Computer Systems
By Alesha Majid
What is a computer?
A computer can input and receive data, process data , store data digitally and finally output data. It has storage , input , a processor and output. First it inputs the information like taking a picture from a camera, then it processes it like getting ready to show it and then finally it outputs it like showing/presenting the picture to you. These are the most important three stages:
INPUT
Taking a picture
PROCESS
Getting ready to show the picture
OUTPUT
Showing the picture
The Base Unit
The base unit contains many different parts that the computer needs to work/operate. The most important ones are:
Motherboard
This is the motherboard. It is the main circuit board which is found/stored in computers. It contains the processor and other components. It is like your central nervous system.
CPU
This is the central processing unit. It is where the computer carries out all of its tasks to do. It is like your brain. It carries out everything it processes.
Power Supply Unit
This is the power supply unit. It supplies power to the computer system for it to operate/work. Without this,your computer wouldn't operate/work.
Storage.
Storage media are used to keep data when a computer is switched off. Data is read from or written to a storage medium by a drive. These are the most popular ones:
Hard disk drive
A hard disk drive is used for storage. This is also where the programmes on your computer is kept. It can hold a lot of data and are usually fixed inside a computer.
USB stick
This is a USB stick also known as a flash memory. It is used for storage and is very small but can hold a lot of data. It can also move data from one computer to another.
Optical drive
An optical drive is used for storage. The two types of optical disks are CD's and DVD's. CD's are useful for storing lots of photographs or music on. DVD's can hold over six times more data than a CD and are useful for storing films on.
RAM
RAM means Random Access Memory. RAM is a form of computer data storage. A Random Access Memory device allows data items to be accessed by nearly anyone or anything.