Computer hardware

2 Computer Hardware

Types of Hardware

Computer	A device for processing information quickly and easily, and comes in many shapes and sizes
Computer Types	Mainframe A large computer, usually the centre of a system. Intelligent peripherals can then be attached to this.
Computer Types	Personal computer (PC) A general purpose machine that enables the user to perform a number of tasks including using word processing, spreadsheets, databases, e-mail, internet access

• Desktop computers used in a permanent position usually have a:

Tower that holds the computer

A monitor

A separate keyboard

A mouse

• Laptop small computer usually contains everything in one box:

Computer, monitor and touch screen

• Personal Digital Assistant (e.g. a ‘Blackberry’) A small, handheld, wireless computer which performs all the tasks of a personal computer

Main PartsCentral Processing Unit (CPU)
The microprocessor that controls the working of the computer in the three main areas of:

• The memory

Area used to hold data

• The arithmetic logic

Performs mathematical calculations, including logic functions

• Control unit

Fetches information

Stores the information

Interprets the information

Hard disk
Permanent store for:

• Programs

• Files

• Documents, etc.

Operating system
Integral software

• Allows the operator to communicate with the computer

Power supply
Electricity is supplied via a step-down transformerTypes of MemoryRandom Access Memory (RAM)
Temporarily stores the information the computer is working with

• Where a program is loaded when it is being used

• The higher the RAM the faster the computer will work

Read Only Memory (ROM)

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