Computers existed as early as 1200 with the name “a computer” generally referring to any mechanical device that can do work. Its job varied as its use was diversified in different fields. The earlier computers had distinct differences to our today computers especially when limiting it to microframe computers. Our desktops and laptops fall under the microcomputer category. This distinctiveness can be seen in the;
SIZES: modern computers are so portable making it accessible to individuals rather than companies and large firms as seen in those days.
SPEED: early computers could take a day to boot; this is not found in our present day computers.
SCOPE: the computer is unlimited in its functions, as you can REMEMBER so can you RENDER.
Our today mainframe is composed of constituent’s part and functions which every computer owner, computer user, and even those aspiring to work with a computer have to master. Everyone that conveys knowledge has his basis and my solid basis is
THE EVICTION OF FEAR. Fear is the most restrictive character of most individuals that avoid the computer or even loose interest when the word “computer” is heard. Some people even extend this fear to the use of simple electrical devices as the mobile phone, television, kitchen appliances and this is uncalled for.
Our main subject of discussion centers on our pc (Personal Computer). It can be a desktop, laptop or a palmtop. Each standard Pc has is made up of,
Software
Hardware
These two terms get some people confused. The hardware is the solid, structural, visible and material part of the computer. All visible devices seen in a computer setup ranging from the Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor or Visual Display Unit (VDU), Central Processing Unit (CPU), Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), Printer and Scanner. The first four listed are compulsory for the setup of a pc with the rest been optional based on your demand. A laptop has all these listed parts integrated in one body, this makes it very portable. Below will be a brief function of the aforementioned parts.
Keyboard: this is a simple cheap device for entering data into the computer. This data can be letters, numbers and symbols. (input)
Mouse: this is just a navigational device with a cursor or pointer. We use it to perform clicks on the computer. Clicking is selecting an item or function on a computer. (input)
Monitor or Visual Display Unit (VDU): this just a device with a screen for looking at the processes as we work with a computer. The VDU also presents information in a visual style (softcopy). It is softcopy because, we can only see but cant touch.
Central Processing Unit (CPU): this is the brain of the computer. It is like a box in desktops and embedded beneath the keyboard in laptops. The CPU does the function of calculating and producing result. All other parts of the computer is by wire or wirelessly connected to the CPU and if I may say, NO PART OF THE COMPUTER CAN WORK ALONE WITHOUT THE CPU. (processing function)
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): this device serve as temporal power supply to the computer when there is a blackout in electricity. It is a small but weighty device. This appliance is only needed by computer users in countries where we have unstable power supply.
Printer: the printer can be likened to the monitor except that the information produced is in hard copy (paper form that you can see and touch). (output)
Scanner: this device is used to get hardcopy materials into the computer as softcopies. This materials can be pictures, documents etc and its function in the computer can be for storage or transfer purpose. (input)
All the above listed hardware devices were divided into the
Input
Processing
Output
When DATA is feed into the computer through input devices, it is PROCESSED by the CPU and given out as INFORMATION in OUTPUT form.
SOFTWARES are just the invisible aspect of the computer. This can be process that lead to the reason for the behavior of the computer. We have the
System Software
Application Software
System Software consists of an environment on which computer programs can be run. Without this environment, the computer application software cannot work. Examples of a system software is the
Windows 95, 98, me, 2000, xp, vista and 7,
Linux,
Mac by apple. Windows associated programs and applications are the most popular.
The application software simply mean to our general installable application according to our basic computer needs and functions. Applications software are numerous out there. Examples of application software include
Microsoft Office for typing and presentation, Corel draw, Antivirus, Forex robots, Utilities and many more.
Hope you enjoyed this.