1.1 Basic Computer Concepts

1.1.1 Hardware

As shown in Figure 1.1, a computer typically includes the following components:

  • a CPU, or central processing unit, which executes the instructions of a program

  • a memory unit, which holds the instructions and data of a program while it is executing

  • a hard disk, used to store programs and data so that they can be loaded into memory and accessed by the CPU

  • a keyboard used for input of data

  • a monitor, used to display output from a program

  • an Ethernet port and wireless networking transceiver for connecting to the Internet or a Local Area Network (LAN)

  • other components (not shown) such as a graphics card and a DVD drive

For example, if you were to go to a computer store in search of the latest personal ...

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