Computers 101

Understanding Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

The part of a computer that executes all
arithmetic and logical operations. The
ALU is one element of the Central
Processing Unit (CPU).

Understanding Computer

A programmable device that:

(1) Responds to a specific set of instructions
in a clear-cut manner.

(2) Executes a prepared list of instructions
(also called a program).

Modern computers are electronic plus digital.
The physical equipment--wires, transistors, and
circuits--is called hardware. The instructions
and data are called software.

Hardware Elements Found
In General-Purpose Computers

(1) Memory: Allows a computer to temporarily
retain data and programs.

(2) Mass Storage Device: Enables a computer
to permanently keep large amounts of data.

(3) Input Device: The channel through which
data and instructions enter a computer.
Usually constituted by a keyboard and mouse.

(4) Output Device: A display screen, printer,
or other device that enables a computer to
show what it has achieved.

(5) Central Processing Unit (CPU):
The brains of a computer. It interprets
and performs program instruction and also
coordinates the interaction of input, output,
and storage devices.

General Classification Of Computers
By Increasing Size And Power

Personal Computer: A computer used by
an individual at home, in the office, or on
the road. Also known as a microcomputer.

Workstation: A high-performance computer
with breakthrough graphics capabilities designed
for utilization by scientists and engineers.

Minicomputer: A midsize computer, sized
between a workstation (or microcomputer)
and a mainframe.

Mainframe: Generally the largest, fastest, and
most dear kind of computer, usually commanding
millions of dollars and requiring special cooling.
Mainframe computers can serve hundreds of
simultaneous users and normally are run around
the clock; typically they are possessed by
large companies.

Supercomputer: The fastest, biggest and most
expensive of the mainframe class of computers,
usually used for intricate scientific calculations.

General Classification Of Computers
By Increasing Size And Power

Personal Computer: A small, single user
computer based on a microprocessor.

Workstation: An able, single user computer.
A workstation is like a personal computer, but it
has a more powerful microprocessor and a
higher quality monitor.

Minicomputer: A multiuser computer capable of
supporting from ten to hundreds of
users simultaneously.

Mainframe: A powerful multiuser computer capable
of supporting many hundreds or thousands of
users simultaneously.

Supercomputer: An extremely fast computer that can
perform hundreds of millions of instructions per second.

Computers: Understanding Arithmetic Logic Unit

A computing term that refers to a
digital circuit capable of executing
arithmetic and logical operations.
The ALU is a basic element of the
central processing unit of a computer,
and even the simplest microprocessors
carry one (for functions such as contro-
lling timers). The processors found
inside modern CPUs and GPUs contain
capable and complex ALUs; a single compo-
nent may have several ALUs.

(1.0) Microprocessor

(1.0.1) Central Processing Unit

(1.0.2) Arithmetic Logic Unit

Computers: Understanding Digital Circuit

A device that uses digital signals.
A digital circuit is a representation
of Boolean algebra. It's utilized in
products such as computers and cell
phones, and often produced from large
groups of logic gates.

Computers: Understanding Arithmetic

A branch of mathematics used for tasks
like simple counting and advanced calculation.
It mostly refers to the noting of the basic
properties of certain operations on numbers.

Computers: Understanding Logic

The examination of the principles and criteria
of valid inference and demonstration.

Computers: Understanding Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Also called Processor.

The part in a digital computer capable of executing
a program. It interprets commands in the computer
program and processes data accordingly. A CPU
that's made as a single integrated circuit
is usually known as a microprocessor.

Computers: Understanding Microprocessor

A programmable digital electronic component
that includes the functions of a central processing
unit (CPU) on a single semiconducting integrated
circuit (IC).

(1.0) Integrated Circuit

(1.0.1) Microprocessor

(1.0.2) Central Processing Unit

(1.0.3) Arithmetic Logic Unit

Computers: Understanding Graphics Processing Unit

Alternatively called Visual Processing Unit (VPU)

A dedicated graphics rendering agent for
a personal computer, workstation,
or game console. A GPU can rest on
top of a video card, or it can be
incorporated directly into the
motherboard in most desktop and
notebook computers. Modern GPUs
are very efficient at manipulating
and displaying computer graphics.

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