Business Computing- Hardware

Question: Describe about the Business Computing? Answer: Introduction Hardware is the term used to refer to the physical components of the computer units. Hardware includes the system unit (the box) and the peripherals devices external to the system unit. The System Unit The system unit contains several components including: 1. Microprocessor2. Read only memory (ROM)3. Random access memory (RAM) Microprocessor This converts data into information. ROM Read only memory contains information put there by the manufacturer. This information cannot be changed by the user. The information includes instructions to the computer on how to start up and how to interact with the keyboard. RAM Random access memory contains the programs and data that the computer is using when processing. This memory is completely emptied when the computer is switched off. Cache Cache is a very fast form of RAM which is holds a copy of the most frequently used data. Devices outside the system box Input devices These include keyboard and mouse Keyboard This allows the manual input of data and the control of the application software converting that data into information. Mouse This is a pointing device which allows the user to click on points on the monitor screen to command an application to do something with data or information. Output devices Output devices convert the information in the computer into a form that a human can read or hear. They include the monitor and the printer. Monitor The monitor used to take up a large part of the desk and was very heavy. LCD monitors are much lighter and thinner. Printer There are many types of printer. The most popular types of printer are the ink jet printer and the laser printer. Ink Jet printer The ink jet printer sprays a fine jet of ink at the paper. This is why printed material from this type of printer looks wet when it leaves the printer and may smudge if touched. Jets of several colours may be used to print text as well as coloured pictures. Printed material from this type of printer runs if wetted. Laser printer The ink jet printer uses the same technology as a photocopier. The laser charges parts of the paper and attract fine particles of toner to these charged areas. A heated roller fixes the toner in position. This is why photocopied paper feels warm. Printed material from this type of printer does not run if wetted.