Computer System Components: Hardware and Software Explained

Computer System Fundamentals

A computer is an electronic machine which can accept data in a certain form, process the data, and give the result of the processing in a specified form as information.

First, data is fed into the computer's memory. Then, when the program is run, the computer performs a set of instructions and processes the data. Finally, we can see the result (the output) on the screen or in printed form.

A computer system consists of two parts: hardware and software.

Hardware and Software Defined

Hardware refers to any electronic or mechanical part you can see or touch.

Software is a set of instructions called a program, which tells the computer what to do.

Basic Hardware Sections

There are three basic hardware sections:

• The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Main Memory
• Peripherals

The Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Perhaps the most influential component is the Central Processing Unit. Its function is to execute program instructions and coordinate the activities of all the other units. In a way, it is the brain of the computer.

Main Memory and Peripherals

The main memory (a collection of RAM chips) holds the instructions and data which are being processed by the CPU. Peripherals are the physical units attached to the computer. They include storage devices and input/output devices.

Storage Devices

Storage devices (hard drives, DVD drives, or flash drives) provide permanent storage of both data and programs.

Disk drives are used to read and write data on disk.

Input and Output Devices

Input devices enable data to go into the computer's memory. The most common input devices are the mouse and the keyboard.

Output devices enable us to extract the finished product from the system. For example, the computer shows the output on the monitor or prints the result onto paper by means of a printer.

Computer Ports

On the rear panel of the computer, there are several ports into which we can plug a wide range of peripherals—a modem, a digital camera, a scanner, etc. They allow communication between the computer and the devices. Modern desktop PCs have USB ports and memory card readers on the front panel.

Miscellaneous Lists (Unrelated Content)

Hair Descriptions

• Long brown hair
• Short blond hair
• Straight black hair
• Curly red hair
• Bald
• A mustache and beard

Age Categories

• Young
• Middle Aged
• Elderly

Appearance Descriptors

• Handsome
• Good-looking
• Pretty

Height Descriptors

• Short
• Fairly Short
• Medium Height
• Pretty Tall
• Very Tall

Present Perfect Tense Examples (Affirmative)

• I have already gone to the museum.
• She has already studied math.
• We have already seen this movie.

Present Perfect Tense Examples (Negative with 'Yet')

Yet: Todavía/Aún (Used in negative sentences)

• I haven't studied for the test yet.
• She hasn't eaten sea food yet.