How does a computer work? Explanation for laypersons and professionals
The term computer is used today for many different devices. In this practical tip, we'll tell you exactly how a computer works.
What is a computer anyway?
- According to the definition, all computing units that work on a mechanical, electrical or electronic basis are called computers.
- According to this definition, it can be said that every PC is a computer - but not every computer is a PC.
- Because devices such as smartphones, tablets or vending machines of all kinds can also be called computers.
- These devices can be programmed and processed electronically, which is why they are also called computers.
- We'll tell you exactly how a computer works in the next paragraph.
How does a computer work? - The components
Since a computer is always structured the same way, let's consider the structure of a PC:
- Motherboard: This is the heart of the computer. All important components of the PC are connected and installed on the motherboard. There are also connectors on the motherboard. With the help of small data lines, data is forwarded and processed.
- BIOS: After you turn on the computer, the BIOS starts before the actual system starts. All components and parts are checked in the BIOS. As soon as the test is successfully completed, the actual system is started.
- Processor: The processor can be seen as the brain of any computer. No matter what you do on the computer, it is calculated in the processor. Even if you do not run any programs, the system is executed and calculated in the background.
- Graphics card: omnipresent for gamers, because the graphics card enables optical output. Nowadays the graphics card is already on the motherboard, in this case one speaks of an onboard graphics card. However, an external graphics card is required to run complex games. It consists of a graphics processor and video memory.
- Main memory: The main memory (RAM) is required so that all processes can be carried out on the computer. The main memory has a certain size. If too many actions are carried out at the same time, it can happen that the memory is full. This is noticeable when the computer works slowly.
- Hard disk: All data that you have saved on the PC is on the hard disk. The operating system is also on it. In the meantime, you can differentiate between an SSD, a so-called solid state drive, and an HDD, the so-called hard disk drive. If you have an SSD, you should install the operating system on it so that the computer's startup process is faster. Hard drives also have a certain size and can be full at some point.
How does a computer work? - Easily explained
- Pressing the start button on the computer starts it. The BIOS checks the hardware components and, after a successful check, starts the operating system from the hard disk.
- If you have to enter a password or move the mouse, electronic impulses are forwarded to the motherboard and processed.
- These inputs are forwarded to the processor and calculated. The respective measures are forwarded again with the help of impulses and the respective action is carried out.
- For example, if you wrote a document in Word, you will now see this on your screen. But be careful: So far, the data is only in memory. In the event of a power failure, all data would be gone.
- You should therefore save the document on your hard disk so that you can access it later.
In the next practical tip we will show you how you can connect two computers.