Sunday, February 21, 2010
Computer Networks
Computer Network or simply Network is a collection of computers and devices connected by communications channels that facilitates communications among users and allows users to share resources with other users. Networks may be classified according to a wide variety of characteristics. This article provides a general overview of types and categories and also presents the basic components of a network.
Computer Softwear
Computer software, or just software is a general term primarily used for digitally stored data such as computer programs and other kinds of information read and written by computers. Today, this includes data that has not traditionally been associated with computers, such as film, tapes and records.[1] The term was coined in order to contrast to the old term hardware (meaning physical devices); in contrast to hardware, software is intangible, meaning it "cannot be touched".[2] Software is also sometimes used in a more narrow sense, meaning application software only.
Examples:
Application software, such as word processors which perform productive tasks for users.
Firmware, which is software programmed resident to electrically programmable memory devices on board mainboards or other types of integrated hardware carriers.
Middleware, which controls and co-ordinates distributed systems.
System software such as operating systems, which govern computing resources and provide convenience for users.
Examples:
Application software, such as word processors which perform productive tasks for users.
Firmware, which is software programmed resident to electrically programmable memory devices on board mainboards or other types of integrated hardware carriers.
Middleware, which controls and co-ordinates distributed systems.
System software such as operating systems, which govern computing resources and provide convenience for users.
Computer Hardwear
A personal computer is made up of multiple physical components of computer hardware, upon which can be installed an operating system and a multitude of software to perform the operator's desired functions.
Hardware of a modern Personal Computer.1. Monitor2. Motherboard3. CPU4. RAM Memory5. Expansion card6. Power supply7. Optical disc drive8. Hard Disk9. Keyboard10. Mouse
Inside a custom computer.
Though a PC comes in many different forms, a typical personal computer consists of a case or chassis in a tower shape (desktop) and the following parts:
The motherboard is the main component inside the case. It is a large rectangular board with integrated circuitry that connects the rest of the parts of the computer including the CPU, the RAM, the disk drives (CD, DVD, hard disk, or any others) as well as any peripherals connected via the ports or the expansion slots. Computer Hardware course is very important for the future because they are now essential in business.
Components directly attached to the motherboard include:
The central processing unit (CPU) performs most of the calculations which enable a computer to function, and is sometimes referred to as the "brain" of the computer. It is usually cooled by a heat sink and fan.
The chip set mediates communication between the CPU and the other components of the system, including main memory.
RAM Stores all running processes (applications) and the current running OS. RAM Stands for Random Access Memory
The BIOS includes boot firmware and power management. The Basic Input Output System tasks are handled by operating system drivers.
Internal Buses connect the CPU to various internal components and to expansion cards for graphics and sound.
Current
The north bridge memory controller, for RAM and PCI Express
PCI Express, for expansion cards such as graphics and physics processors, and high-end network interfaces
PCI, for other expansion cards
SATA, for disk drives
Obsolete
ATA (superseded by SATA)
AGP (superseded by PCI Express)
VLB VESA Local Bus (superseded by AGP)
ISA (expansion card slot format obsolete in PCs, but still used in industrial computers)
External Bus Controllers support ports for external peripherals. These ports may be controlled directly by the south bridge I/O controller or based on expansion cards attached to the motherboard through the PCI bus.
USB
FireWire
eSATA
SCSI
Hardware of a modern Personal Computer.1. Monitor2. Motherboard3. CPU4. RAM Memory5. Expansion card6. Power supply7. Optical disc drive8. Hard Disk9. Keyboard10. Mouse
Inside a custom computer.
Though a PC comes in many different forms, a typical personal computer consists of a case or chassis in a tower shape (desktop) and the following parts:
The motherboard is the main component inside the case. It is a large rectangular board with integrated circuitry that connects the rest of the parts of the computer including the CPU, the RAM, the disk drives (CD, DVD, hard disk, or any others) as well as any peripherals connected via the ports or the expansion slots. Computer Hardware course is very important for the future because they are now essential in business.
Components directly attached to the motherboard include:
The central processing unit (CPU) performs most of the calculations which enable a computer to function, and is sometimes referred to as the "brain" of the computer. It is usually cooled by a heat sink and fan.
The chip set mediates communication between the CPU and the other components of the system, including main memory.
RAM Stores all running processes (applications) and the current running OS. RAM Stands for Random Access Memory
The BIOS includes boot firmware and power management. The Basic Input Output System tasks are handled by operating system drivers.
Internal Buses connect the CPU to various internal components and to expansion cards for graphics and sound.
Current
The north bridge memory controller, for RAM and PCI Express
PCI Express, for expansion cards such as graphics and physics processors, and high-end network interfaces
PCI, for other expansion cards
SATA, for disk drives
Obsolete
ATA (superseded by SATA)
AGP (superseded by PCI Express)
VLB VESA Local Bus (superseded by AGP)
ISA (expansion card slot format obsolete in PCs, but still used in industrial computers)
External Bus Controllers support ports for external peripherals. These ports may be controlled directly by the south bridge I/O controller or based on expansion cards attached to the motherboard through the PCI bus.
USB
FireWire
eSATA
SCSI
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Different kinds of Computers
PC: Abbreviation for "Personal Computer," 93% of the computer population uses PCs. PCs for personal use come in almost any shape and design, they usually run Microsoft Windows (for example, Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7), are exceptionally fast, and are compatible with almost all available computer applications. Most large-scale businesses, corporations, schools, and home users operate PCs due to their customizable features, performance, and generally low price. Leading PC manufacturers include Dell, HP, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, and many others. === It should be mentioned that when people refer to a PC in general conversation, they are (almost always) referring to a Microsoft Windows compatible personal computer. These computers are not limited to running the Windows family of operating systems, but their architecture is compatible with the requirements of claiming compatibility. Historically, these would have been explained as "IBM PC" or "IBM Clone" computers. PC's in general can function as servers or workstations, depending on their implementation. These may be graded, or configured as: Personal use - Most commonly thought of as a "PC" Business Class Workstation - the "PC" qualification starts getting a little grey here. Business Class Server - no longer considered a "PC"
Laptop: A compact, battery powered version of a PC. Also called a "Notebook." Macs: Even though the Mac (short for "Mackintosh") is a form of personal computer, it is different from a PC because it does not use Microsoft Windows as the Operating System. Instead, it uses the Mac OS series, such as OS X Leopard. Macs are known for their incredible system stability, quality designs, unique programs and features, and their usually fast speed. Macs are becoming more popular in society, generally used in peoples' homes or in digital graphic design studios. Unfortunately, many people do not invest their money in a Mac because of a Mac's steep price (a $1500 Dell PC is about the same price of a $2400 Apple Macktintosh--both with the same specifications) and the lack of many compatible programs made specifically for Macs (although the number is increasing).
Mainframe : Computers with large Hard Drives, lots of Memory (RAM), multiple CPUs running together, which perform large amounts of computing depending upon the speed of the processors used and amount of RAM included.
Micro Computer : A very small computer, usually used in cameras.
Super Computer : A computer with lots of processors, ALU's, Memory (RAM), etc. Usually used in scientific research work or they are used by the government. For large manufacturers, a supercomputer typically "breaks down" problems, solves them in small "bits," and then puts the problem "back together." They have a capability of 14,000 micro computers.
PDA: "Personal Digital Assistant" or Palmtop.
Analog : Older, out-dated computers. They calculate physical Quantities such as voltage, etc...
Digital: Computers which use binary digits (zeros and ones) for processing. Almost all electronic computing devices are digital, including PCs, Macs, and Servers.
Server: A computer with great processing power that receives and performs requests from other computers.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
