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Computer: Modern Computers Defined

This document discusses the basic components and classification of computers. It defines a computer as a programmable machine that responds to instructions in a predefined manner to execute programs. Computers are electronic and digital, with hardware comprising the physical components and software comprising instructions and data. The basic hardware components are memory, mass storage, input devices, output devices, and a central processing unit. Computers are classified by size and power as personal computers for individual use, workstations for more powerful single use, minicomputers for small groups, mainframes for large groups, and supercomputers for extremely fast processing.

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Ailyn Decena
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211 views

Computer: Modern Computers Defined

This document discusses the basic components and classification of computers. It defines a computer as a programmable machine that responds to instructions in a predefined manner to execute programs. Computers are electronic and digital, with hardware comprising the physical components and software comprising instructions and data. The basic hardware components are memory, mass storage, input devices, output devices, and a central processing unit. Computers are classified by size and power as personal computers for individual use, workstations for more powerful single use, minicomputers for small groups, mainframes for large groups, and supercomputers for extremely fast processing.

Uploaded by

Ailyn Decena
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer

A computer is a programmable machine. The two principal characteristics of a computer are: It responds to a specific
set of instructions in a well-defined manner and it can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program).

Modern Computers Defined


Modern computers are electronic and digital. The actual machinery — wires, transistors, and circuits — is
called hardware; the instructions and data are called software.

All general-purpose computers require the following hardware components:

 Memory: enables a computer to store, at least temporarily, data and programs.

 Mass storage device: allows a computer to permanently retain large amounts of data. Common mass

storage devices include solid state drives (SSDs) or disk drives and tape drives.


 Input device: usually a keyboard and mouse, the input device is the conduit through which data and

instructions enter a computer.


 Output device: a display screen, printer, or other device that lets you see what the computer has

accomplished.
 Central processing unit (CPU): the heart of the computer, this is the component that actually executes

instructions.
In addition to these components, many others make it possible for the basic components to work together efficiently.
For example, every computer requires a bus that transmits data from one part of the computer to another.

Computer Classification: By Size and Power

Most people associate a personal computer (PC) with the phrase computer.  A PC is a small and relatively
inexpensive computer designed for an individual use. PCs are based on the microprocessor technology that enables
manufacturers to put an entire CPU on one chip.
Personal computers at home can be used for a number of different applications including games, word processing,
accounting and other tasks.
Computers are generally classified by size and power as follows, although there is considerable overlap. The
differences between computer classifications generally get smaller as technology advances, creating smaller and
more powerful and cost-friendly components.

 Personal computer: a small, single-user computer based on a microprocessor. In addition to the microprocessor,

a personal computer has a keyboard for entering data, a monitor for displaying information, and a storage device for

saving data.

 Workstation: a powerful, single-user computer. A workstation is like a personal computer, but it has a more

powerful microprocessor and a higher-quality monitor.

 Minicomputer: a multi-user computer capable of supporting from 10 to hundreds of users simultaneously.

 Mainframe: a powerful multi-user computer capable of supporting many hundreds or thousands of users

simultaneously.

 Supercomputer: an extremely fast computer that can perform hundreds of millions of instructions per second.

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