An Explanation of Computers. What are they? What parts make them?

 A computer is a device that receives data through input, processes that data, and then produces information from that data as output. The earliest computers were developed before humans had homes with electricity, and their purposes vary as widely as the forms they can take. 

Computers can be generally classified as either general-purpose or special-purpose devices.

General-Purpose Computers:

These are what we typically think of when we see laptops and desktops. They are computers that can perform a multitude of general tasks and include the following devices:

1. Laptops

2. Desktops

3. Tablets

4. Smartphones

Special-Purpose Computers

These computers are devices that are designed with a special task in mind and include the following devices and more:

1. Digital Cameras

2. Thermastats

3. ATM's

4. Calculators

Parts of computers vary between general-purpose and special-purpose computers. This post will only cover the parts of general-purpose computers and their functions.

1. Computer Case: The exterior cover of a computer. Basically, the outer shell. It is used to protect the interior components from damage.

2. Motherboard: The main board of the computer that connects all components of the PC together and transfers power to them. The motherboard comes in the following sizes. ATX, Micro ATX, Mini ATX. There are also smaller single-board options such as the Orange Pi and Raspberry Pi that provide an entire computer built into a single board.

3. CPU(Central Processing Unit): the brain of the computer. This part is the part that receives input and processes that input into usable output. The most recent CPUU's are capable of multitasking and can even include a significantly powerful integrated graphics experience, thus eliminating the need for a dedicated GPU(mentioned in the next section).

4. GPU(Graphics Processing Unit): Sometimes called the graphics card, this component is used for graphics and geometric processing. This component is important for intensive graphical tasks like gaming, bitcoin mining, and video editing. It can also be considered a computer within the computer, for it has its own RAM called VRAM.

5. RAM(Random Access Memory): Used as temporary storage for data in use. It can be classified into the following categories: DRAM, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, DDR5, EMC, and VRAM. The more RAM a PC has, the better. Today, it is best to have a minimum of 16 GB of RAM and a Dedicated Graphics card with at least 4GB of VRAM.

6. Mass Storage (HDD and SSD): Mass storage is storage that is used to retain data for long periods of time. Unlike RAM, which deletes data after the power is turned off on the PC, mass storage can retain data even when the power is turned off. Typically, it can be divided into two types. Hard Disk Drives(HDD) and Solid State Drives(SSD). The faster of the two is the SSD because it does not rely on any moving parts, thus making it easier to retrieve, process, and edit the data. HDD use moving parts and require a bit more time depending on the RPM rate of the drive.

7. Power Supply: This device provides power to the PC and can be external or internal. Internal power supplies are typically seen only on Tower PCs and Desktops. Laptops and the like often have internal batteries and thus only require an external power supply to recharge their batteries.

8. Expansion Boards: These boards are added to a computer to add additional functionality such as networking, sound, and even thermal monitoring.

Further discussions on this topic can be found at your local library and in various textbooks. I encourage you all to start reading more. You may learn something.