A computer is an electronic device which is capable of receiving information.docx – 0 1. A computer is an electronic device which is capable of | Course Hero

1.

A computer is

an electronic device which is capable of receiving information (data) in

a particular form and of performing a sequence of operations in accordance with a

predetermined but variable set of procedural instructions (program) to produce a result in

the form of information or signals. The computer consists of hardware components such

as the;

Motherboard

– the “body” or mainframe of the computer, through which all other

components interface.

Central processing unit (CPU)

– performs most of the calculations which enable a

computer to function, sometimes referred to as the “backbone or brain” of the computer.

Internal storage

– this includes the hard-disk, Solid-state drive. It is a hardware that keeps

data inside the computer for later use and remains persistent even when the computer has

no power.

Computer fan

–

Used to lower the temperature of the computer; a fan is almost always

attached to the CPU.

Video display controller

–

it produces the output for the visual display unit. This will

either be built into the motherboard or attached in its own separate slot, in the form of a

Graphics Card.

The computer system also consists of software components which includes;

Programs

– a collection of instructions that performs a specific task when executed by a

computer. A computer requires programs in order to function.

System utilities

–

these are system software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize

or maintain a computer.

Operating system

– is a system software that manages computer hardware and software

resources and provides common services for computer programs.

b.

Data and information are interrelated. Data usually refers to raw data, or unprocessed

data. It is the basic form of data, data that hasn’t been analyzed or processed in any

manner. Once the data is analyzed, it is considered as information. Information is

“knowledge communicated or received concerning a particular fact or circumstance.”

Information is a sequence of symbols that can be interpreted as a message. It provides

knowledge or insight about a certain matter.

1