Parts Of Computer

                               Parts Of Computer

Computer systems have four parts, and they all are compulsory.

o Hardware

o Software 

o Data
o User

It Does Not Depends On The Size.

Hardware

Mechanical devices in the computer
Hardware Can be touched
Includes input output devices

Software

Programs can not be touched
Tell the computer what to do
Also called a program
System Software vs. Application Software
Thousands of programs exist

Data

Pieces of information but may not make much sense Computer process, converting them to useful information
Users People operating the computer
Most important part Tell the computer what to do

Information Processing Cycle

Steps followed to process data
Input
Processing
Output
Storage

Essential Computer Hardware

Computers use the same basic hardware

Processing device: Processor

Brain of computer

Carries out instructions from program
Manipulate data
Most computers have several processors
o Central Processing Unit (CPU)
o Secondary processors
Processors made of silicon and copper Plugged into motherboard

Memory Devices

Memory devices Stores data or programs
Random Access Memory (RAM)
o Volatile
o Stores current data and program
o More RAM results in a faster system Read Only Memory (ROM)
o Permanent storage of programs o Holds the computer boot directions

Input and output devices

Allows the user to interact
Input devices accept data
o Keyboard, mouse
o Trackball, touchpad, joystick
o Scanner, digital camera, microphone Output devices deliver data
o Monitor, printer, speaker Some devices are input and output
o Touch screens
o Communication devices

Storage devices

Hold data and programs permanently
Different from RAM Magnetic storage
o Floppy and hard drive
o Uses a magnet to access data Optical storage
o CD and DVD drives
o Uses a laser to access data Flash Drive
o Flash memory stores information in an array of memory cells

Software and types

Software Runs the Machine
Tells the computer what to do
Reason people purchase computers
Two types
System software
Application software

System software

Most important software
Operating system
o Windows XP, Windows 7 & 8 Network operating system (OS)
o Windows Server 2003, Unix (Linux, ubuntu) Utility
o Symantec AntiVirus, 1 B14

Application software

Accomplishes a specific task
Most common type of software
o MS Word
o MS Excel
Covers most common uses of computers

Computer Data

Data defined as Individual facts
Pieces of information
May not make much sense
Data processed by computer
Fact with no meaning on its own
Alphabets may not mean a lot individually
Arranging them to form words and sentences is useful information
Stored using the binary number system
Data can be organized into files
Data converted to useful information by computer
Decision taken based on information is knowledge

Computer Users

Role depends on ability
Setup the system
Install software
Manage files
Maintain the system
'Userless' computers Run with no user input Automated systems.