INSIDE THE COMPUTER-HOW IT WORKS

Title of Article: How PCs Work
Author : Jeff Tyson
URL : http://computer.howstuffworks.com/pc.htm


Abstract:

Personal Computer (PC) is a small, inexpensive computer whose central processing unit is a microprocessor. It is designed for an individual user, and popularly use at home for playing games. Businesses use personal computers for word processing, accounting, and desktop publishing, running spreadsheet and database management applications.

The author discussed the main and other internal components of a personal computer. Although personal computers are designed as single systems, ways on how to connect it to the outside world to form a network was included. The article also touches topics on powering up, operating system and future of personal computers.

Three things I learned from my reading assignments:

1. Learned that central processing unit (CPU), Memory (RAM random access memory, ROM read only memory, BIOS basic input/output system, Caching and Virtual memory) are the main components of PC.

2. Knew other internal components like the motherboard, power supply, hard disk, operating system, Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) Controller, peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus, SCSI small computer system interface, AGP accelerated graphics port, sound card, and graphic card.

3. Understand how computers connect to the outside world in three different ways: Input/Output, Ports, and Internet/Network.

Implications on me and my work:

Computers are the most important partner of librarians nowadays. I found this equipment very useful especially that I am working alone. Having this in the library and with CDS-ISIS database installed in it relieved me so much from making all the book and periodical card indexes. It saves so much time, but still cannot replace a librarian.