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What Is PC

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Information Sheet 1.

WHAT IS PC?
A small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for an individual user. In price, personal
computers range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. All are based on
the microprocessor technology that enables manufacturers to put an entire CPU on one chip. Businesses
use personal computers for word processing, accounting, desktop publishing, and
for running spreadsheet and database management applications. At home, the most popular use for
personal computers is for playing games.

Personal computers first appeared in the late 1970s. One of the first and most popular personal
computers was the Apple II, introduced in 1977 by Apple Computer. During the late 1970s and early
1980s, new models and competing operating systems seemed to appear daily. Then, in 1981, IBM
entered the fray with its first personal computer, known as the IBM PC. The IBM PC quickly became the
personal computer of choice, and most other personal computer manufacturers fell by the wayside. One
of the few companies to survive IBM's onslaught was Apple Computer, which remains a major player in
the personal computer marketplace.

Other companies adjusted to IBM's dominance by building IBM clones, computers that were
internally almost the same as the IBM PC, but that cost less. Because IBM clones used the same
microprocessors as IBM PCs, they were capable of running the same software. Over the years, IBM has
lost much of its influence in directing the evolution of PCs. Many of its innovations, such as the
MCA expansion bus and the OS/2 operating system, have not been accepted by the industry or the
marketplace.

Today, the world of personal computers is basically divided between Apple Macintoshes and


PCs. The principal characteristics of personal computers are that they are single-user systems and are
based on microprocessors. However, although personal computers are designed as single-user systems,
it is common to link them together to form a network. In terms of power, there is great variety. At the
high end, the distinction between personal computers and workstations has faded. High-end models of
the Macintosh and PC offer the same computing power and graphics capability as low-end workstations
by Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, and DEC.

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TYPES OF PERSONAL COMPUTER


Workstation

A workstation is a high-end personal computer designed for technical or scientific applications.


Intended primarily to be used by one person at a time, they are commonly connected to a local area
network and run multi-user operating systems. Workstations are used for tasks such ascomputer-aided
design, drafting and modelling, computation-intensive scientific and engineering calculations, image
processing, architectural modelling, and computer graphics for animation and motion picture visual
effects.[18]

Desktop computer

Dell OptiPlex desktop computer

Prior to the wide spread of PCs a computer that could fit on a desk was considered remarkably
small. Today the phrase usually indicates a particular style of computer case. Desktop computers come
in a variety of styles ranging from large vertical tower cases to small form factor models that can be
tucked behind an LCD monitor. In this sense, the term 'desktop' refers specifically to a horizontally-

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oriented case, usually intended to have the display screen placed on top to save space on the desk top.
Most modern desktop computers have separate screens and keyboards.
Single unit
Single unit PCs (also known as all-in-one PCs) are a subtype of desktop computers, which
combine the monitor and case of the computer within a single unit. The monitor often utilizes
atouchscreen as an optional method of user input, however detached keyboards and mice are normally
still included. The inner components of the PC are often located directly behind the monitor, and many
are built similarly to laptops.
Nettop
A subtype of desktops, called nettops, was introduced by Intel in February 2008 to describe low-
cost, lean-function, desktop computers. A similar subtype of laptops (or notebooks) are
thenetbooks (see below). These feature the new Intel Atom processor which specially enables them to
consume less power and to be built into small enclosures.
Laptop

Acer 8920 Gemstone Laptop.

A laptop computer or simply laptop, also called a notebook computer or sometimes a notebook,


is a small personal computer designed for portability. Usually all of the interface hardware needed to
operate the laptop, such as USB ports (previously parallel and serial ports), graphics card, sound
channel, etc., are built in to a single unit. Laptops contain high capacity batteries that can power the
device for extensive periods of time, enhancing portability. Once the battery charge is depleted, it will
have to be recharged through a power outlet. In the interest of saving power, weight and space, they
usually share RAM with the video channel, slowing their performance compared to an equivalent
desktop machine.

Netbook

An HP netbook

Netbooks (also called mini notebooks or subnotebooks) are a rapidly evolving category of small,
light and inexpensive laptop computers suited for general computing and accessing web-based

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applications; they are often marketed as "companion devices," that is, to augment a user's other
computer access. Walt Mossberg called them a "relatively new category of small, light, minimalist and
cheap laptops." ] By August 2009, CNET called netbooks "nothing more than smaller, cheaper
notebooks."

Tablet PC

HP Compaq tablet PC with rotating/removable keyboard.

A tablet PC is a notebook or slate-shaped mobile computer, first introduced by Pen computing in


the early 90s with their PenGo Tablet Computer and popularized by Microsoft.
Its touchscreen or graphics tablet/screen hybrid technology allows the user to operate
the computer with a stylus or digital pen, or a fingertip, instead of a keyboard or mouse. The form factor
offers a more mobile way to interact with a computer. Tablet PCs are often used where normal
notebooks are impractical or unwieldy, or do not provide the needed functionality.

Ultra-Mobile PC

Samsung Q1 Ultra-Mobile PC.

The ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) is a specification for a small form factor of tablet PCs. It was
developed as a joint development exercise by Microsoft, Intel, and Samsung, among others. Current
UMPCs typically feature the Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Linux operating system and
low-voltage Intel Atom or VIA C7-M processors.

Home theater PC

Antec Fusion V2 home theater PC withkeyboard on top.

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A home theater PC (HTPC) is a convergence device that combines the functions of a personal
computer and a digital video recorder. It is connected to a television or a television-sized computer
display and is often used as a digital photo, music, video player, TV receiver and digital video recorder.
Home theater PCs are also referred to as media center systems or media servers.

Pocket PC

An O2 pocket PC

A pocket PC is a hardware specification for a handheld-sized computer (personal digital


assistant) that runs the Microsoft Windows Mobile operating system. It may have the capability to run
an alternative operating system like NetBSD or Linux. It has many of the capabilities of modern
desktop PCs.

BASIC OPERATION OF COMPUTER


Input: provide/feed data into the computer

Processing: computer performs specific operation on data determined by the user or system

Output: computer outcomes the result

Storage: computer stores data, programs as input/output for future use

The above operations are abbreviated as IPOS.

ELEMENTS OF COMPUTER
Hardware 
General term for the physical artifacts of a technology. It may also mean the physical components of
a computer system, in the form of computer hardware.

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Software
Computer software, or just software, is the collection of computer programs and related data that
provide the instructions telling acomputer what to do. We can also say software refers to one or more computer
programs and data held in the storage of the computer for some purposes. Program software performs
the function of the program it implements, either by directly providing instructions to the computer hardware or
by serving as input to another piece of software.

Peopleware

Term used to refer to one of the three core aspects of computer technology, the other two
being hardware and software. Peopleware can refer to anything that has to do with the role of people in the
development or use of computer software and hardware systems, including such issues as developer productivity,
teamwork, group dynamics, the psychology of programming, project management, organizational factors, human
interface design, and human-machine-interaction.

MAJOR TYPES OF SOFTWARE


Programming Software: This is one of the most commonly known and popularly used forms of computer
software. These software come in forms of tools that assist a programmer in writing computer programs.
Computer programs are sets of logical instructions that make a computer system perform certain tasks. The tools
that help the programmers in instructing a computer system include text editors, compilers and interpreters.

System Software: It helps in running the computer hardware and the computer system. System software is a
collection of operating systems; devise drivers, servers, windowing systems and utilities. System software helps an
application programmer in abstracting away from hardware, memory and other internal complexities of a
computer. 

Application Software: It enables the end users to accomplish certain specific tasks. Business software,
databases and educational software are some forms of application software. Different word processors, which are
dedicated for specialized tasks to be performed by the user, are other examples of application software.

Apart from these three basic types of software, there are some other well-known forms of computer software like
inventory management software, ERP, utility software, accounting software and others. Take a look at some of
them.

Inventory Management Software: This type of software helps an organization in tracking its goods and
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materials on the basis of quality as well as quantity. Warehouse inventory management functions encompass the
internal warehouse movements and storage. Inventory software helps a company in organizing inventory and
optimizing the flow of goods in the organization, thus leading to an improved customer service.

Utility Software: Also known as service routine, utility software helps in the management of computer
hardware and application software. It performs a small range of tasks. Disk defragmenters, systems utilities and
virus scanners are some of the typical examples of utility software.

Data Backup and Recovery Software: An ideal data backup and recovery software provides functionalities
beyond simple copying of data files. This software often supports user needs of specifying what is to be backed up
and when. Backup and recovery software preserve the original organization of files and allow an easy retrieval of
the backed up data.

COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM


Input
 All computer systems need to have input devices. There are different types of input devices, but this
category includes anything that the individual uses to give instructions to the computer. Keyboards,
mice, joysticks, mini-keyboards, trackballs, digital cameras, microphones and touch screens are all input
devices. Every one of these devices converts the actions of the individual into electronic signals for the
computer system to interpret and process.

Output
 To provide results to the individual using the computer system, each computer system must also have
output devices. An output device is anything that the computer system uses to communicate
information to the individual. Some output devices are monitors, speakers, printers, some joysticks,
braille screen readers, plotters, film printers, head-mounted displays, holographic displays and routers.
Some devices, such as touch-screen monitors, can be both input and and output devices.

Processing
 One of the things that makes computers so powerful and useful to people today is their processing.
Thanks to processors, computer systems can execute many tasks much faster than humans. In home
personal computer systems, the processing is done by a part called the central processing unit, or CPU.
The higher the speed of your CPU, the faster your computer system will process information.

Storage
 If your computer system could not store information, it would not be very useful. Today's home
computer systems come with numerous types of storage, both magnetic and electronic. All information
is stored as a combination of ones and zeros. Examples of magnetic storage devices are floppy disks and
hard drives. Examples of electronic storage devices are CD-ROMs, DVDs, memory sticks, flash cards in
cameras, USB drives and optical drives.

The Box
 Inside the computer is a large board called a motherboard. This electronic circuit board acts as the
central location to connect all the different components to one another and helps them communicate
with one another. The box also serves as a place to plug in the various components of the computer
system.

PARTS OF PERSONAL COMPUTER


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Monitor - or display (sometimes called a visual display unit) is an electronic visual


display forcomputers. The monitor comprises the display device, circuitry, and an enclosure. The display
device in modern monitors is typically a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) thin panel,
while older monitors use a cathode ray tube about as deep as the screen size.

Computer Case -  (also known as a computer


chassis, cabinet, box, tower, enclosure,housing, system unit or simply case) is the enclosure that
contains most of the components of acomputer (usually excluding the display, keyboard and mouse). A
computer case is sometimes incorrectly referred to metonymously as a CPU or hard drive referring to
components housed within the case. CPU was a more common term in the earlier days of home
computers, when peripheralsother than the motherboard were usually housed in their own separate
cases.

Central processing unit (CPU) - The microprocessor "brain" of the computer system is called the
central processing unit. It's a chip that holds a complete computational engine. It uses assembly
language as its native language. Everything that a computer does is overseen by the CPU.

Memory - This is very fast storage used to hold data. It has to be fast because it connects directly to
the microprocessor. There are several specific types of memory in a computer:

 Random-access memory (RAM) - Used to temporarily store information with which the
computer is currently working
 Read-only memory (ROM) - A permanent type of memory storage used by the computer
for important data that doesn't change
 Basic input/output system (BIOS) - A type of ROM that is used by the computer to
establish basic communication when the computer is first powered on
 Caching - The storing of frequently used data in extremely fast RAM that connects directly to
the CPU
 Virtual memory - Space on a hard disk used to temporarily store data and swap it in and
out of RAM as needed
 Flash memory - a solid state storage device, Flash memory requires no moving parts and
retains data even after the computer powers off

Motherboard - This is the main circuit board to which all of the other internal components connect.
The CPU and memory are usually on the motherboard. Other systems may be found directly on the
motherboard or connected to it through a secondary connection. For example, a sound card can be built
into the motherboard or connected through an expansion slot.

Power supply - An electrical transformer regulates the electricity used by the computer.

Hard disk - This is large-capacity permanent storage used to hold information such as programs and
documents. Traditional hard drives contain moving parts -- the drive has platters on which it stores data.
The drive spins the platters to record and read data. But some newer hard drives are flash-based with no
moving parts. These drives are called solid-state drives.

Optical disc drive (ODD) - is a disk drive that uses laser light or electromagnetic waves near


the light spectrum as part of the process of reading or writing data to or from optical discs. Some drives
can only read from discs, but recent drives are commonly both readers and recorders. Recorders are
sometimes called burners or writers. Compact discs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs are common types of
optical media which can be read and recorded by such drives.

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Operating system - This is the basic software that allows the user to interface with the computer.

Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) Controller - This is the primary interface for the hard
drive, CD-ROM and floppy disk drive.

Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) - This is a very high-speed connection used by the graphics
card to interface with the computer.

Sound card - This is used by the computer to record and play audio by converting analog sound into
digital information and back again.

Graphics card - This translates image data from the computer into a format that can be displayed by
the monitor. Some graphics cards have their own powerful processing units (called a GPU -- graphics
processing unit). The GPU can handle operations that normally would require the CPU.

Ports - In computer hardware terms, a port is an interface that allows a computer to communicate
with peripheral equipment.

 Expansion Card - (also expansion board, adapter card or accessory card) in computing is a printed


circuit board that can be inserted into an expansion slot of a computer motherboard to add functionality
to a computer system.

Real-time clock - Every PC has a clock containing a vibrating crystal. By referring to this clock, all the
components in a computer can synchronize properly.

Complementary Metal-oxide Semiconductor - The CMOS and CMOS battery allow a


computer to store information even when the computer powers down. The battery provides
uninterrupted power.

Fans, heat sinks and cooling systems - The components in a computer generate heat. As heat
rises, performance can suffer. Cooling systems keep computers from overheating.

Keyboard - is typewriter keyboard, which uses an arrangement of buttons or keys, to act as


mechanical levers or electronic switches.

Mouse - is a pointing device that functions by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to its


supporting surface.

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