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A programmable machine

A computer is a programmable machine characterized by its ability to respond to instructions and execute programs. Essential hardware components include memory, mass storage devices, input and output devices, and the central processing unit (CPU). Computers are categorized by size and power into personal computers, workstations, minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers.

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13 views

A programmable machine

A computer is a programmable machine characterized by its ability to respond to instructions and execute programs. Essential hardware components include memory, mass storage devices, input and output devices, and the central processing unit (CPU). Computers are categorized by size and power into personal computers, workstations, minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers.

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PCC, IT Director
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The Basic Components of a Computer and Categories of Computers

A programmable machine. The two principal characteristics of a computer are:


It responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner.
It can execute a prerecorded list of instructions (a program).

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 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.

Computers can be generally classified by size and power as follows, though there is considerable
overlap:

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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