A computer is an electronic machine which is able to execute commands to perform certain sets of logical or arithmetic operations automatically. Modern computers are able to do generalized sets of functions called applications. These applications enable computers to do an almost infinite number of activities. The computer CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the computer is the one responsible for executing the applications and controlling its operational states. In order to store the information and perform the necessary operations, a memory called RAM is used.
Central processing units orCPUs of computer are the brains of the computer systems. The CPU has the ability to divide work into small units called threads. A single core processor has the ability to execute one logical instruction at a time. Single-core processors are more expensive than multi-core processors. Memory of a computer refers to the storage of data. The amount of memory installed in a computer depends on the total RAM of the system and the type of processor used.
The computer hardware also determines the speed and performance of a computer. Basic computer hardware such as RAM, CPU, hard disk, video card, printer, keyboard, monitor, and audio device all play important roles in the operation of a computer. The operating system of a computer also determines its speed. There are two operating systems in use in today’s computers, namely UNIX and Windows. UNIX is the more popular of the two operating systems because of its usability and availability.
In addition to the basic computer hardware, computer software plays an important role in determining the speed and performance of the computer. Various computer software types play different roles in the execution of various programs in a computer. For example, a computer software application may be responsible for detecting computer viruses, which is then used to remove them from the system. A virus is a destructive program that harms the computer by causing it to function in erroneous ways. Anti-virus applications help prevent these viruses from damaging the computer.
Computer hardware, on the other hand, consists of various components that perform various tasks. A computer CPU is responsible for executing instructions embedded in software programs in the computer. A CPU performs multiple tasks and has to be fast in order to do so. Memory, on the other hand, stores data for the CPU to read at runtime, and is generally considered the most important part of a computer. Hard disk space is used for temporary storage of data; optical drives store data for short periods of time; and a random access memory (RAM) is used to access stored data permanently, without waiting for the CPU to write the data to the chip.
Another vital component of a computer is its operating system, which keeps control of all the computer hardware and maintains communication with the user. The operating system must be efficient enough to maximize the computer’s performance. Upgrading or replacing parts of computer hardware can greatly improve a computer’s performance.
