Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Real machines employ a large range of technological tricks to
gain high speed and capability at a relatively low cost. Although this
technology improves performance for many applications, the result
ing computers no longer achieve conceptual simplicity and elegance.
For example, as we will explain in more detail in Chapter 2, the
technology for storing information within a computer usually either
facilitates fast processing or holds large quantities of data—but not
both. Thus, real computers combine technologies for data storage;
this hybrid approach accommodates reasonably large collections of
information, but also has inherent processing delays. Such tradeoffs
are a constant challenge to computer developers, and sometimes
simplicity is sacrificed for the sake of performance.
To further address this basic question of how computers
work, the next questions and answers discuss a conceptual view
of computers by looking at their most simple and basic structure.
Later questions and answers review various technological
additions that have been made to improve the cost and speed of
computers.
What are the main components inside a machine?
Whenever you use a computer, the results you see come from a
collaboration of many behindthescenes pieces. For example, when
you open or save a document, you may hear the whirring sound of
a disk drive used for longterm storage. Other pieces generally are
quiet in their operation, but their contributions are essential in get
ting work done.
The basic operation of a simple computer involves only three
components:
The Central Processing Unit ( CPU ), which directs all opera
tions in the computer and performs the processing steps for
the data
Main memory , which holds the data during most of the
processing
Input/Output ( I/O ) devices, such as keyboards, monitors,
printers, and disks, which allow data to move in and out of
main memory
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search