The Computer

A computer is a digital electronic machine that can be programmed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations automatically.

Computer Components

A?computer?is an electronic device used for storing and processing data based on a set of instructions. They can execute applications that allow users to perform many tasks.

These are the four main components of a personal computer:

1. The?CPU, also known as the?processor, processes the set of instructions stored in the?main memory. It will perform most basic arithmetic, logic, and I/O operations.
2. The main memory provides temporary storage for data and programs. The CPU has access to it when it needs to perform the tasks.
3. I/O devices?allow users to communicate with the system by sending data to the system and receiving data from the system.
4. The?buses?interconnect all components above mentioned (CPU, main memory, and I/O devices). There are two main types of buses: system bus and I/O bus. Both of them transfer?bytes?between components inside a computer.

Vocabulary

Computer

A computer is an electronic device that can execute a set of well-defined instructions (machine language) and perform arithmetic and logical operations. It stores, retrieves, and process data. There are several types of computers such as main frames, personal computers and minicomputers.

CPU (central processing unit)

A CPU is a hardware unit or electronic circuitry within a computer which is responsible for fetching, decoding, and executing program instructions.

Processor

A processor is generally understood to mean the CPU (central processing unit) and it is the part of a computer which operations are controlled and executed. It processes the system inputs and generates appropriate outputs.

Main Memory

Main memory is also known as RAM (random access memory). It is hardware within a computer that temporarily stores dynamic data. It is volatile which means that it loses the data once the power is turned off.

I/O Device (input output device)

An I/O devices is hardware used to receive information (input) or to send information (output). For example, a mouse is an input device and a monitor is an output device.

Bus

A bus is a set of physical connections for data transfer between two or more components inside a computer. For example, a bus transfers data between the CPU and the system memory via the motherboard.

Byte

A byte consists of eight bits and is the digital information unit used by computers to represent numbers, letters, and symbols following a character encoding standard.

Bit

A bit is short for “binary digit”. It is the smallest unit of information that is held in a computer’s memory. A bit can only store a 0 or 1.

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