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A TYPICAL PC A computer is an electronic machine that accepts, processes, stores and outputs information. A typical computer consists of two parts: hardware and software. Hardware is any electronicor mechanical part of the computer system that you can see or touch. Software is a set of instructions, called a program, which tells a computer what to do. There are three basic hardware sections: 1.The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the heart of the computer; a microprocessor chip processes data and coordinates activities of all the other units. 2. The main memory holds the instructions anddata which are being processed by the CPU. It has two main sections: RAM (random access memory) and ROM (read only memory). 3. Peripherals are the physical units attached to the computer. They include:Input devices, which let us enter the data and commands (for example, the keyboard and the mouse). Output devices, which let us extract the results (for example, the monitor and the printer) Storagedevices, which are used to store information permanently (for example, hard disks and DVDRW drives). At the back of the computer there are ports into which we can plug external devices (for example, ascanner, a modem, etc.). They allow communication between the computer and the devices.

USB connector

USB ports

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Computer Essentials

Functions of a PC Input, processing, output andstorage are the main functions of a PC.

Types of computer systems A mainframe is the most powerful type of computer. It can process and store large amounts of data. It supports multiple users at thesame time and supports more simultaneous processes than a PC. The central system is a large server connected to hundreds of terminals over a network. Mainframes are used for largescale computingpurposes in banks, big companies and universities.

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A desktop PC has its own processing unit (or CPU), monitor and keyboard. It is used as a personal computer in the home or as a workstation for...