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Introduction to Computer Systems

A computer is an electronic device or a machine that is used to manipulate, process, store and transmit the data to the other computes. A computer system consists of the software, hardware, peripheral devices and the operating system to operate it.  Today’s computer system posses multiple powerful features such as multitasking, multiprocessing, networking, internet access, distributed computing, multimedia, games, entertainment, wireless communications, RAID and many others.

• Types of Computer Systems

1. Entry Level Systems

Entry level computers are the most common type of the computers that are basically used in homes.  These systems are powerful enough to run the common software applications, access internet, play games, watch CDs/DVDs and perform the normal computing tasks.

2. Gaming Systems

Gaming computers are specialized computers that are used for playing the games through CD/DVD or internet.  Gaming systems normally require more physical memory, high quality video adapter and sound card, high resolution screen and more processing speed.

3. Business Class Systems

Business class computers come with exceptions processing speed and physical memory that is used by the business applications and distributed applications.

4. Workstations and Servers

Workstations and servers are usually used in the offices.  Server computers have different software and hardware requirements.

5. Laptops

Laptops computes provide the portability, mobility and other features and they are widely used by the businessmen, students, researchers, travelers and help desk support executives.

• Operating Systems

There are different types of the operating systems. The common operating systems Microsoft’s suite of operating system, which includes Windows 98, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Professional, Windows 2000 Server, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista and Windows ME etc.  The other operating systems are MS-DOS, Linux, UNIX, Sun Solaris and IBM OS/2 Warp.

• Computer Components

A computer system consists of different components.  There are two types of computer components software and hardware. Some of the major components include the following.

1. Processor

Process is a heart of the computer.  It is used to process and execute the instructions inside the computer.

2. Hard Disk

Computer hard disk is a storage device that is used to store the data inside the computer.

3. RAM

RAM or Random Access Memory is a physical memory inside a computer that is used to temporarily store the running software.

4. Video Card

Video card or Video adapter is used to display the video signals on the screen.

5. Sound Card

A sound card is used to transfer the input and output audio signals to and from a computer.

6. LAN Card

LAN card is a communication device that is used to communicate the data signals between one computer and another.

7. Peripheral Devices

A Peripheral device is an external device that is attached to a computer to perform the additional tasks.  Common peripheral devices are Printer, scanner, expansion card, keyboard, mouse hub and external modem.

8. Power Supply

Power supply is device that is used to supply the power to the different parts of the computer.