COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER: We use a computing system basically to feed in some data that is processed by the computer and some information is generated as a result.. For this we need input devices, to feed in some data into a central processing unit (CPU) and the results of the processing are displayed through output devices.. Let us first describe the parts of a personal computer very briefly for those of you who have not had a chance to work with a computer before. The input devices, the CPU, and the output devices that you see in figure form the hardware.

These are the physical parts that you can see and feel. The instructions given to the computer to perform a task are known as a programme. A set of programmes is known as the software of the computing system. Software is usually prepared in advance and stored on magnetic disc and compact disc.

These are then loaded into the computer when somebody is ready to use it. Computers can be large enough to fill up a whole room. These are known as the mainframe computers, forming powerful systems used by large businesses and government departments etc. You will mostly have to deal with smaller computers the micro computers or personal computers (PCs) that can fit on a table or desk and accomplish all the tasks that a mainframe does. Let us first talk about the hardware of computing systems.