Description

PC refers to a small electronic data processing machine meant for individual use. The Computer as a machine and all other equipment associated with it constitute ‘hardware’. The instructions that tell it what to do, known as ‘software’

For building a PC from scratch, you must combine both hardware and software parts. Main hardware components include Processor, Memory Bank, Fixed Disk Drive, CD-ROM, Keyboard, Mouse, etc. All these components centered at a common PCB board called Computer Motherboard. Motherboard contains NB, SB, Super IO chips. Many peripheral devices can be connects to the computer through On-board IO ports.

Users can communicate with these hardware parts only through OS. OS communicates with hardware through firmware programs stored in BIOS ROM. BIOS uses ‘configuration data’ in CMOS RAM. Users can use many application programs running on the specified OS.

‘Computer Installation’ means building a machine (hardware part) and setting it up for use (software part).

‘Computer Networking’ is the technology that has evolved in a surprising way. A network provides an improved communication link among users, ensuring that information is available to users at the right time and the right place.