Computer Basics

What is a Computer?

• A computer is an electronic machine that accepts data, processes it, and provides the results as information in a specified format.

Computer System Components

• A computer system consists of two parts: hardware and software.
• Hardware refers to any electronic or mechanical part that can be seen or touched.
• Software is a set of instructions (a program) that tells the computer what to do.

Hardware Components

• The three basic hardware sections are:
  • Central Processing Unit (CPU): executes program instructions and coordinates the activities of other units, considered the "brain" of the computer.
  • Main Memory (RAM chips): holds instructions and data being processed by the CPU.
  • Peripherals: physical units attached to the computer, including storage devices and input/output devices.

Peripherals

• Storage devices:
  • Provide permanent storage of data and programs.
  • Examples: hard drives, DVD drives, flash drives.
• Input devices:
  • Enable data to enter the computer's memory.
  • Examples: mouse, keyboard.
• Output devices:
  • Enable the extraction of finished products from the system.
  • Examples: monitor, printer.

Computer Ports

• Ports on the rear panel of the computer allow for communication between the computer and devices.
• Examples of devices that can be plugged into ports: modem, digital camera, scanner.
• Modern desktop PCs have USB ports and memory card readers on the front panel.