The main Component of a computer
Computer system include a processor and memory. Computer system are made up of many devices. Some devices such as keyboard and scanner are uses to input data to the computer.
Peripheral device such as these provide data for the processor or central processing unit (CPU) to work with and communicate the results of the processing.Without a processor there will be no computer system, the data you enter would have no meaning and have nothing done with it- no processing would have taken place.
Motherboard
A motherboard is the main circuit board found in a computer. It hold the electronic components of the system, such as the processor (CPU) and the main memory. Also
it provides connectors for other peripheral such as video and sound cards, and USB device such as a mouse. The non-volatile memory that holds the system BIOS will also be directly attached to the motherboard.
Processor -Central processing units (CPU)
The processor is at the centre of the system, between the input and output devices and is known as the Central Processing Unit(CPU).
The processor:
- Execute commands from the computer’s hardware and software
- is a single integrated circuit, also found in many device that involve control and monitoring engine management system in a car.
Microprocessor
The processor of a device is designed for a general purpose and is able to run any sort of program. A microprocessor is a special form of CPU, it’s use in computerised devices. It’s very important to remember that when they are
used in a small computerised devices, they are design to carry out any specific task that they are program to.
There are many devices in the home that are controlled or power by a microprocessor. They are program and built to only a specific task for example refrigeration, microwave oven or DVD player.
Main memory
The main memory of the computer stored all data and instruction that enable the computer to function:
- internal memory
- central memory
- primary memory
There are two types of central memory
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Ram is an internal memory chip where data is stored temporarily when
applications are running. If your program is large such as Word and Photoshop you might notice that i take a while to load. This is because it is being taken from the hard drive into RAM. Ram can be both read and written to.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
ROM is stores data and instructions that need to be permanent. Permanent memory is used to store the processes that the computer need to be switch on. ROM retain its content when the power is switched off.
An important use of Rom is to store the software that allows a mac
hine to start up successfully. This software is known as BIOS, or Basic input and Output system and it loads and run the boot file.
Secondary or backing storage devices
Storage devices are used to store programs and data when the computer is switched off.It is important that you do not confuse memory with backing storage s outside the computer and can be moved from one computer to another it is a peripheral.
Storage device are sometime called:
- backing/backup storage or backing/backup store
- secondary storage
- external storage
Input and Output devices
- Input device are those that are used to put information into the computer
- Output devices are those that take information from the computer for other uses.
IGCSE ICT 