Computers and Their Hardware

Computers have revolutionized the world of business. They have made business tasks much simpler and faster. The use of computers has increased tremendously and their price has also fallen considerably. With the rising usage of computers, security measures need to be enhanced. A computer is a device which can be programmed to execute certain mathematical or logical functions automatically. Modern computers are able to do many general sets of functions such as word processing, spreadsheet and CAD drawing etc.

Computers are the most important technological devices of this era. Most people are dependent on computers for their day to day work. They make use of computers for official purposes as well as for domestic purposes like e learning and emailing. Modern computers incorporate microprocessors, memory modules, random access memory, hard disk, video input/output device, keyboard and optical disc for storing data. Modern computers are used in various fields such as education, business, medical, legal, engineering and other organizations.

Many companies use computers for their work. They create spreadsheets, Word documents and PowerPoint presentations, and use sophisticated software applications to accomplish their tasks. There are various manufacturers who provide computers for all types of industries. Some manufacturers specialize in developing specific computer systems while others sell general purpose computers. In general, computers work on microprocessor hardware which includes memory, input and output devices, and mainframe hardware components.

Desktop computers consist of a CPU (or central processing unit) and several input and output devices including a keyboard, mouse, monitor, keyboard and optical disc or memory. Laptop computers consist of a small CPU, memory card, solid state drive, battery and video card. Desktop computers are much smaller than laptop computers and have more compact hardware components. Desktop computers are less expensive than laptop computers. Desktop computers operate efficiently under stress and have better memory and hard drive storage than laptops.

Computers have two major parts: analog input and digital output. The input to a computer is typically through the keyboard, mouse, monitor, input devices and speakers. The output of the computer is typically in the form of a computer display, speakers or headphones. The word processing software and spreadsheet application run on the main processor.

Computers store data in memory. Memory can be built into the computer system or it can be purchased from a vendor. A computer system architecture describes the basic layout of a personal computer and how all of the hardware and software components are interconnected. The central processing unit or CPU, which is the brains of the computer system, is located inside the body of the machine. Central processing units come in many varieties with different processors, chips and memory sizes.

Computers and their hardware components communicate with one another through devices such as scanners, printers, keyboards, mice, USBs, microcontrollers, networking devices and cameras. Modern devices used to connect computers include wireless cards, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USBs, data cards, Internet devices and others. Most modern devices use a standard network that allows one device to send data to another. External devices are called adapters that make the computers that they attach to the network smarter, allowing them to use existing networks.

Mobile phones, handheld PDA’s and other devices have become mainstays of daily life. People rely on their mobile devices for staying in touch, locating places, receiving and sending messages, and surfing the Web. As a result, today’s phones, mobile phones and other devices carry their own set of hardware and software. Hardware capabilities vary depending on the device and the manufacturer. The software components of modern computers and laptops are almost always the same as those found in laptops.