Understanding a computer

Understanding a computer is simple as all computers consist of the same fundamental parts, which are broken down into two categories: hardware and software. Hardware is the physical parts and pieces of a computer, while software is the programs that run inside that makes the hardware operate properly.

Hardware

All of the computer hardware parts can be housed in one case, or in separate cases, depending on the manufacturing design. Regardless of its case design, all computers have the same basic hardware parts: a Processor and a clock, and memory which come in RAM, ROM, Input and Output devices, a keyboard, and a mouse,.  We have storage devices which are permanent and removable, a sound card and speakers and a Monitor to look at.

 

Software

Computer software is divided into three areas: Operating systems, applications, and documents you create.

Operating system

An operating system is a program that sets the environment of the computer to act as an interface between the user and the computer’s hardware resources. When a computer is turned on, the operating system is loaded. The computer takes on life with an operating system. It sets the environment in which all applications work. Without the operating system, the computer’s hardware is useless. The operating system’s main purpose is to provide the user with a flexible means of control over the hardware inside the computer. The inner workings of a computer are so complex that we cannot get them to work without an operating system. The operating systems of today have a graphical user interface and while Apple calls their Snow Leopard and Microsoft calls there’s Windows 7.  These are both graphical user interfaces , or abbreviated GUI pronounced Gooey.

 

Applications

Applications are the programs we run on a computer to perform a particular operation. That operation could be typing a letter in a word processor or maybe keeping track of your finances, or reading and sending email, or using an Internet browser so you can surf the Internet to find information on any subject you care to learn about. There are applications today to do just about anything a person needs or if not, you can surf the Internet and find it.  The Internet is like an application all in itself with on-line applications and information available to get anything.  Using applications gives you more knowledge, and that is a key to advancing you both personally and professional.  The more knowledge you have, the more freedom you have to make decisions and reach your goals.

 

Documents

Documents are the files we create on our computer in an application.  As an example, in a word processing application that allows us to type a letter. Once we have typed a letter and save it, that letter becomes our word processing document.