Using a computer is becoming commonplace for a modern person. However, not every PC owner thinks about what specific functions are performed by the corresponding computing device. Few users know what the specifics of individual hardware components of a computer are. What are the functions of a PC? What hardware components are included in the structure of personal computing systems?
Key Computer Features
What computer features can be identified as key? There are a large number of approaches to their definition. A scheme is circulated among Russian IT experts, according to which the computer functions are presented in the following list:
- data processing;
- data storage;
- moving information;
- file management.
It can be noted that the above functions are generally characteristic of all types of computers. The modern classification of computing devices suggests that there are many varieties of them. There are user PCs, there are industrial computers, as well as those that are part of the structure of means of transport. Of course, each type of PC will have specific functions.
In the case of user computers, this may be, for example, processing graphics, text or sound. The functions of the on-board computer of a military aircraft are to control the aircraft, maintain the operability of its mechanisms. The corresponding specificity of industrial computing devices will be associated with the need to accurately perform specified production operations.
Let us consider in more detail the specifics of each of the above common functions for all computers.
Functions of Computing Systems: Information Processing
Data processing by a computing system involves various procedures performed at the level of the computer hardware components. Their implementation is usually accompanied by a significant result for the user: if we talk about a PC, it can be the creation of a document or making adjustments to an existing one, displaying information on the screen, or the PC entering a dialogue with the user through requests. The owner of the computer, thus, uses the function of processing information on the PC when creating, editing and reproducing files.
Data storage
Key computer functions also include data storage. If we talk about PCs, it is supposed to place them in the form of files and folders on special media for future use. Information is stored on the basis of system principles: this facilitates the subsequent finding of the necessary data. Files located on a computer can be user-owned by the owner, or system files created and used by the PC itself.
Moving information
The function of a computer can be interpreted in different ways. First of all, by moving information, if we talk about a PC, we can understand the process in which a particular file is copied from one medium to another (or changes its location relative to a specific directory in the file system). Another interpretation of this process assumes that information is transferred between different computers: using mobile media (CD-ROMs, flash drives, etc.) either over the Internet or over a local network.
File management
This function complements each of the three above. File management is carried out both at the stage of information processing, and while ensuring the safety of data or in the process of moving it. The function in question can be implemented both automatically - the computer in this case independently determines the necessary algorithms, and with the direct participation of the user.
Having studied the key functions of a computer as a user tool, we consider the features of its constituent hardware components. In this case, we will talk about personal computing devices related to the so-called IBM architecture, the most common in the world.
PC hardware
Modern PCs are computer systems consisting of several devices. Technologically, each of them performs an independent function, however, it cannot work separately from the others - with practical benefits for the PC owner. What components are present in the structure of modern computers? Among those:
- system unit (in which, in turn, are located: processor, motherboard, RAM, hard drive, video and audio cards, network devices, disk drives);
- monitor;
- controls (keyboard, mouse and their analogues);
- accessories (printers, scanners, etc.).
Depending on the configuration of the PC, these components can be separate devices or make up a single hardware platform. In the first case, the computer will be of the “desktop” type, that is, its optimal location on the table without frequent movement from one place to another is assumed. In the second, the PC will most likely be designed as a laptop. There is also an intermediate version of PC assembly - in the form of a “monoblock”. It combines almost all of the marked hardware components, except for controls - they are connected to the computer separately.
These are the basic devices of a computer. Studying their functions will also be useful, and this is our next task.
PC component functions: processor
The processor is the main computing chip of the computer. As a rule, this is the most high-tech and expensive component of a PC. Processors for computers are produced by literally several companies in the world. More than 90% of the global market is occupied by two companies - Intel and AMD. The main indicator of the performance of this PC component is the frequency of operations. It is usually measured in gigahertz, or GHz. The higher the frequency, the faster the chip performs the necessary calculations.
Also a significant indicator of processor performance is the number of cores. The more of them, the more powerful the corresponding hardware component. What features of the computer processor can be called key? We can say that they, on the whole, coincide with those performed by the PC as a whole: processing, moving, storage, data, and file management. Thus, we can trace the importance of the processor on each part of the computer.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the largest PC chip. She is responsible for the integration of various computer hardware components. It houses a processor, hard drive, RAM, audio and video cards, network adapters. In its structure are the main connectors to which external PC accessories are connected . The motherboard, like the processor, has a performance indicator, expressed in frequency. As a rule, the corresponding parameter for this type of hardware components implies more modest numbers than for processors, and it is recorded not in gigahertz, but in megahertz. But there are exceptions. There are high-performance motherboards that operate at a frequency expressed just the same in gigahertz.
RAM
The main memory of a PC, or RAM, is a set of chips in which the temporary placement of digital data during computing processes is carried out. The corresponding resource, as a rule, involves the processor. Other important functions of computer memory are to facilitate the rapid exchange of data between computers, as well as to create a special hardware environment for downloading programs. This or that kind of software can start only if the PC has free RAM.
The main indicator of RAM performance is volume. The larger it is, the more significant arrays of information can be placed in RAM. Another indicator of the performance of the corresponding hardware component, as in the case of a processor or motherboard, is frequency. The higher it is, the faster memory functions. Another important measure of RAM performance is throughput. It reflects how much files can be processed in a microchip in a set period of time. The larger it is, the corresponding hardware component is faster. The bandwidth of RAM, as well as other devices for which this characteristic is characteristic, is expressed in megabits per second, and for high-performance models - in gigabits per second. The term “bandwidth” has a number of synonyms - for example, “channel speed” (or “bus”, “slot”, “port”).
It can be noted that the processor, motherboard and RAM are devices that to a certain extent are responsible for how fast the PC will work and how well the basic functions of the computer will be performed. If the performance indicators of the corresponding hardware components are low, then it is difficult to achieve an increase in the speed of the PC due to other devices included in its structure. However, they and their properties are also important in terms of implementing the necessary functions of the PC. Consider the specifics of these components.
HDD
A hard drive is a device designed to permanently store files. Thus, it is a key component in terms of a computer function such as data storage. Information is placed on hard drives according to the principles defined in the file system used by the PC.
The main indicator of the performance of the hardware component in question is volume. The larger it is, the more significant will be the size of the array of files that can be placed on the hard drive. Another important indicator of the performance of this component - as in the case of RAM, is bandwidth. The higher it is, the faster data is written and read from the hard drive, which directly affects the speed of the computer.
Video card and monitor
If we recall what functions are performed by a computer belonging to the category of personal computing devices, then the first associations with us are likely to arise with graphics processing. A PC is used as a tool for creating and editing images, videos, pictures from computer games and solving many other similar tasks. The key hardware components responsible for the successful implementation of a PC with the corresponding function are a video card and a monitor. The second device is responsible for the visual output of information in a form that is understandable to the user. The main characteristics of the monitor are the diagonal and resolution. Regarding the first parameter - it all depends on the subjective preferences of the user. The resolution of the monitor, in turn, should be sufficiently high so that the graphics are high-quality and clear.
The video card is responsible for processing graphics and displaying it on the monitor. This device is usually located on the motherboard. But in some PC models, most often in laptops, the corresponding chip is integrated with the processor, that is, it is its component hardware component. The main characteristic of a video card is its bandwidth. The higher it is, the greater the amount of graphic data the corresponding hardware component can process. Another important characteristic of a video card is the amount of built-in memory in it.
Audio card
Personal computer features also often include sound processing. The key hardware component responsible for solving such problems is an audio card. It is located mainly on the motherboard as a separate device. But there are audio cards that are built into the largest PC chip. The main performance characteristics of the corresponding hardware component are the signal power, as well as the sampling frequency. The first parameter is measured in decibels, or dB, the second - most often in kilohertz, or kHz. The higher both characteristics - the better the sound that will be played by the computer.
Network devices
Most modern computers work in networks - with regard to home PCs, their connection to the Internet is mainly assumed. Corporate PCs, as well as some home PCs, of course, can also form a local network.
The computer is connected to other computing devices using appropriate hardware components. Most often, this is a network adapter - a chip located on the motherboard or, as in the case of an audio card, sometimes built into it. A wire coming from an Internet provider can be connected to it, and this ensures that the computer is connected to the Internet.
Many modern network adapters can work without wires - through Wi-Fi technology. In this case, the computer is first connected to a wireless router, or router, to which, in turn, a cable from the provider can be connected.
There are so-called mobile modems - devices that, when connected to a PC most often through one of the ports on the motherboard, are able to output the computer to the Internet through the network of a mobile operator. That is, a SIM card is located inside them, and its owner previously draws up a special tariff for using the Internet in the operator’s office.
The main characteristic of all network devices is bandwidth. The higher it is, the faster, for example, files are downloaded from the Internet.
PC controls: keyboard and mouse
The most likely main PC management tool is the keyboard. The practical use of a computing device without it is extremely difficult. The main functions of a computer keyboard are: entering text data, as well as ensuring user interaction with a PC by sending special signals to the computer system using separate keys or their combinations. This device is most often connected to one of the ports on the motherboard. But there are also wireless accessories of the appropriate type. The specific functions of the keys on the computer keyboard can be programmed by the user, although there are a number of international standards that device manufacturers, as well as computer enthusiasts, generally try to adhere to.
In most cases, the PC keyboard is complemented by another accessory - the mouse. It is designed to facilitate the use of computer resources by the user and accelerate the solution of certain tasks. The mouse in many ways duplicates the functions of a computer keyboard - so, with the help of appropriate movements, you can give PCs certain commands. As well as vice versa: a number of specific tasks performed by the mouse (for example, controlling a game character in a game) can be carried out using the keyboard.
We studied the key components of a computer and their functions. But there are a large number of accessories that complement the basic hardware components of a PC. Consider the specifics of the most common - printers and scanners. They are purchased by many users at the same time as buying a computer.
PC accessories: printers and scanners
Despite the fact that the computer device data and their functions are different, they are often considered in the same context. This is understandable: printers print information from a PC to paper, scanners, on the contrary, enter it into a computer, converting it from paper to digital. There are hardware components that combine the functions of printers and scanners - multifunction devices, or MFPs. As a rule, they also implement the function of Xerox.
This is the specifics of the functioning of modern personal computing devices. In modern schools, they are often studied by very young children. Many modern teachers believe that the optimal age category of a child who needs to know the key functions of a computer is Grade 3. Computer science is positioned in many modern schools as the most important subject that children need to learn.