To be able to formulate instructions for the computer, you first need to understand the component of a computer and how it functions.
One of the most important parts of the computer is the central processing unit or the CPU. The CPU may consist of a single chip or a series of integrated circuits. The CPU interprets and executes program instructions. It is capable of synchronous arithmetic operations such as addition, multiplication, subtraction and division. It is able to locate data from storage devices,
A computer keeps data and applications in two types of storage – primary storage and secondary storage. The primary storage or the random-access memory or RAM, can read and write stored data fast. Although the access speed from RAM modules is fast it is expensive and has no retention of stored data after computer is turned off.
The secondary storage or removable devices offers a less expensive storage device that is capable of data retention. A traditional hard disk is composed of rotating magnetic plates which can detect magnetic flux variations. Recent developments introduced the solid-state storage devices.
A computer may be self-contained or it could be connected to a network. Common home computers are connected to the Internet using a dial-up or broadband connection. Computers used for office work or laboratory purposes are permanently connected to a local area network. Network cables are used to facilitate the transfer of data to and from each terminal. Recent advances in network technology allow the data to transfer using wireless communication.
Peripheral devices are used by the computer to interact with the human user. Keyboards and pointing devices such as a mouse allows data to be entered on the computer. A computer responds to the provided data through a display monitor or a print out on an attached printer.
Different components of the computer are interconnected to each other using a bus. A bus is a collection of electrical connections. The bus serves as the bridge utilized for transferring data throughout the entire system.