We explain what the components of a computer are, the internal and external hardware, the software and the types of computers.
The components of a computer can be physical or intangible.The components of a computer
A computer is a computer system made up of two basic aspects: the hardware, which means "physical support", and the software, which refers to the intangible or the "program." Physical media are electronic elements that work connected to provide data, and these data are processed thanks to the instructions provided by the programs.
The hardware is like a box in which a series of devices are connected that process information input and output. Software is the set of instructions for executing that input and output information. Without the software instructions, the computer it would be a box without utility, just as the human body would be without a brain.
Computer hardware
Hardware refers to the different tangible elements of a computer, and it can be internal or external.
The internal hardware is mainly made up of:
- Motherboard (or motherboard). It is the main board of any computer system to which all other devices connect, both directly (such as interconnected electrical circuits) and indirectly (through ports USB or other type of connectors). It has basic software called BIOS that allows it to perform and synchronize its basic functions (such as data transmission, data management, electric power and recognition of the physical connection of other external components).
- Processor. It is the Central Processing Unit (CPU), that is, the brain of the computer that controls everything that the computer executes and is responsible for performing calculations and understanding data. There are several types of CPU that differ, among other things, by their speed to process information. That speed is measured in a unit of frequency called Hertz (or Hertz in Spanish) and, the faster the speed reached by the processor, the faster the computer's performance. Currently, the two main CPU brands are AMD and Intel.
- Internal memory RAM. It is the memory that stores information, temporarily and quickly, for the computer to use at the time. Its storage capacity is measured in units called gigabytes (GB). The more RAM, the faster the computer can run, for example, to open and use multiple programs at the same time.The contents of the RAM memory are deleted as soon as the computer is turned off because it does not store data (files, videos, programs, etc.), but it preserves information about the actions that are being carried out with that data. It does not store the file or the program itself, but the information to run it.
- Internal memory ROM. It is the memory that permanently stores information and is called “read-only”, that is, the user cannot alter the content once that information is stored, they can only install or uninstall it. The ROM memory stores everything related to instructions or what is also called BIOS (basic system or boot program) and that includes the instructions on how to start the machine or how programs work, among others.
- Video card. Also known as a "graphics card" is an internal hardware device that connects to the motherboard and allows the computer to display images on the monitor. It requires the installation of software to tell the computer how to use that video card. The user can modify the settings of the image projected on the monitor, for example, the quality (higher or lower definition), the size, among others.
- Soundboard. It is an internal hardware device that connects to the motherboard and is classified according to the channels it uses, for example, stereo, quadraphonic (surround sound), MIDI (professional use connector), among others. The main function of the board is to allow the computer to reproduce sounds (music, voice or any audio signal) through speakers or headphones. It also receives sounds from the user through the connection of a microphone.
- Secondary storage device. It is the memory that stores data permanently (or until the Username delete them), such as documents, spreadsheets, images, videos, audios, backup copies of files, among others. They are stored data that the computer does not need immediately or quickly for its operation, but it is the user who uses it directly. There are two types of secondary storage devices: internal (the hard drive) and external (external hard drive, memory card, USB stick, CD ROM, etc.).
The external hardware of a computer is mainly made up of:
- Input devices. They are pieces that receive raw data and that the computer can process through the corresponding software. They are divided into two categories: manual input devices, which must be operated by the user (keyboard, mouse, touch screen, microphone, etc.) and automatic input devices, which activate the input of information on their own, independently of the user (magnetic stripe reader, magnetic ink character recognition, PIN and chip reader, reader barcode, etc.).
- Output devices. They are pieces that send out the data processed by the computer. There are two types: temporary output (such as the monitor, which constantly updates the output image on the screen) and permanent output (such as the printer, which reproduces information on a paper that lasts like a hard copy).
- Peripheral devices. They are most of the input and output devices that are considered “non-essential” external hardware components because the computer can function without them. For example, speakers, webcam, keyboard, microphone, printer, scanner, mouse, joystick, among others.
Computer software
Software is the "non-physical" part of the computer, which exists in the form of codes that contain instructions for the hardware to know what to do. Without these programs, most hardware devices would not be useful. There are two kinds:
- System software. They are the programs pre-installed on the computer, which allow to support other programs installed by the user. Some examples are operating systems (Windows, Mac OS, Linux, BIOS, etc.), disk cleaners, disk defragmenters, antivirus, graphics drivers, encryption software, among others.
- app software. They are the programs that do not have to do with the operation of the equipment, but are installed by the user to perform certain functions. For example, spreadsheets (Excel), word processors (Word), programs database (Access), graphic design programs (Illustrator), browsers from Internet (Chrome), among others.
Computer types
There are different types of computers that vary according to their size, design and complexity of functions capable of performing. However, they are all based on the components detailed above. Among the main types of computers are:
- Personal computer. Its name comes from English personal computer (PC), also called “desktop”. It is commonly used in the home or office.
- Laptop. Also called notebookIt is a smaller and lighter machine than the PC, designed to be transported easily. It is for personal or work use.
- Netbook. It is similar to notebook, only that it is smaller and lighter, so its screen and keyboard are much smaller. It is designed to transport and use anywhere.
- Central unit. Also called mainframe It is a very large, powerful and expensive computer for business or industrial use that allows data to be processed on a large scale.