How a computer works 19/11/08
Hiyas!! I going to tell you how a computer works because I'm doing it for homework!
The computers we use today are called EMBEDDED COMPUTERS. Embedded computers are small, simple divices that are used to control other devices. For instance, they can be found in thiongs such as fighter planes, digital cameras and even childeren's toys.
The general computer has four main sections. Memory, arithmitic and logic unit (ALU), Control unit and the input and output devices. Computers have been typically constructed on a single intergrated circuit called a MICROCHIP.
THE MEMORY:
The memory can be viewed as a list of cells into which numbers can be placed or read. Each cell has an "ADDRESS" and can store a single number. For example the computer can be told to put the number 476 into the number 1123 or to add the number in in cell 5813 to the number in cell 2134 and put the answer into cell 5589.
HARD DRIVE
The hard drive is commonly known as the hard disk or fixed disk drive. It is a non-volatile which records data on rotating platters with magnetic surfaces.
COMPUTER HARDWARE
MOTHERBOARD- The motherboard is the "body" of the computer.
COMPUTER FAN: Lowers the temperature the computer. This is attached to the CPU.
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)- Perform most of the calculations that enable the computer to work, sometimes called the "backbone" or "brain" of the computer.
RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (RAM)- Also known as the pysical memory of the computer. Fast access memory that is cleared when the computer is powered down.
STORAGE CONTROLLERS: Controllers for hard disk, CD ROM and other devices conventionally for a computer are IDE (intergrated drive electronics) or ATA (advanced technology attachment). The controllers sit directly on the motherboard or on expansion card.
REMOVABLE MEDIA DEVICES:
CD (Compact disc)- The most common type of removable media. It is inxpensive but has a short life span.
CD-ROM Drive- A device used for reading data from a CD.
CD Writer- A device used for reading and writing data to and frpm a DVD.
DVD (digital versatile disc)- A popular type of removable media that can store six times more information than a CD.
Blu-ray- A high density optical disc format for the storage of digital information such as high-definition video.
BD-ROM Drive- A device used for reading data from a blu-ray disc.
I hope that you learned something from this!
Bye bye!!
