About Computers

 

The central processing unit of a computer system is what actually operates the various computer hardware components. This includes the CPU (computing processor), main memory, hard disk, and random access memory (RAM). The CPU generates the execution environment in which the software components of a computer system run. There are many different types of processors available for use by end-users. The two most common types of processors are the x86 and AMD family of processors.

Modern computers operate efficiently if they have a good central processing unit and plenty of fast dedicated hardware such as an operating system, input devices, output devices, etc. The operating system is the program component which controls the operation of the rest of the machines. It controls the type of hardware that is installed, the type of data that is passed between the software and the hardware, and how the machine should be used to run applications. The operating system is usually part of a large computer server. Modern computers often use virtualization technologies to allow multiple machines to share the same operating system and software, improving scalability.

Input devices, which are devices such as printers, keyboards, scanners, etc., are another important component of modern computers. These devices are used to input data into a computer system. Output devices, which are devices such as CD players, television sets, etc., are used to output information to a computer system. Modern computers use different types of input and output devices depending on the purpose of the machine.

General-purpose computers are usually categorized into two main groups: personal computers and business computers. Personal computers are widely used by individuals in their homes and for leisure purposes such as e-mailing, word processing, and browsing the Web. Business computers are more frequently used at work and are generally attached to large mainframe computers. A business computer system will usually have high-end desktop and laptop computers. A personal computer can either be an integrated system with built-in devices or a desktop computer system with dedicated components such as a printer or scanner.

Both input and output devices, along with mainframe computers, are powered by microprocessors. The term microprocessor refers to the part of a computer that performs calculations. Examples of such microprocessors include Motorola, Sun, IBM, Digital Equipment Corporation, Hewlett Packard, and Sony. The term circuit board (or PCB) is what a circuit board is made up of. Examples of such PCBs include Dell, Apple, Acer, ASUS, Lenovo, and HP.

Computers with special hardware like an accelerated graphics card, digital camera, or microphone or speaker are called portable devices. A portion of a PC is generally dedicated to operating software, while the other portion is used for hardware such as input and output devices, hard disk, video card, or sound card. Personal computers include desktop or laptop computers, which are popular for home or business use. Most personal computers include a standard keyboard, mouse, monitor, and a graphics card. Most computers include a standard audio adapter, a CD-ROM drive, and a modem for Internet access.

PCs differ in size and configuration. They can have a single or multiple processor units, memory modules, hard drives, input devices such as keyboards, mice, touch screens, and graphics cards, output devices such as printers, scanners, disk drives, USB drives, and optical drives. Some computers, including laptops, also include additional hardware such as a cooling fan, an external battery, a keyboard, and a mouse. In essence, a PC is made up of hardware and software that work together in order to provide computing power. Personal computers are very useful because they can perform multiple tasks, which makes them good for multitasking.