What is a computer? A computer is an electronic machine which can accept data in certain form, process the data, and give the result of the processing in a specified format as

A computer is an electronic machine which can accept data in certain form, process the data, and give the result of the processing in a specified format as information.

First, data is fed into the computer’s memory. Then, when the program is run, the computer performs a set of instructions and processes the data. Finally, we can see the results (the output on the screen or in printed form.

A computer system consists of two parts: hardware and software. Hardwareis any electronic or mechanical part you can see or touch. Software is a set of instructions, called a program, which tells the computer what to do. There are three basic hardware sections: thecentral processing unit (CPU), main memory andperipherals.

Perhaps the most influential component is the central processing unit. Its function is to execute program instructions and coordinate the activities of all the other units. In a way, it is the “brain” of the computer. The main memory (a collection of RAM chips) holds the instructions and data which are being processed by the CPU. Peripherals are the physical units attached to the computer. They include storage devices and input/output devices.

Storage devices(hard drives, DVD drives or flash drives) provide a permanent storage of both data and programs. Disk drivesare used to read and write data on disks. Input devicesenable data to go into the computer’s memory. The most common input devices are the mouse and the keyboard. Output devices enable us to extract the finished product from the system. For example, the computer shows the output on the monitor or prints the results onto paper by means of a printer.

On the rear panel of the computer there are several ports into which we can plug a wide range of peripherals – a modem, a digital camera, a scanner, etc. they allow communication between the computer and the devices. Modern desktop PCs have USB ports and memory card readers on the front panel.