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A computer is a programmable device that performs calculations and processes data, primarily in digital form. It consists of a central processing unit (CPU), peripheral devices for input and output, and software for functionality. Computer systems can vary in size and power, with performance influenced by internal storage, clock speed, and memory capacity.

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4 views1 page

Task 1

A computer is a programmable device that performs calculations and processes data, primarily in digital form. It consists of a central processing unit (CPU), peripheral devices for input and output, and software for functionality. Computer systems can vary in size and power, with performance influenced by internal storage, clock speed, and memory capacity.

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verginengosong
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© © All Rights Reserved
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computers and computer systems

A computer is a programmable device that can automatically perform a sequence of calculations or other
operations on data once programmed for the task. It can store, retrieve, and process data according to internal
instructions. A computer may be either digital, analog, or hybrid, although most in operation today are digital.
Digital computers express variables as numbers, usually in the binary system. They are used for general
purposes, whereas analog computers are built for specific tasks, typically scientific or technical. The term
"computer" is usually synonymous with digital computer, and computers for business are exclusively digital.

elements of the computer system


The core, computing part of a computer is its central processing unit (CPU), or processor. It comprises an
arithmetic-logic unit to carry out calculations, main memory to temporarily store data for processing, and a
control unit to control the transfer of data between memory, input and output sources, and the arithmetic-logic
unit. A computer is not fully functional without various peripheral devices, however. These are typically
connected to a computer through cables, although some may be built into the same unit with the CPU. These
include devices for the input of data, such as keyboards, mice, trackballs, scanners, light pens, modems,
magnetic strip card readers, and microphones, as well as items for the output of data, such as monitors, printers,
plotters, loudspeakers, earphones, and modems. In addition to these input/output devices, other types of
peripherals include computer data storage devices for auxiliary memory storage, where data is saved even when
the computer is turned off. These devices most often are magnetic tape drives, magnetic disk drives, or optical
disk drives.

Finally, for a digital computer to function automatically, it requires programs, or sets of instructions written in
computer-readable code. To be distinguished from the physical or hardware components of a computer,
programs are collectively referred to as software.

A computer system, therefore, is a computer combined with peripheral equipment and software so that it can
perform desired functions. Often the terms "computer" and "computer system" are used interchangeably,
especially when peripheral devices are built into the same unit as the computer or when a system is sold and
installed as a package. The term "computer system," however, may also refer to a configuration of hardware and
software designed for a specific purpose, such as a manufacturing control system, a library automation system,
or an accounting system. Or it may refer to a network of multiple computers linked together so that they can
share software, data, and peripheral equipment.

Computers tend to be categorized by size and power, although advancements in computers' processing power
have blurred the distinctions between traditional categories. Power and speed are influenced by the size of a
computer's internal storage units, called words, which determine the amount of data it can process at once and is
measured in bits (binary digits). Computer speed is also determined by its clock speed, which is measured in
megahertz. Additionally, the amount of main memory a computer has, which is measured in bytes (or more
precisely, kilobytes, megabytes, or gigabytes) of RAM (random access memory), plays a role in determining
how much data it can process. The amount of memory that auxiliary storage devices can hold also determines
the capabilities of a computer system.

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