How Does A Computer Work

In this post i will explain how a computer works. what are the components and what does each do and how?


Overview 


A computer has many components that work together to produce a picture on your screen, run programs, allow you to type, move the mouse about and surf the Internet, plus much more. 


A computer has many pieces of hardware:

Processor (CPU) - This processes all the information on a computer and tells it where to go, and what to do. 
Hard Drive (HDD) - This stores data for the computer to use when needed. All your files and the operating system are stored here. 

Random Access Memory (RAM) - This is where data is stored whilst the computer is turned on, the operating system and any other programs you open are stored here, and deleted when the computer is turned off. 


Graphics Processor Unit (GPU) - This processes the signals from the HDD, RAM and CPU to make a picture appear on your computer screen. 


Motherboard (MOBO) - All the components fit onto the MOBO and it brings them all together to form a computer. Information travels from component to component through the MOBO. 


What the computer does when turned on:
When the computer is turned on the Operating System is taken from the HDD, processed by the CPU and sent to the RAM for you to use. When you click on a program, the CPU searches the HDD for the program and then processes it and transfers it to RAM. 


File Storage:
Files are stored on the HDD, and when they are open they are stored in the RAM. They are stored in the RAM so that the computer can access them quicker. 


Other Components:
A computer had many other components, Mice, Keyboards, Sound Cards, Speakers, Network Cards, Optical Storage Media and USB Devices. These all provide the computer with inputs and outputs. 




Inputs and Outputs:
An Input is a way that you can give the computer data and control it. 
An Output is how the computer displays information to the user. 
Software: 


The Operating System (OS) - This is a very important part of a computer, it controls programs, transfers data to the correct programs, handles inputs and outputs and gives you the desktop on your computer. 
Programs - There are many different types of programs. For example: Games, Office Programs, Internet Browsers, Educational Programs and many more.