29-07-2011, 12:19 PM
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Introduction to Computers
Introduction to Computers is an article for students new to computers.
We are living in an information age dependent upon digital information. Digital information is electronic information, the result of computer processing. Every type of job relies upon getting information, using it, managing it, and relaying information to others. Computers enable the efficient processing and storage of information.
The Four Operations of a Computer System
Input
Home computers are microcomputers. Input is supplied to the microcomputer with the use of a keyboard, a mouse, or another input device. These input devices may be called peripheral devices.
Processing
Processing is done inside the computer in an area called the central processing unit (CPU). Processing is the conversion of input to output.
Storage
Storage refers to holding information somewhere.
RAM, Random Access Memory, is short-term memory. It is volatile memory because the memory is automatically "erased" when the power is turned off or interrupted. The RAM memory is located inside the computer case on the motherboard. A motherboard is not the keyboard. The keyboard is what you type with. A motherboard holds RAM memory, electronic circuits and other computer parts including the central processing unit. ROM, Read-Only-Memory, is not volatile meaning the memory is still there when power is interrupted or turned off. When the computer is turned back on again, ROM memory is still in storage on the internal hard disk.
Output
Output is the result of a computer process. Output may be viewed on a monitor screen, heard through speakers, printed on printers, and so forth. Output devices may be considered hardware and are also considered to be peripheral devices.
A Basic Computer "System"
A computer system refers to the computer AND all of its equipment. Equipment like speakers, printer, keyboard, scanner, etc. is called peripheral equipment, sometimes shortened to "peripherals". The central processing unit (CPU) is considered to be "the computer". Without peripheral equipment (such as monitor, printer, speakers, etc.) for input and output the microcomputer (home computer) will not be able to do anything you find useful.
Your computer system cannot help you type a letter unless you have some type of software (program) to do this. Most typing is handled by a "word processing" program. A software program for your computer can be purchased at stores like Office Depot, Staples, and computer stores. Check your local telephone directory for a computer store in your area. Sometimes when you purchase a computer it already has a word processing program installed. If you buy a computer from a large electronics chain store, even if you have to travel out of town, you will get a better price as a rule than buying from a smaller chain store in town. Ask in town first, if they would be willing to match another store's Advertised price... See "Buying A Computer", next.
Central Processing Unit and Software Compatibility
The computer processor inside a PC or PC-clone computer has totally different architecture (microscopic "wiring" schematic) inside the central processing unit chip (the CPU, or "chip"). In other words, the specific way the circuits are laid out in a computer chip (CPU, central processing unit) is called the chip architecture. PC chips and Mac chips have processing units with totally different architecture. Software is not interchangeable. Buy Mac software for the Macintosh and buy PC software for PC computers. An Apple or Mac computer is not a PC. Most PC Computers are sold new with a Windows operating system but keep in mind that other operating systems can also run on PC-architecture machines. One example of another operating system that can run on a PC machine is Linux for Windows. When two operating systems are on a disk they are installed on separate "partitions" of the disk. That is similar to two songs on one CD having to be on separate "tracks".
Hardware and Software
Usually, things you can see and touch on a computer or inside a computer are called "hardware" whereas programs for the computer (digital instructions) are called software. Software is created by a computer programmer who writes lines of code for the computer. An interpreter or compiler is a smaller program which changes the programmer's code into machine instructions for the central processing unit. After much testing and debugging, the programmer's code is finally "packaged" into executable files which make up the final "software" which can be purchased later, or might be "bundled" with the computer when you buy it (meaning that some software is already installed when you buy the computer.)
Introduction to Computers
Introduction to Computers is an article for students new to computers.
We are living in an information age dependent upon digital information. Digital information is electronic information, the result of computer processing. Every type of job relies upon getting information, using it, managing it, and relaying information to others. Computers enable the efficient processing and storage of information.
The Four Operations of a Computer System
Input
Home computers are microcomputers. Input is supplied to the microcomputer with the use of a keyboard, a mouse, or another input device. These input devices may be called peripheral devices.
Processing
Processing is done inside the computer in an area called the central processing unit (CPU). Processing is the conversion of input to output.
Storage
Storage refers to holding information somewhere.
RAM, Random Access Memory, is short-term memory. It is volatile memory because the memory is automatically "erased" when the power is turned off or interrupted. The RAM memory is located inside the computer case on the motherboard. A motherboard is not the keyboard. The keyboard is what you type with. A motherboard holds RAM memory, electronic circuits and other computer parts including the central processing unit. ROM, Read-Only-Memory, is not volatile meaning the memory is still there when power is interrupted or turned off. When the computer is turned back on again, ROM memory is still in storage on the internal hard disk.
Output
Output is the result of a computer process. Output may be viewed on a monitor screen, heard through speakers, printed on printers, and so forth. Output devices may be considered hardware and are also considered to be peripheral devices.
A Basic Computer "System"
A computer system refers to the computer AND all of its equipment. Equipment like speakers, printer, keyboard, scanner, etc. is called peripheral equipment, sometimes shortened to "peripherals". The central processing unit (CPU) is considered to be "the computer". Without peripheral equipment (such as monitor, printer, speakers, etc.) for input and output the microcomputer (home computer) will not be able to do anything you find useful.
Your computer system cannot help you type a letter unless you have some type of software (program) to do this. Most typing is handled by a "word processing" program. A software program for your computer can be purchased at stores like Office Depot, Staples, and computer stores. Check your local telephone directory for a computer store in your area. Sometimes when you purchase a computer it already has a word processing program installed. If you buy a computer from a large electronics chain store, even if you have to travel out of town, you will get a better price as a rule than buying from a smaller chain store in town. Ask in town first, if they would be willing to match another store's Advertised price... See "Buying A Computer", next.
Central Processing Unit and Software Compatibility
The computer processor inside a PC or PC-clone computer has totally different architecture (microscopic "wiring" schematic) inside the central processing unit chip (the CPU, or "chip"). In other words, the specific way the circuits are laid out in a computer chip (CPU, central processing unit) is called the chip architecture. PC chips and Mac chips have processing units with totally different architecture. Software is not interchangeable. Buy Mac software for the Macintosh and buy PC software for PC computers. An Apple or Mac computer is not a PC. Most PC Computers are sold new with a Windows operating system but keep in mind that other operating systems can also run on PC-architecture machines. One example of another operating system that can run on a PC machine is Linux for Windows. When two operating systems are on a disk they are installed on separate "partitions" of the disk. That is similar to two songs on one CD having to be on separate "tracks".
Hardware and Software
Usually, things you can see and touch on a computer or inside a computer are called "hardware" whereas programs for the computer (digital instructions) are called software. Software is created by a computer programmer who writes lines of code for the computer. An interpreter or compiler is a smaller program which changes the programmer's code into machine instructions for the central processing unit. After much testing and debugging, the programmer's code is finally "packaged" into executable files which make up the final "software" which can be purchased later, or might be "bundled" with the computer when you buy it (meaning that some software is already installed when you buy the computer.)