Essential Computer Components and Programming Languages

Posted on Jan 10, 2025 in Computers

Major Components of a Computer

All general-purpose computers require the following hardware components:

  • Central Processing Unit (CPU): The ‘brain’ of the computer, the component that actually executes instructions.
  • Memory: Enables a computer to store, at least temporarily, data and programs.
  • Input Device: Usually a keyboard or mouse, used to read data and programs into the computer.
  • Output Device: A display screen, printer, etc., that lets you see what the computer has accomplished.
  • Mass Storage Device: Allows a computer to permanently store large amounts of data. Common mass storage devices include disk drives, tape drives, and CDs.

What is a High-Level Language?

A high-level language is almost like English, used by human beings for writing programs. These are easier to learn, require less time to write programs, provide better documentation, and are easier to modify.

The main advantage of a high-level language is also portability, i.e., any high-level language program can be used and executed on almost all computers with little or no change.

A program written in a high-level language is also called a source program and cannot be understood by the computer; it has to be translated into a machine-understandable form.

Four Examples of High-Level Languages

  1. BASIC: Stands for Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. It is an easy-to-learn, general-purpose language.
  2. COBOL: Stands for Common Business-Oriented Language. It is used for commercial applications.
  3. FORTRAN: Stands for Formula Translation. It was developed for solving mathematical and scientific problems.
  4. C++: The most popular object-oriented programming language, general-purpose.

What is Machine Language?

It is the lowest level of programming language, in which instructions are represented in the form of binary numbers as ‘0 and 1’. Its execution is very fast and efficient because the computer can accept the machine code as it is. A programmer must keep track of a tremendous amount of detail; it is very tedious and time-consuming.

Fill in the Blanks

  1. The ALU and the CU are jointly known as the CPU.
  2. Input is the process of entering data and programs into the computer system.
  3. Mouse is an electromechanical, handheld device.
  4. The monitor uses a large vacuum tube known as a Cathode Ray Tube.
  5. Software are sets of programs responsible for running a computer.
  6. System Software is a set of programs written to perform specific tasks.
  7. Application Software is a high-level language used for commercial applications.
  8. Dot matrix printers use a ribbon to produce print.
  9. Speakers are the output devices used to listen to voices, music, etc.
  10. A compiler translates programs from a high-level language to machine language.

Define the Term: Operating System

Operating System: An operating system is system software that provides an interface for a user to communicate with the computer, manages hardware devices (disk drives, keyboard, monitor, etc.), manages and maintains disk file systems, and supports application programs. Some popular operating systems are UNIX, Windows, and Linux.

Short Notes on the Recycle Bin

Recycle Bin: When files or folders are deleted from the hard disk, Windows places them in the Recycle Bin, where they can be retrieved until the Recycle Bin is emptied. Files or folders deleted from removable storage media, such as a network drive, are permanently deleted and are not sent to the Recycle Bin.