Computer functions. Main computer devices and their functions

Using a computer becomes familiar to a modern person. At the same time, not every PC owner thinks about exactly what functions the corresponding computing device performs. Few users know what the specific hardware components of a computer are. What are the functions of the PC? What hardware components are included in the structure of personal computing systems?

Key functions of computers

What features of the computer can be identified as key? There are a large number of approaches to their definition. In the environment of Russian IT experts, a scheme is widespread, according to which the functions of the computer are presented in the following list:

• data processing;
• data storage;
• Moving information;
• File management.

It can be noted that these functions are typical for all types of computers. The modern classification of computing devices suggests that there are many varieties of them. There are user PCs, there are industrial computers, as well as those that are part of the structure of means of transport. Of course, each type of PC will have specific functions.

In the case of custom computers, this can be, for example, processing graphics, text or sound. The functions of the onboard computer of a military aircraft are the control of a flying machine, the maintenance of the operability of its mechanisms. The corresponding specificity of industrial computing devices will be associated with the need to accurately perform specified production operations.

Let us consider in more detail the specifics of each of the above general functions for all computers.

Functions of computer systems: information processing

Data processing by the computer system involves various procedures performed at the level of the hardware components of the computer. Their implementation is usually accompanied by a significant result for the user: if we talk about a PC, it can be creating a document or making adjustments to an existing one, displaying some information on the screen, or entering the PC into a dialogue with the user through queries. The owner of the computer, thus, uses the function of processing information on a PC when creating, editing and reproducing files.

Data storage

The main functions of the computer also include data storage. If we talk about the PC, we plan to place them in the form of files and folders on special media for the purpose of subsequent use. Storage of information is carried out on the basis of system principles: it facilitates the subsequent finding of the necessary data. Files located on the computer can be user-owned by the owner, or system, which the PC itself creates and uses.

Moving Information

The function of the computer can be interpreted in different ways. First of all, by moving information, if we talk about a PC, we can understand the process by which a file is copied from one medium to another (or changes its location relative to a certain directory in the file system). Another interpretation of this process assumes that information is transferred between different computers: using mobile media (CDs, flash drives, etc.) or via the Internet or over a local network.

Manage files

This function complements each of the three above. The management of files is carried out both at the stage of processing information, while ensuring the safety of data or in the process of moving them. The function in question can be implemented as automatically - the computer in this case independently determines the necessary algorithms, and with the direct participation of the user.

Having studied the key functions of the computer as a user tool, we will consider the features of its component hardware components. In this case, it will be about personal computing devices related to the so-called IBM-architecture, the most common in the world.

Hardware components of PC

Modern PCs are computer systems consisting of several devices. Technologically, each of them performs an independent function, however, it can not work separately from others - with practical benefit to the PC owner. What components are present in the structure of modern computers? Among them are:

• A system unit (in which, in turn, are located: processor, motherboard, RAM, hard disk, video and audio cards, network devices, disk drives);
• monitor;
• Controls (keyboard, mouse and their analogs);
• Accessories (printers, scanners, etc.).

Depending on the configuration of the PC, these components can be separate devices or form a single hardware platform. In the first case, the computer will be of the "desktop" type, that is, it is supposed to have its optimal location on the table without moving from one place to another frequently. In the second - the PC will, most likely, be designed in the form of a laptop. There is an intermediate version of PC assembly - in the form of a "monoblock". It combines almost all of the marked hardware components, except the controls - they are connected to the computer separately.

These are the main devices of the computer. Their functions will also be useful, and this is our next task.

Functions of PC components: processor

The processor is the main computing chip of the computer. As a rule, this is the most high-tech and expensive PC component. Processors for computers are issued literally by several companies in the world. More than 90% of the world market is occupied by two companies - Intel and AMD. The main indicator of the performance of this component of the PC is the frequency of operations. It is measured usually in gigahertz, or GHz. The higher the frequency, the faster the chip performs the necessary calculations.

Also a significant indicator of processor performance is the number of cores. The more of them, the more powerful the corresponding hardware component. What are the key functions of the computer processor? We can say that they, in general, coincide with those that the PC performs as a whole: processing, moving, storing, data, managing files. Thus, we can trace the importance of the processor on every part of the computer.

Motherboard

The motherboard is the largest PC chip. It is responsible for the integration of various hardware components of the computer. It hosts the processor, hard drive, RAM, audio and video cards, network adapters. In its same structure - the main connectors, which are connected to external PC accessories. The motherboard, as well as the processor, has an exponent of speed, expressed in frequency. As a rule, the corresponding parameter for this type of hardware components, assumes the figures are more modest than for the processors, and it is fixed not in gigahertz, but in megahertz. But there are exceptions. There are high-performance motherboards that operate at a frequency expressed just in gigahertz.

RAM

RAM PC, or RAM, is a set of chips in which the temporary placement of digital data in the course of computing processes. The corresponding resource, as a rule, involves the processor. Other important functions of computer memory are to facilitate the rapid exchange of data between computers, as well as the creation of a special hardware environment for downloading programs. This or that kind of software can be launched only if there is free RAM in the PC.

The main indicator of the performance of RAM is the volume. The larger it is, the more massive arrays of information can be placed in the RAM. Another performance indicator of the corresponding hardware component, as in the case of a processor or motherboard, is the frequency. The higher it is, the faster memory functions. Another important indicator of RAM performance is throughput. It reflects how much of the files can be processed in the chip within a set period of time. The more it is, the more the corresponding hardware component works faster. The throughput of RAM, as well as of other devices for which this characteristic is inherent, is expressed in megabits per second, and for high-performance models - in gigabits per second. The term "bandwidth" has a number of synonyms - for example, "channel speed" (or "bus", "slot", "port").

It can be noted that the processor, motherboard and RAM are devices that are largely responsible for how quickly the PC will run and how well the basic functions of the computer will be performed. If the performance indicators of the corresponding hardware components are low, then it is difficult to achieve an increase in the speed of the PC due to other devices included in its structure. However, they and their properties are also important in terms of implementing the necessary PC functions. Let's consider the specifics of these components.

HDD

A hard disk is a device designed for permanent placement of files. Thus, it is a key component in terms of such a computer function as data storage. On hard drives, information is placed on the principles defined in the file system used by the PC.

The main performance indicator of the hardware component under consideration is the volume. The larger it is, the more significant will be the size of the array of files that can be placed on the hard disk. Another important indicator of the performance of this component - as in the case of RAM, is the bandwidth. The higher it is, the faster the data is written and read from the hard disk, which directly affects the speed of the computer.

Video card and monitor

If we recall what functions are performed by a computer belonging to the category of personal computing devices, then the first associations in us are likely to arise with graphics processing. The PC is used as a tool for creating and editing images, video, pictures from computer games and solving many other similar tasks. The key hardware components responsible for the successful implementation of the PC of the corresponding function are a video card and a monitor. The second device is responsible for visual output of information in a form understandable to the user. The main characteristics of the monitor are diagonal and resolution. Regarding the first parameter - it all depends on the subjective preferences of the user. The resolution of the monitor, in turn, should be sufficiently high that the graphics should be qualitative and clear.

The video card is responsible for processing graphics and outputting it to the monitor. This device is located, as a rule, on the motherboard. But in some PC models, most often in laptops, the corresponding microcircuit is integrated with the processor, that is, it is its component hardware component. The main characteristic of the video card is its throughput. The higher it is, the more amount of graphics data the corresponding hardware component can handle. Another important characteristic of the video card is the amount of memory built into it.

Audio Card

The functions of a personal computer also often include sound processing. The key hardware component responsible for solving similar problems is the audio card. It is placed mainly on the motherboard as a separate device. But there are audio cards that are built into the largest PC chip. The main performance characteristics of the corresponding hardware component - the signal power, as well as the sampling frequency. The first parameter is measured in decibels, or dB, the second - most often in kilohertz, or kHz. The higher both characteristics - the better the sound that will be played by the computer.

Network devices

Most modern computers work in networks - as for home PCs, then basically they are supposed to connect to the Internet. Corporate PCs, as well as some home PCs, of course, can also form a local network.

Connection of the computer with other computing devices is carried out with the help of the appropriate hardware components. Most often, this is a network adapter - a microcircuit placed on the motherboard or, as in the case of an audio card, sometimes built into it. It can be connected to a wire coming from an Internet provider, and thus provides access to a computer on the Internet.

Many modern network adapters can work without a wire - via Wi-Fi technology. In this case, the computer first connects to the wireless router, or router, to which, in turn, the cable from the provider can be routed .

There are so-called mobile modems - devices that, when connected to a PC more often through one of the motherboard ports, are able to output a computer to the Internet through a cellular operator's network. That is, inside of them is a SIM-card, and its owner before forms in the office of the operator a special tariff for using the Internet.

The main characteristic of all network devices is throughput. The higher it is, the faster, for example, downloads files from the Internet.

PC management tools: keyboard and mouse

The most probably the main PC management tool is the keyboard. The practical use of a computing device without it is extremely difficult. The main functions of the computer keyboard: entering text data, as well as providing user interaction with the PC through sending special signals to the computer system with the help of individual keys or their combinations. This device is connected most often to one of the ports on the motherboard. But there are also wireless accessories of the appropriate type. The specific functions of the keyboard keys of the computer can be programmed by the user, although there are a number of international standards that device manufacturers, as well as computer enthusiasts , in general, try to adhere to.

In most cases, the keyboard of the PC is complemented by another accessory - the mouse. It is designed to facilitate the use of computer resources by the user and speed up the solution of certain tasks. The mouse in many respects duplicates functions of the keyboard of the computer - so, by means of corresponding movements it is possible to give the PC those or other commands. As well as vice versa: a number of specific tasks performed by the mouse (for example, managing the game character in the game) can be performed using the keyboard.

We studied the key components of the computer and their functions. But there are a lot of accessories that supplement the basic hardware components of the PC. Consider the specifics of the most common - printers and scanners. They are purchased by many users simultaneously with the purchase of a computer.

PC accessories: printers and scanners

Despite the fact that the data devices of the computer and their functions are different, they are often considered in one context. This is understandable: printers print information from a PC on paper, scanners - on the contrary, enter it into the computer, turning from paper to digital form. There are hardware components that combine the functions of printers and scanners, multifunctional devices, or MFPs. As a rule, they also have the function of a copier.

This is the specificity of the functioning of modern personal computing devices. In modern schools, they are often studied by children of the earliest ages. Many modern teachers believe that the optimal age category of a child who must know the key functions of the computer is grade 3. Informatics is positioned in many modern schools as the most important subject that must be mastered by children.