Computer Technology

Once you have understood the computer foundations, it becomes to easier to widen your expertise to other areas e.g. programming microcontrollers, using advanced software tools for research and development, computer programming and interfacing, are just a few examples.

In its basic form, a computer is a machine that receives, stores and manipulates and allows communications of information. The computer is made up of electronic components, the majority of components are referred to as Integrated Circuits( ICs). The main IC, that controls the operation of a computer is called the microprocessor e.g. the PENTIUM III 500MHz, which form the ‘brain’ of the machine.

Computers find application in most areas of our lives a few examples are e.g. payroll, or the control of the landing system of an aircraft.

Common phrases in computer technology are HARDWARE, and SOFTWARE. Hardware is everything that makes up the computer system, e.g. the harddrive or the floppy drive or the keyboard etc. Printers and scanners are just two items of hardware that are external to the computer and are known as peripherals. The hardware is controlled or allowed to be used by computer programs( SOFTWARE ). Software are operations that include identifying, accessing and processing of information, a set of instructions. These programs may be pre-programmed into the system of the computer, or the user may need to set-up, or program the use of all hardware.

There are a number of computer languages, that allow the user to control the operation of the computer or other external devices. There are HIGH LEVEL languages, and LOW LEVEL languages, e.g. PASCAL is a high level language, Z80 is low level language.

Computers are desirable because they have in general the following properties Speed. The ability to process information quickly e.g. Stock control, computer games, chess games!. Accuracy. Complicated arithmetic is performed reliably and repeatedly. e.g. Spacetravel. Flexibility There are many applications where the use of the computer provides excellent tool and control e.g. automotive, medicine, multimedia, e-business. More so, there are many computer languages that can be used to program the computer e.g. VISUAL BASIC, PASCAL, C etc . Programming languages can be designed to accommodate the applications e.g. JAVA designed for the internet.