Parts of a Dell Inspiron AMD A8-Series Desktop
A computer is a digital device consisting of a Central Processing Unit or a console that is connected to various input and output devices like a mouse, display screen, printer, sound speakers and others (Britannica, 2018). A computer processes information according to instruction fed into it by the user and applies guidelines stored in its memory to produce data that is useful to the user through the display screen. It also saves the data for future reference. Information is fed into the computer as crude and less essential figures, words and other variables that are then analyzed and delivered as valuable data. Software stored in the computer memory achieves processing and analysis of information.
The hardware components that make a computer are grouped into input devices, output devices, information devices and the computer framework. Input devices allow the user to feed information into the computer. The most common input devices in modern computers are the keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanners and webcams. Laptop devices, however, have a modified touchpad in place of a mouse. Output devices on the other hand display information in a readable or decipherable form for the user. They include the display screen, printers and speakers.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Information devices include the Central Processing Unit (CPU), motherboard and storage devices. The motherboard connects the crucial components of the computer like the CPU, Storage devices and the video card. The CPU plays the vital role of processing all the information that is fed into the computer. The computer memory comprises of Read Only Memory (ROM) and Random Access Memory (RAM). The RAM stores all information that is actively accessed by the CPU in real time. ROM stores computer bios that is needed during booting.
Storage devices are the hard drive, CD and DVD drives. These devices store retrievable data on the computer. The data may be stored either permanently or temporarily according to the user’s needs. The computer framework is a metallic or plastic casing and internal supports that house the components of the computer. The work of the frame is to hold the devices in place and some model to dissipate heat to the environment.
Computer software are instructions stored the hardware components or memory of the computer that direct the processor on analysis and execution of tasks. Computer software is divided into two expansive groupings, application software and system software. Application software executes computer operations that are beyond the computer’s primary process. These process and tasks are usually user-oriented and are meant to improve the user's experience. Mainly this software is imported and installed into the computer or are available online. However, these applications rely on the capacity of the computer to complete the tasks. Common types of application software are word processors, simulation software and spreadsheet software.
Comparatively, system software executes the essential functions of a computer to enable users to run the primary tasks that a computer performs. Additionally, system software lets application software to function on the computer. The system software also runs all the projects of devices connected to the computer like printers, modems and cameras. The most crucial system software of a computer the operating system. The operating system software is the basis on which all the resources of the computer run. It also provides the foundations on which other software are installed. Thus, it provides the link between a computer’s hardware devices and the software. Without the operating system, the functionality of the computer is reduced to almost nil (Computerhope, 3017). Conventional operating systems today are the Windows, Linux, Apple’s macOS and Android (Computerhope, 2017).
The ability of application software to function in a computer to a large extent relies on the hardware components of the computer. Although software developers consider the hardware that their application will be loaded into while developing their software, some crucial components have to be considered by the user (Adams, 2015). The storage capacity of the computer is an essential factor the functionality of the applications. Applications that take up a huge storage capacity may overexploit the storage space, leaving little space for other applications. The computer’s graphics card is another hardware component that should be considered. An inferior graphics card will not support some simulation software and a host of other application software. Memory capability of the computer will also determine the application that may be installed. The RAM determines the operating speed of the computer thus consequently determines the complexities of applications that can be run on the computer.
An operating system utility programs permit the user to execute specific tasks on the computer. They give the user a choice to look for files, delete or modify them. File backups and recovery are also convenient in ensuring the user’s files are safe in ideal unexpected circumstances. Other crucial utility programs are security features like firewalls and antivirus. These two protect the computer from unwarranted access and virus attacks. An excellent OS should also provide utility programs for installing and installing other programs.
In conclusion, the critical functions of the computer are carried out the CPU. A computer’s ability to execute the functions with precision and within minimal time have contributed to the extensive reliance on their functionalities. Furthermore, storage and retrieval of data in computers combined with quick processing of information have transformed almost every area of the economy. Therefore, as faster and more powerful computers continue to be developed, the functions of computers are going to increase.
References
Adams, D. (2015). Choosing computer hardware for appliance development . Patriot-tech.co . Retrieved 6 February 2018, from http://patriot-tech.com/blog/2015/06/12/choosing-computer-hardware-for-appliance-development/.
Britannica. (2018). Personal computer . Retrieved 6 February 2018, from https://www.britannica.com/technology/personal-computer.
Computerhope. (3017). What is OS (Operating System)? Computerhope.com. Retrieved 6 February 2018, from https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/o/os.htm.
