Personal computer components, functions, and system architecture

Personal computer is a small computational device that relies in a microprocessor to manage the coordination of system software, inputs, outputs, application software and increasingly, integration to the Internet. Personal computers have progressed from large, desktop systems to increasingly thin and light laptop computers which can connect to the Internet through WiFi connections through 802.11 3G support (Malykhina 45). Forrester Research, a consultancy that specializes in tracking laptop purchasing trends, predicts that there will be a 30% increase in ultralight laptop demand. The basic components of the personal computer have been augmented to support the increased mobility and security of users as the Internet has become pervasive (Mossberg 1).

What Does a Personal Computer Do?

A personal computer runs software application programs that enable them to be used in a wide variety from contexts. From writing, to analyzing data using spreadsheets, to designing graphics, playing games, communicating and collaborating over the Internet including writing websites and blogs, personal computers have become the most commonly used device in many peoples' lives. What's made the personal computer such an important part of many peoples' lives globally is the ability of these devices to provide support both for individual tasks that rely on application programs, or more distributed and networked tasks that are completed either over networks or over the Internet. It can be used for games, video production, music composition, graphic design or a literally thousands of other uses, all constrained only by the software applications available for the specific personal computer model and operating system.

What Are the Six Primary Components of a Computer?

The six primary components of the computer are the input, output, processor, secondary storage, memory and software. Input devices include keyboards, mice, all forms of scanners including optical character recognition (OCR) and in older PCs, support for floppy diskettes. The input devices are required for sending data and instructions to the Central processing Unit (CPU) which is where the microprocessor of the system is located. Output devices include the monitor or screen, support for printing, and support for saving the output of applications to other forms of electronic media.

What Are Some Examples of Input and Output Devices?

Examples of input devices include keyboards, mice, voice-response systems for the handicapped, touch-screen systems and scanning devices for reading Optical Character Recognition (OCR) data. Output devices are often based on technologies that produce hard-copy output including printing and plotting techniques, including inkjet and laser printing technologies. Output devices can also be based on visualization technologies including LED and plasma screens, in addition to the previous-generation Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) technologies as well. Output devices can also be entirely electronic, as is increasingly being the case with the ability to produce Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) for use directly on the Internet.

What is System Software?

This is the component of any personal computer that is also considered the operating system. System software acts as the coordination point between the microprocessor or CPU and all the other components that comprise the personal computer. Systems software pays one of the most vital roles in a computer because it makes it possible for users to get tasks accomplished in their applications

What is Application Software?

These are the software programs or applications that enable personal computer users to complete specific tasks and activities, from producing documents using Microsoft Word to creating presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint. Application software can also be used for creating entire movies online, as Microsoft makes available with their Moviemaker application. There are also literally thousands of applications available for playing games, creating new software, and also developing websites for use over the Internet. The Microsoft Office Suite is one of the best-known application software programs.

Describe What a Graphical User Interface is?

The graphical user interface is how the operation system or system software organizes the various utilities and functions so that they can be easily accessed from the personal computer's input devices. Personal computers rely on their monitors to show the applications in easily and intuitively designed forms so they are easily navigable and usable. The graphical user interface is used for taking the inherent complexity of both systems software or operating systems and application software and making them usable by those working on the personal computer to get tasks done or for entertainment.

Describe How Windows Explorer Uses a Hierarchical Format to Organize Files and Folders.

Organizing the files of Microsoft Windows into a hierarchical format is part of the File Allocation Table (FAT) file system which gives users the flexibilities of defining how they want to organize the files they store on a personal computer. These hierarchical formats are definable by users and often are designed to make as efficient as possible the searching for files and programs. The use of the hierarchical format was called File Manager in the Microsoft Windows 3.X environment and has been continually upgraded and added to each operating system, both offered from Microsoft and others.