Hardware Components of a Computer

Hardware Components of a Computer

  • Submitted By: smendi
  • Date Submitted: 02/27/2010 4:48 PM
  • Category: Technology
  • Words: 499
  • Page: 2
  • Views: 621

Hardware Components of a Computer
Hard disks are used inside computers as permanent memory. Documents can be saved to the hard disk and retrieved later. The hard disk is a rewriteable memory space. Since the documents are part of the computer’s hard disk memory, documents can be reviewed and edited at anytime. This is a benefit not only to businesses but for personal use as well. Hard disk space is limited; however, the cost per GB is very inexpensive. This space intended for smaller Microsoft Office type documents.
Floppy disks were originally used to distribute software. The floppy disk drive was also the primary means to transferring documents onto a computer prior to the CD-ROM. The floppy disk is no longer used on many computers, but can be used to back up data. There are still electrical devices that use floppy style disks. There are certain manufactures of digital cameras that still use floppy disk.
Random access memory is used internally inall computers. Random access memory is temporary memory that can hold instructions and data. The primary function of RAM is to perform instructions of software programs. Once the power had been turned off, all data that was in the RAM chip has been deleted. The RAM chip is very volatile to power surges. In the case of a power surge, documents and programs that were currently running can be lost.
A series of electronic pulses produced at a predetermined rate that affect machine cycle time. The control unit executes an instruction in accordance with the electronic cycle, or pulses of the CPU "clock." Each instruction takes at least the same amount of time as the interval between pulses. The shorter the interval between pulses, the faster each instruction can be executed. Clock speed is often measured in megahertz (MHz), or millions of cycles per second.
The hard disk is a magnetic medium where permanent data is stored. The data stored on hard disks can be written erased and rewritten. Accessing saved...

Similar Essays