How Do Computers Work?
A computer is a device that can receive inputs, calculate actions, perform tasks, and provide outputs based on the actions it took. Computers can process an amazing amount of information and can be used to perform a wide variety of functions, which is why they are now used in virtually every system in the world. Computers range from home uses such as finances, gaming, and word processing to industrial uses such as traffic control, navigation, and communication.
Input Devices
Computers have a wide variety of input devices that are responsible for a number of functions. A mouse, for example, is used to control the on-screen cursor that selects and drags items, and allows the user to navigate webpages, files, and folders. A keyboard allows the user to input text into the computer and serves as the user’s main source of communication across the Internet and on the computer itself. A camera can be attached to the computer via a USB port in order to input visual objects and allow computer users to see each other and take pictures. Likewise, a microphone can be attached to the computer in order to allow the user to record sound and communicate with other users.
Output Devices
Though computers have a relatively large number of input devices, they have few output devices. A computer’s main output device is the monitor. The monitor is responsible for displaying text, video, and on-screen objects such as the cursor, files, folders, control buttons, and windows. Another output device is the speaker. It allows the user to hear audio from a number of applications including the operating system, media player, or browser. Users can also connect a printer to a computer in order to print text.
A computer’s motherboard is responsible for all computations, calculations, and processes within the computer. The motherboard receives signals from all of the computer’s input devices and calculates what it should do based on the user’s decisions. It then completes a task and uses the computer’s output devices to show the user what it has done. The motherboard is always built inside of the computer and is protected by a hard casing. If the user removes the computer’s side panel, however, the motherboard is easily identified as a green and brown piece of metal.
Storage
Computers store information in a number of ways and on several different types of hardware. The computer’s main storage device is the internal hard drive. Internal hard drives are built inside of the computer and can only be physically accessed by opening the side panel of the computer’s casing. Internal hard drives hold a relatively large amount of information (between 30 GB and 120 GB) and can last for several years without needing to be replaced. An external hard drive is also a form of storage. It connects to the computer via a USB port. External hard drives often hold between 300 GB and 4 TB, are portable, and less durable. Users can also take advantage of USB flash drives that plug into a USB port and allow the user to store information in a portable, pocket-sized device. Yet another option is to burn information onto a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disk via a disk burner.
Memory
Memory in a computer is responsible for storing temporary information, performing tasks, and opening applications. Memory is controlled by the computer’s CPU (Central Processing Unit) and is measured in RAM (Random Access Memory), although other forms of memory, such as ROM (Read-only Memory) are also used.
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