How Computer Works::

Parts

A computer is any electronic device that consists of four parts---in any form. A computer must have a way to input information, output information, process information and store information. Any electronic device that meets all four requirements is considered a computer. The most common device considered a computer is the personal computer (PC), whether it be made by Apple or by another manufacturer.

Input

An input device is any way a human can communicate with the electronic device. The most common methods with a PC are a keyboard and a mouse. These devices communicate with the main box of the computer using short electronic signals through the wires attached to the main box of the computer. Other methods of input are a light pen, a touch screen, a scanner and a microphone.

Output

An output device is a device that allows the computer to show the result of a process (usually to a person). The most common PC output device is the monitor, as the monitor displays the result of calculations or requests made by the user. The computer communicates with the output devices by using small electric signals over wires connected to the computer. Other common output devices include the printer, speakers and plotters.

Processor

The heart of the computer is the processor. This is the part of the computer that does all the hard work. The processor in a PC is also called the CPU or central processing unit. This is a silicon chip attached to the motherboard of the PC. The motherboard connects all the various parts of the computer together to allow them to communicate with one another. The CPU in the PC does all the calculations, receives electronic signals from input devices, sends electronic signals to output devices and sends electronic information to storage devices.

Storage

The storage device allows the computer to retain information. Without a storage device, the computer would be the same every time it was turned on and would be unable to store things such as documents and bookmarks. Storage devices vary in the methods used to store the information, but most information is stored simply as a series of ones and zeros. The most common storage device on a PC is the hard drive or hard disc. This device uses magnets to store information when you save it to your disc. Other storage devices include optical storage, floppy drives and tape drives.