Components Of Computer

Flow chart for components of computer.

Components of computer

Ø Hardware and software

§  Hardware

Computer hardware is the physical components of the system. Anything that can be touched is known as ‘hardware’ and here are some of the hardware explained. Cabinet A cabinet is nothing but the case, either plastic or metallic enclosure that capsules almost all the other hardware. This is being replaced by ‘all-in-one-eye’ design that puts everything in one case.

·        Motherboard - Motherboard is a large IC board that connects the other small hardware with the other peripherals.

·       CPU - Central Processing Unite controls the entire system and it is metaphorically compared to a human brain as it is responsible for the arithmetic and logical functioning.

·       CHIPSET - A chipset is a mediator that communicates with the CPU and the memory and other internal hardware units.

·       RAM - Random Access Memory is a temporary storehouse of data which are written and read almost at the same time by the CPU. If the information is not save the information would be lost

·       ROM - Read Only Memory is another device that stores data and as its name says, the data are only read from the chip but not written. It is a non-volatile memory unit which means that the data will stay in the chip regardless of the power supply.

·       CMOS battery - This is a button cell that serves power for the BIOS and the date and time memory. Expansion cards - Fire wire, IDE, ESATA, USB, Ethernet adapter, SCSI etc. are examples of expansion cards. These cards are useful when the computer is to be connected to any other peripheral devices or another computer through a network. Data Storage Devices- Hard Disks are magnetic discs that store data in the digital format. This is a secondary storage device and fundamental component of a computer. Peripheral Devices Any device that is connected to the computer and does not serve the primary purpose is called a peripheral device. Few examples of peripheral devices are

·       Keyboard – It is the main input which aids in inputting letters and symbols

·       Mouse – Hardware to control the cursor in a monitor by hovering over a flat surface and performs selection and moving tasks.

·       Printers and Scanners – Devices that help in printing and scanning. The uses and types change with every environment.

·       Webcams – Video cameras that stream live video during video chat or record video.

·       CD drives – Drives that read and write information from a compact disk.

·       Graphic cards – Components that help in controlling and enhancing graphics.

§  SOFTWARE

 Hardware is usually operated with a platform and this platform is called software. It has a collection of information and instructions and it branches out into two categories; 

·       System Software checks all peripherals i.e. printer, mouse keyboard monitor and hard drive dvd drive before the user gets to use operating system i.e. windows XP 

o   Operating System software is the one that connects the, hardware and the user through graphical interfaces. This has a set of functions that are non-task specific and helps the user to control, manage and integrate individual hardware. Application software is programs that help in accomplishing specific tasks. It may have a single program or a package of programs. Operating systems like WINDOWS, UNIX, LINUX and OS X are examples of system software and image viewers, text and spread sheet editor, video/audio players etc. are examples of application software.

·       Application Software: Software that enables the user to meet their requirements i.e. Word: Building CV’s PowerPoint: Presentations Excel: budgeting and forecast

Ø Input and output

§  Input Unit

These components help users enter data and commands into a computer system. Data can be in the form of numbers, words, actions, commands, etc. The main function of input devices is to direct commands and data into computers. Computers then use their CPU to process this data and produce output.

For example, a laptop’s keyboard is an input unit that enters numbers and characters. Similarly, even a mouse can be an input unit for entering directions and commands. Other examples include barcode readers, Magnetic Ink Character Readers (MICR), Optical Character Readers (OCR), etc.

Another example of input devices is touch-screens. Users can simply touch these screens without using any other device to enter commands. From smartphones to ATM machines, these input devices are becoming very popular these days.

§  Central Processing Unit (CPU)

After receiving data and commands from users, a computer system now has to process it according to the instructions provided. Here, it has to rely on a component called the central processing unit. The CPU further uses these three elements:

§  Memory Unit

Once a user enters data using input devices, the computer system stores this data in its memory unit. This data will now remain here until other components of CPU process it. The memory unit uses a set of pre-programmed instructions to further transmit this data to other parts of the CPU.

o  Arithmetic and Logic Unit

This part of the CPU performs arithmetic operations. It does basic mathematical calculations like addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, etc. Further, it can even perform logical functions like the comparison of data.

o   Control Unit

This unit is the backbone of computers. It is responsible for coordinating tasks between all components of a computer system. The control unit collects data from input units and sends it to processing units depending on its nature. Finally, it also further transmits processed data to output units for users.

§  Output Unit

The third and final component of a computer system is the output unit. After processing of data, it is converted into a format which humans can understand. After conversion, the output units displays this data to users. Examples of output devices include monitors, screens, printers and speakers. Thus, output units basically reproduce the data formatted by the computer for users’ benefit.