How a Computer Works

How a Computer Works
Here are some basics about how a computer works. First off, a computer is basically a machine that can store information in a useful format. How this is done is by converting information from a series of on and off switches into usable code that the computer can read. This is done by some components of the computer. The large processing part of the computer is called the mother board. This is where the CPU chip is stored. The CPU is the central processing unit and it acts like the brain of the computer. That means that it directs the functions of the computer. The information can then be stored in the hard drive which is a series of metallic disks that store magnetic information. Information can also be stored in the RAM which uses a series of magnetic charges to store information. External storage devices can also be purchased to add additional storage or to backup the system. The RAM is only a temporary memory because once the power to the RAM is lost, the information is lost. The amount of RAM that a computer has will determine how fast it will operate. Current computers come with 2 to 4 GB of Ram. Computers can also have multiple CPU’s that are stacked on top of each other for faster operation.
What happens when a computer is turned on is that it goes through a BIOS process where the first instructions are sent to the CPU. This is what takes the computer time to get running. The system must identify, test, and basically let the computer know which devices that it needs to get up and running. The amount of time that this process takes depends on how many software operations you have running on your computer or how many networked computers are using them. This is the booting up process and it can take anywhere from 30 seconds to 20 minutes depending on your computer speed and age.
Each computer has its own operating system. Operating systems have changed over time and a computer owner will need to upgrade their system to be compatible with new and ever changing software and programs.