HARDWARE

Components of Computer Hardware Central Processing Unit Input Devices Output Devices Primary Storage Secondary Storage Communication Devices.

INPUT DEVICES OUTPUT DEVICES accept data and instructions and convert them to a form that the computer can understand OUTPUT DEVICES present data in a form people can understand

CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT manipulates the data and controls the tasks done by the other components. COMMUNICATION DEVICES provide for the flow of data from external computer networks (e.g., Internet, intranets) to the CPU, and from the CPU to computer networks.

STORAGE DEVICES The primary storage (internal storage) temporarily stores data and program instructions during processing. It also stores intermediate results of the processing. The secondary storage (external) stores data and programs for future use.

Components of Computer Hardware

Hardware Generations

TYPES OF COMPUTERS based on Processing Capabilities Supercomputers Mainframes Midrange computers (Minicomputers & Servers) Microcomputers Mobile Devices

SUPERCOMPUTERS computers with the most processing power used for scientific and military work especially valuable for large simulation models of real-world phenomena, where complex mathematical representations and calculations are required, or for image creation and processing. e.g. modeling the weather for better weather prediction; testing weapons nondestructively; designing of aircraft; making sequences in motion pictures

MAINFRAMES are not as powerful and generally not as expensive as supercomputers used by large corporations, where data processing is centralized and large databases are maintained also allows large and complex information to be shared throughout the organization.

MIDRANGE COMPUTERS Minicomputers are smaller and less expensive than mainframe computers. Minicomputers are usually designed to accomplish specific tasks such as process control, scientific research, and engineering applications. Servers typically support computer networks, enabling users to share files, software, peripheral devices, and other network resources.

MICROCOMPUTERS also called personal computers (PCs) are the smallest and least expensive category of general-purpose computers. Notebook computers are small, easily transportable, lightweight microcomputers that fit easily into a briefcase.

MOBILE DEVICES Platforms for computing and communications include such mobile devices as personal digital assistants (PDAs) or handheld personal computers. Another platform is mobile phone handsets with wireless and Internet access capabilities. Usually, such devices would use a micro version of a desktop operating system, such as Pocket PC, Symbian, or Palm OS.