in various areas of computers both in the fields of Hardware and Software. One who uses the computer at home or work must know about the essential hardware normally associated with this machine.
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| Computer System |
What is Computer?
A computer is a general-purpose machine that processes data according to the set of instructions that is input data. The computer is a programmable computing machine.
Definition:-
A computer is an electronic machine that takes raw data from the outside world as input, and upon processing; this data is produced in the form of meaningful information known as result or output.
What is a full form of Computer?
The full form of computer is a "Common Operating Machine Purposely Used for Technological and Educational Research"
A Computer can be thought of as a combination of two parts, namely Hardware and Software.
Parts of the computer:-
Basically, the computer has three main categories
of units. the basic of computer hardware is described below.
1. Input Devices
2. Output Devices
3. Processing Unit
1. Input Devices:-
Input
Devices are devices used for inputting the same data into the computer.
Ex. Keyboard, mouse, joystick, pen tabs, scanner,
web camera, etc.
- Keyboard:-
- Mouse:-
Another popular input device is Mouse. this device is used to position the cursor on the monitor, by just a click of a mouse button several tasks or programs may be executed.
- Scanner:-
Another input device is Scanner which allows the user to scan images or pictures to insert into the computer. the scanner creates the digital image of the picture or document, which can be stored and processed in a computer system.
- Digital Camera / Web Camera:-
Digital Camera or Web Camera is another input device that can be used to capture pics & videos and store them in the computer system in electronic formats. These stored videos may be processed and produced again by the computer. Therefore input devices are those devices that take the data from the outside world and it can be stored and processed in the computer.
2. Output Devices:-
Output Devices are devices used to show the output by a computer after
processing raw data.
Ex. Monitor, printer, etc.
- Monitor:-
The most popular output device is known as a Monitor. It is a video display unit that shows the status of your work on the computer. For example, whatever you type through the keyboard, may be verified on the monitor.
- Printer:-
Another important output device is known
as a Printer. This device is used by the user to print different types of data
in different formats.
3. Central Processing unit (CPU):-
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is a key component of a
computer that performs the majority of the processing and calculations. It is
often referred to as the "brain" of the computer.
The CPU is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations for the computer's software. It fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and then executes them. The CPU also manages data movement between memory and input/output devices.
The speed and performance of a CPU are determined by several factors, including clock speed (measured in GHz), the number of cores, cache size, and the manufacturing process used to produce the CPU.
There are two major manufacturers of CPUs: Intel and AMD. They produce CPUs for a wide range of devices, including desktops, laptops, servers, and embedded systems.
Over time, CPUs have become faster and more efficient, allowing computers to perform more complex tasks and run more demanding software. Modern CPUs also often include specialized features for tasks such as multimedia processing, virtualization, and encryption.
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| CPU Architecture |
Parts of CPU:-
The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is made up of several parts that work together to perform calculations and process data. The major parts of a CPU include:
1. Control Unit (CU): This part of the CPU is responsible for controlling the flow of data within the processor. It fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and then executes them.
2. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): This part of the CPU is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and comparison.
3. Registers: These are small, temporary storage areas within the CPU that are used to hold data and instructions during processing. Registers can be accessed very quickly, making them ideal for storing frequently-used data.
4. Cache: This is a type of memory that is used to store frequently-used data and instructions. the Cache is much faster than RAM, so having data stored in the cache can greatly improve CPU performance.
5. Clock: This is a signal that regulates the speed at which the CPU processes data. The clock signal sets the pace for the CPU to execute instructions and is measured in GHz (gigahertz).
6. Bus Interface: This part of the CPU is responsible for communicating with other parts of the computer, such as memory and input/output devices.
7. Heat Sink: This is a device that is attached to the CPU to help dissipate heat. As the CPU processes data, it generates heat, and the heat sink helps to prevent the CPU from overheating.
These parts work together to execute instructions and perform calculations for the computer's software. Different CPUs may have different specifications and capabilities, depending on the intended use and performance requirements.
Computer Types:-
There are many types of computers, including:
1. Desktop computers:
These are large computers that typically sit on a desk or table and are not designed to be moved around. They are often used for tasks that require a lot of processing power, such as video editing or gaming.
2. Laptop computers:
These are smaller computers that are designed to be portable. They are popular among students and businesspeople who need to work on the go.
3. Tablets:
These are even smaller and more portable than laptops. They are typically used for tasks like web browsing, reading e-books, and watching videos.
4. Smartphones:
These are small mobile devices that are used for a variety of tasks, including making calls, sending text messages, and browsing the internet.
5. Servers:
These are computers that are designed to provide services to other computers over a network. They are used to run websites, store data, and manage networks.
6. Gaming computers:
These are high-performance computers that are designed specifically for gaming. They typically have high-end graphics cards and other components that allow them to run the latest games at high settings.
7. Workstations:
These are computers that are designed for professional use, such as in the fields of engineering, architecture, and graphic design. They typically have powerful processors and graphics cards.
8. All-in-one computers:
These are computers that combine the monitor and computer components into a single unit. They are often used in homes and offices where space is limited.
9. Embedded computers:
These are small computers that are built into other devices, such as cars, appliances, and medical equipment. They are used to control and monitor these devices.
10. Mainframe computers:
These are large, powerful computers that are used by large organizations, such as government agencies and corporations, to manage large amounts of data and run complex applications.
11. Mini PCs:
These are small, compact computers that are designed for use in small spaces or as a low-power alternative to larger computers.
12. Super Computers:
Supercomputers typically have multiple processors working in parallel, as well as specialized hardware for performing specific types of calculations. They also have large amounts of memory and storage capacity, often measured in petabytes.
