All About Computers

Posted: Sep 20, 2009 |Comments: 0 | Views: 108 |

Computers are now the latest form of communication in the 21st century. It is the most widely-used and reliable gadget nowadays.

A computer is a fast, electronic, and computational device, which operates under the control of instructions that can store, send, and interpret data. The first ones produced somehow resemble the modern day computers and were introduced in the middle of the 20th century particularly in the 1940s.

The concept of various machines is slightly similar to the computers that existed much earlier than the said date. The early model of electronic computers was about the size of a very large room that consumes enough power to about 700 modern personal computers.

On the other hand, our computers are now based on integrated circuits. These are a million times more capable while only occupying a small space. Nowadays, computers may be built small enough to fit inside the timepiece. The battery is enough to make it work. Personal computers are also called "icons of the Information Era" and sometimes mistaken to be a computer although the most common computer today is what we call "the embedded computer."

As the word "embedded" implies, this type of computer is a simple and very small device used in order to control devices. Furthermore, embedded computers are found in machines such as fighter aircrafts, digital cameras, industrial robots, as well as children's toys.

Computers are versatile for they have the ability to execute as well as store instructions, which are called programs. It is said that any computer is probably capable in performing the tasks that any other type of computer can do. So it means that any type whether it is a personal or a super computer, are able to do the same computational tasks that are presented or given to them given that they have enough storage capacity.

How Does a Computer Work?

In general, ithas four sections namely the control unit, the ALU or arithmetic and logic unit, and the I/O or the input and output devices. Groups of wires called "busses" interconnect all the parts.

The ALU, control unit as well as the basic input and output devices along with other hardware that are closely linked with the said devices are known as the CPU or the central processing unit. The early versions of CPU were made of various separate components but ever since the 1970s, the CPUs are typically constructed on a sole integrated circuit known as a microprocessor.

The Control Unit is also called a central controller and control system that directs other computer components. Its main process is to decode or interpret one by one the set of instructions in a program. It decodes each set of instruction and turns them into a sequence of controlled signals that functions the computer parts. The control systems of advanced computers may probably change some of the order of the instructions in order to improve its performance.

A main component of all CPUs is the special memory cell or a register called the "program counter". The so-called program counter keeps track of the location of the memory wherein the next set of instructions is read.

The control system has various functions. One of which is to read the code of the next set of instructions from the indicated cell of the program counter. Another function is that it decodes the numerical codes of the instructions into a series of signals or commands for each system.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/all-about-computers-1251868.html

    Article Tags:

    embedded computer

    ,

    control unit

    ,

    control system

    ,

    what is a computer

    ,

    all about computers

    Computer contains various components such as Video, Sound Card, Processor, Motherboard and many types of other hardware and software. CPU (central Processing Unit) is the brain of computer and sometime it is simply referred as central processor or processor. It is the CPU where most of the calculation and arithmetic operation takes place. It requires more than one circuit board and housed in a single chip called microprocessor. Currently the kind of CPU, which are coming into the market are smal

    By: SUSHEEL CHANDRAl Technology> Electronicsl Feb 26, 2011

    A computer programming and programmable machine designed to automatically be carry out a sequence of arithmetic and logical operations.

    By: studyabroadunivl Education> Online Educationl Feb 17, 2012

    The increasing availability of affordable microcontrollers with analog-to-digital front ends continues to change how embedded systems are being designed. Often termed ‘mixed-signal microcontrollers', these devices consolidate both control and digital signal processing functionality onto a single device. Such programmable "system on chip" technology not only simplifies application architectures,it accelerates development by eliminating the need to communicate between chips.

    By: Kendall Castor Perryl Technology> Electronicsl Aug 06, 2010
    gamerpc9

    Computer in mathematical language that is machine-made device designed to be carried out with the logical or mathematical operators. This may change as the series together. As a result, the computer can solve many problems.

    By: gamerpc9l Computers> Information Technologyl Mar 25, 2012

    Physical parts of computer come under the category of computer hardware. It can be changed once in a while in comparison with computer software. Normal users don't see most computer hardware because it is enclosed as embedded systems. The term computer hardware is generally used for personal computers.

    By: Frankie Zimmermanl Computersl May 18, 2010

    An in depth look at the new MMORPG from Blizzard Entertainment known as Diablo III, a long awaited release for Diablo fans.

    By: swtorman90l Computersl Jun 01, 2012

    Most small businesses take advantage of computer technology, and it certainly can make things a lot easier for everyone within the business when you do so properly. Unfortunately, there are also a number of different problems that can occur as a result of the technology that you are using.

    By: Jesus Mattsonl Computersl May 31, 2012

    Small business financial software plays a vital role in the operations of an organization especially the small enterprises. This is where you get the opportunity to keep the record of all the financial activities that are occurring in your organization.

    By: Chris Alexanderl Computersl May 29, 2012

    Wireless is one of the best ways in order to get internet to a laptop or a computer, but if you want to sell wireless items in the US or Canada, you need to be sure you pass the wireless testing and you get the FCC certification to prove it.

    By: Jack Bandyl Computersl May 29, 2012

    Find out all you didn't know about toner cartridges. Every year Canadians throw out 35 million printer cartridges with a 12 percent annual increase.

    By: Alex Harperl Computersl May 29, 2012

    A greenhouse is one of the best alternatives and the most efficient ways of meeting the gardening requirements of the people.These houses are known for maintaining the temperature under of the structure under control and taking the concept of gardening to next level.The success and the quality of the crops...

    By: David H. Urmannl Home Improvement> Gardeningl Jul 25, 2011

    Pachmarhi is one of the most sought after tourist destinations of Madhya Pradesh.This beautiful and pulsating location is situated at the altitude of around 3,555 feet and is surrounded by the most fascinating sceneries of Satpura Hills.This inviting and exotic place of Pachmarhi invites the tourists from all over the...

    By: David H. Urmannl Travell Jul 25, 2011

    Chandoli National Park is one of the most popular national parks of Maharashtra.This exciting park is situated on the western region of Maharashtra State.This has become the major stop for wildlife enthusiasts.This may be due to the reason that it offers some of the most sprawling vegetation within the national...

    By: David H. Urmannl Travell Jul 24, 2011

    Mindanao Island is one of the most spectacular and exotic islands of Philippines.It is the second largest island that is situated on the southern part of the nation.During the stay at Mindanao one would feel different things as compare to rest of the country. This is one of the most interesting...

    By: David H. Urmannl Travell Jul 24, 2011

    Going for greenhouses are one of the best and quite fortunate things for the people who love to spend their time in the garden.This is one of the most effective means of producing plants which are quite sensitive and does not withstand the harsh environment.A range of greenhouse types are...

    By: David H. Urmannl Home Improvement> Gardeningl Jul 24, 2011

    Discuss this Article

    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast