A computer is an electronic machine that is able to execute basic mathematical or logical instructions automatically. Modern computers are able to do generalized sets of instructions called programs. These programs allow computers to do a wide assortment of activities. Computers play an important role in our everyday lives. They are used for office work, instruction and learning purposes, manufacturing and financial processes, transportation, communication and image manipulation. In fact, computers have even influenced many industries to the extent that there are now specific systems that run specific industries.
Parts of Computer
There are two main types of hardware that we use in a computer: hardware and software. The hardware part consists of the CPU (instruction processor) and the memory (storage). The software portion of a computer consists of various programs and devices which allow it to process information and carry out instructions. We will discuss the main types of software that we use in computers.
CPU
The most widely used type of software in computers is the central processing unit, better known as the CPU. A CPU has several different types of chips that run different types of instructions. The computer’s operating system uses the CPU to manage the operation of the computer. The operating system also uses the different types of chips found in the CPU such as the random access memory (RAM), main memory, read-only memory (ROM), sector storage capacity, random access memory (RAMD), embedded control logic units, field bus controllers, graphics processing units, and client interface devices.
I/O Devices
Input devices refer to any things that a computer user interacts with in his PC. Computer input devices include the keyboard, mouse, pointing devices, gamepad, digital cameras, video gamepad, audio input devices, and scanners. Output devices refer to any things that a computer processes in order to produce an end result. Output devices include printers, monitors, CD/DVD drives, hard drives, and other media players. Network connections are important for computers used for communication purposes.
Virtual Computers
A virtual machine refers to an electronic device that runs on a computer in much the same way as a full-fledged personal computer does. The hardware is divided into a memory unit, fixed device, and context unit. The fixed device contains programs or applications and the context unit controls and coordinates the activities of the virtual device.
Personal computers, also called desktop computers, work on a single operating system. The current operating system in Windows is XP. Other operating systems such as Microsoft Window Vista are also available. A virtual PC is made up of hardware and software that run on the same operating system. These virtual PCs can be easily booting up and running a variety of programs that are needed for daily personal functions.
Advantages of PC
One of the best advantages of having a virtual PC is its mobility. As opposed to desktop computers, these PCs are mobile. They can easily be moved from one place to another without the need to reinstall the whole OS. They can be taken along on vacations, or taken with you when you travel to another location to work. With these kinds of PCs, there is no need to have a slow or frozen computer that will cause data processing problems and other such inconveniences. With a laptop, one has to wait a long time for the PC to fully boot up or perform tasks.
In a way, a virtual PC is similar to a personal computer that works in the same manner but is smaller and more portable. There are many advantages to using virtualization, and it is now being used by millions of PCs around the world. From business to entertainment to education and so much more, the use of virtualization has helped computers go beyond their original purpose. These days, we can say that computers are more than just machines that make our lives easier!