Computer Hardware, Software, Types of Computers, and Components

Power MOSFETS

make up the voltage regulator module (VRM), which controls how much voltage other hardware components receive.

Intel Core

streamlined midrange consumer workstation and enthusiast computers central processing units (CPU) marketed by Intel Corporation.

Buses

that connect the CPU to various internal components and to expand cards for graphics and sound.

Server Computer

the central computer that provides services (such as database access) to the client computers over a network

ROM (Read Only Memory)

It is non-volatile memory. It is also a storage medium that is used with computers and other electronic devices. As the name indicates, data stored in it may only be read. Permanent Storage.

CMOS (complementary MOS)

(Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) battery, which powers the CMOS memory for date and time in the BIOS chip. This battery is generally a watch battery.

Power Supply

(PSU) power supply unit converts mains AC to low-voltage regulated DC power for the internal components of a computer. Modern personal computers universally use switched-mode power supplies. Some power supplies have a manual switch for selecting input voltage, while others automatically adapt to the mains voltage.

Personal Computer (PC)

A computer that can perform all of its input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself.

Smartphone

A device that integrates a cell phone with the features of a PC, such as the ability to store information, receive email, and install programs.

Chipset

A group of chips on the motherboard that controls the timing and flow of data and instructions to and from the CPU.

Mainframe

A large, expensive computer that supports hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously and executes many different programs at the same time.

Microcontroller

A small computer on a single integrated circuit containing a processor, memory, and programmable inputs and outputs.

Fixed media

Data is stored by a computer using a variety of media. Hard disk drives (HDDs) are found in virtually all older computers, due to their high capacity and low cost, but solid-state drives (SSDs) are faster and more power efficient, although currently more expensive than hard drives in terms of dollar per gigabyte,[10] so are often found in personal computers built post-2007.[11] SSDs use flash memory, which stores data on MOS memory chips consisting of floating-gate MOSFET memory cells. Some systems may use a disk array controller for greater performance or reliability.

BIOS (basic input/output system)

Firmware that can control much of a computer's input/output functions, such as communication with the keyboard and the monitor.

Input and output peripherals

Input and output devices are typically housed externally to the main computer chassis. The following are either standard or very common to many computer systems.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Memory modules on the motherboard containing microchips used to temporarily hold data and programs while the CPU processes both. Information in RAM is lost when the PC is turned off.

Application software

Software that performs some useful task such as word processing or playing a game for a user.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The key component of a computer system, which contains the circuitry necessary to interpret and execute program instructions

Supercomputer

a mainframe computer that is one of the most powerful available at a given time

Motherboard

a printed circuit board and foundation of a computer that is the biggest board in a computer chassis. It allocates power and allows communication to and between the CPU, RAM, and all other computer hardware components. Includes: CPU, Chipset, RAM, ROM, Buses, CMOS, Video Card (Graphics Card), Power MOSFETS

Expansion cards

a printed circuit board that can be inserted into an expansion slot of a computer motherboard or backplane to add functionality to a computer system via the expansion bus. Expansion cards can be used to obtain or expand on features not offered by the motherboard.

Computer Software

a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks. Opposite of hardware, which describes the physical aspects of a computer, software is a generic term used to refer to applications, scripts and programs that run on a device. Software can be thought of as the variable part of a computer, and hardware the invariable part. Software is often divided into categories. Application software refers to user-downloaded programs that fulfill a want or need. Examples of applications include office suites, database programs, web browsers, word processors, software development tools, image editors and communication platforms.

Input device

allow the user to enter information into the system, or control its operation. Most personal computers have a mouse and keyboard, but laptop systems typically use a touchpad instead of a mouse. Other input devices include webcams, microphones, joysticks, and image scanners.

Computer Case

also known as a computer chassis, tower, system unit, or cabinet, is the enclosure that contains most of the components of a personal computer. Cases are usually constructed from steel, aluminium and plastic.

Storage devices

any computing hardware and digital media that is used for storing, porting and extracting data files and objects. It can hold and store information both temporarily and permanently and can be internal or external to a computer, server or any similar computing device. Data storage is a core function and fundamental component of computers.

Output device

are designed around the senses of human beings. For example, monitors display text that can be read, speakers produce sound that can be heard. Such devices also could include printers or a Braille embosser.

Computer Hardware

includes the physical parts of a computer, such as the case, central processing unit, monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card, speakers and motherboard. By contrast, software is the set of instructions that can be stored and run by hardware.

Programming language software

is a set of commands, instructions, and other syntax use to create a software program.

Removable media

o transfer data between computers, an external flash memory device (such as a memory card or USB flash drive) or optical disc (such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or BD-ROM) may be used. Their usefulness depends on being readable by other systems; the majority of machines have an optical disk drive (ODD), and virtually all have at least one Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.

Graphics Card (video card)

processes computer graphics. More powerful graphics cards are better suited to handle strenuous tasks, such as playing intensive video games or running computer graphics software. A video card contains a graphics processing unit (GPU) and video memory (typically a type of SDRAM), both fabricated on MOS integrated circuit (MOS IC) chips.

Workstation Computer

similar to a desktop but has more powerful mathematical and graphics processing capabilities and can perform more complicated tasks in less time

System software

software responsible for the general operation of a computer system, including the operation of hardware, running application software, and file management