Types and Components of Computers

Computers are made of many components that works together forming a computer. Each components has its own task to perform. Below are some of those components and a short explanation about what it is and what it does.

Hardware and Software

Hardware – physical parts of the computer system which you can touch and see.

E.g. Motherboard, mouse, keyboard

motherboard. source: www.macbreaker.com

operating system: windows 8. source: bgr.com

Software – collection of instructions that tell computer hardware what to do. Software is useless without hardware to run on. Software is not a physical thing, it’s just a bunch of codes, but you can store it in physical mediums such as floppy disk.

E.g. operating system, Google chrome, Photoshop

Main Computer Components

pentium processor. source: kartikcomputers.com

Central Processing Unit (CPU) or the processor is the brain of the computer which carries out software instructions.

E.g. Pentium Processor

Main Memory or primary storage stores any data that are to be processed by the CPU.

Read-Only Memory (ROM) is one of the primary storages. It stores instructions to start computer, the boot up program or BIOS. It is non-volatile, meaning its contents will not lost even the computer is turned off.

Random Access Memory (RAM) is another primary storage. It contains operating system, application software and data currently used. The size of the RAM means that the RAM can process that amount of data in a time.

Peripheral devices can be connected to computer to allow data to be passed in and out of it. Peripheral devices are categorized into input device output and storage devices.

Input devices are devices that pass data into the computer.

E.g. keyboard, mouse, webcam

Output devices are devices that take data from the computer.

E.g. monitor, printer, loud speaker

Backing Storage or Secondary Storage are any devices that can store data, except for RAM and ROM.

E.g. Hard drive, CD-ROM, floppy disk, USB memory

Operating System

Operating System is software that supports a computer’s basic function. It provides a sure interface, manages applications, manages files, manages computers memory, looks after computer security and manages the computer’s input and output hardware.

E.g. Linux, Mac, Windows

User Interfaces

User interface – a system which allows users to interact with their computers.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)/WIMP interface – virtual medium that can make users give certain commands on the computer without writing commands, but using images available in the monitor which are connected with the commands, which makes it easier to use rather than Command Line Interface.

GUI is made of:

Windows – regions of the screen used to display information

Icons – small pictures that used to represent folders, software, etc.

Menus – lists of options the user can select from

Pointer – an arrow that can be moved around the screen and is used to select things.

Command Line Interface (CLI) – a medium for users to interact with their computers by typing commands to perform a task. This kind of interface is difficult to use, compared with GUI which uses icons and usually used by expert users.

Types of Computer

mainframe computer. source: en.wikipedia.com

Mainframe Computer is a large computer, often used by large business, in government offices, or by universities. Mainframe computers can process vast amount of data quickly and usually used by hundreds of users connected via remote terminals. These computers are kept in a special air conditioned rooms.

Personal Computer (PC) is a personal computers or desktop computers are similar with mainframes, but it is smaller in size, enough to fit on a desk, and cheaper. It has the same basic components as mainframe computers, CPU, RAM, storage, etc.

Laptop Computer is a light, compact and portable PC. It contains a rechargeable battery which allows user to use them even it’s not plugged in to a mains powers supply. Most laptops contain trackpad and wireless to make it as portable of possible, instead of using wires.

Palmtop Computer is similar to a laptop computer, but smaller, enough to fit in your palm. Palmtops have a very small keyboard, so a touchscreen or tiny joystick is used instead of using both thumbs, because it is too small.

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is similar to a palmtop computer, but it is more compact and most PDAs provide touchscreen instead of using keyboards. Many PDAs have a small stylus which is used to press things on the screen because of its small screen. In most PDAs, users are able to write on the screen, having their writing converted into text by the handwriting-recognition system.

laptop. source: www.pcworld.com

pc. source: www.pcworld.com

pda. source: www.trustedreviews.com

                                                   

palmtop computer. source: computinghistory.org.uk