Computer Knowledge
Computer Knowledge
This document is for anyone interested in learning more about their computer and how it works. Here you'll find all related documents throughout Computer Hope to help teach you everything you want to know about computers.
Computer overview
Understanding each of the major hardware components that make up a computer is always a good first step in learning more about computers. To learn more about computer components, connections, and a full explanation of each of the internal parts of a computer, see our computer definition.
15 computer topics
TransistorsTransistors - The computer contains millions of transistors, which create machine language using logic gates that turn on and off the circuits.
Machine language - All computers and electronic devices communicate in binary, which is a series of 0's and 1's or Off and On electrical signals. All software written on your computer is created in a high-level programming language that humans can understand. When complete, the program is compiled into a low-level machine language that computers understand.
ASCII codes - Each binary 0 or 1 is considered a bit, and each number, letter, or other character is made up of eight bits (one byte). A common method for storing and editing text is done with ASCII codes, which is one byte of binary. For example, the lowercase letter "a" has an ASCII code decimal value of 97, which is 01100001 in binary.
Motherboard - The Motherboard is the largest circuit board in the computer that holds and connects everything together. Without the motherboard, components like your processor and memory could not communicate with each other.
Computer memory - Not to be confused with disk storage, the computer memory (RAM) is volatile memory and is used to store currently running applications. When the computer is turned off, all data in the memory is lost.
Computer disk storage - A non-volatile type of memory, disk storage like a hard drive is what stores your information even when the computer is turned off. All your files, documents, songs, photos, etc. are stored in a storage device.
ROM - Another type of memory, read-only memory (ROM), is a memory chip that has data that can only be read. Most computers today have a programmable read-only memory (PROM), which is still read-only but can be re-programmed if needed through a firmware update.
Memory capacity - All memory and storage have a total capacity that is written using abbreviations such as KB, MB, GB, and TB. See the following link for a complete understanding of all values.
How much is 1 byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, etc.?
Processor - The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the component responsible for processing all instructions from software and hardware.
Software and Hardware - Software is instructions and code installed into the computer, like
the Internet browser you're using to view this page. Hardware is a physical device you can touch, like the monitor you're using to display this page.
Input/Output - Humans use input devices, such as a keyboard, to interact with a computer. The computer processes that data, then sends the modified or new information to an output device, such as a monitor. The printer is another output device, that can produce a hard copy of documents and pictures stored on the computer.
Expansion cards - An expansion card is a card added to the computer to give it additional capabilities. A video card, modem, network card, and sound card are all examples of expansion cards. However, many computers may also have onboard devices, such as a sound card and network card built onto the motherboard. For a laptop computer, additional cards are added into the PC Card slot.
Programming - All software running on a computer was created using a programming language by a computer programmer.
Operating system - Every computer must have an operating system for software to communicate with the hardware. For example, most IBM compatible computers run the Microsoft Windows operating system and have the option to run alternative operating systems, such as a Linux variant. Apple computers only run macOS.
Network - Computers communicate with other computers over a network using a network interface card (NIC) or Wi-Fi that connects to a router. There are two primary types of networks: a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN). The Internet is also considered a network, which uses the TCP/IP protocol.
What is an Operating System? » Computer Shortcut Keys and their Functions » Keyboard Function Keys » Computer Basics - Hardware - Software - Parts
Short Stories for Kids - Moral Stories – English Short Stories for Children - Moral Stories for Kids - Stories for Kids - Funny Story for Kids - Scary Stories for Kids - Really Funny Short Stories - Bedtime Stories
Proverb Stories
Powerful Motivational Quotes for Students » Success Quotes » English Short Stories for Kids
Cabin Crew Jobs & Career Advice » Secretary Job Description » Receptionist Job Description » Top 100 Interview Questions and Answers » How to Prepare for an Interview » How to Write a CV » How to Choose a Career » Computer Shortcut Keys and their Functions
Scholarships in Australia » Scholarships in Austria » Scholarships in Belgium » Scholarships in Canada » Scholarships in Germany » Scholarships in Ireland » Scholarships in Italy » Scholarships in Korea » Scholarships in Netherlands » Scholarships in Switzerland » Scholarships in UK » Scholarships in USA
Scholarships for Study in Africa » Scholarships for African Students » Undergraduate Scholarships » African Women Scholarships & Grants Scholarships for Study in Africa »
Click here to post comments
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Computer Basics FAQ.
