Inside A Computer

Operating System

The operating system is the heart of the computer. it is the large program that starts when the computer is turned on. The OS is necessary to run all application programs, such as Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer.

Examples of OS are Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows 7, Apple Macintosh OSX, and Linux.

There are also operating systems for mobile devices. Symbian, Android, and iOs are such operating systems.

ShowLetter8.gif

Central Processing Unit

The Central Processing Unit is the hardware within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system.

The CPU has three characteristics:
- clock speed is the number of instructions the CPU can execute in an amount of time. This is measured in megahertz or gigahertz.
- instruction set is the collection of operations that the CPU can execute. Some instructions are general, like adding two integers. Other instructions are specific to the type of CPU. For example, software that runs on a PC will not run on a Macintosh without emulation.
- word size is data width. The more data that a CPU can manipulate at a time, the faster the CPU.

Memory and Storage

ram&rom.gif

Random Access Memory is called RAM . This is the memory that the CPU uses when it executes instructions. the CPU reads and writes to RAM very quickly. It is important to note that RAM is volatile, which means that the information goes away when the computer is turned off or re-started. For this reason, RAM is considered short term memory. Also, each program that you run requires some kind of RAM.

Long-term Storage is called the hard disk drive. This is long-term storage and it is files that you create as well as software and its data files. The information stored in the hard disk drive remains even after the computer is turned off. Examples of these kinds of storage are CD-ROM and flash drives.

-Picture by Andrew Cooper
Media
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/23-computer-tour-video.htm
-A video tour of the inside of your computer.

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ram5.htm
-The basics of an operating system.

Links

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20039455-263.html
-This website gives a better understanding on the RAM and Hard drive

http://www.pcauthority.com.au/Category/16,cpus-motherboards-ram.aspx
- News and reviews on the newest computer hardware products.

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ram5.htm
-How to choose RAM for your needs.

Humor

ccccc.jpg

backup-your-computer.jpg
c833cfb8_inside-5224931.jpeg
By:Titus

NO INTERNAL LINKS - RAJESH

Unless otherwise stated, the content of this page is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License