How Computers Work
By Sophia Hussain
Computer Systems
Computer systems have a CPU ( Central Processing Unit ) at their core. This performs all the calculations, operations and tasks that need to be done while someone uses the computer.
The speed of the CPU is normally measured in gigahertz. Companies that make CPU's include Intel and AM. In general, the higher the speed the faster the computer system will run.
Another measure that affects computer performance is the amount of RAM (Random Access Memory). This stores data that is currently in use - the more memory you have the more data and programs you can have open at any one time.
A modern desktop PC will probably have about 1-8 Gigabytes of RAM. Memory that looses its data when the power is removed is known as volatile memory.
The Hard-drive
For permanent storage of data, most computers still have a hard disk drive or HDD. these work by magnetically storing binary code onto a metal disc. A mordern computer will probably have a hard disc drive that can store between 500MB to 1TB of data.