There is a wide range of programming languages to suit different types of task examples include Basic, C, Assembler, Pascal, C++, Visual Basic and Java. These allow developers to write new software programs. Operating systems are very important in the story of the PC and we shall return to them later. Examples of operating systems include DOS, Windows, UNIX and the Macintosh OS. It is the first thing you see when your computer starts up, and it allows you to tell the computer what it is you want to do.
The operating system, or OS, is the means by which both other programs and the user interact with the computer. These communicate with the hardware of the machine, and act as the basis on which other software programs can be run. Software can be divided into three basic categories: For instance, word processing software tells the computer to display the letter ‘a’ on the monitor when you press the ‘a’ key on your keyboard. A programming language is used to express the instructions which tell the computer what to do in response to a certain action. Software can be written in a variety of programming languages. Separate hardware items that are added onto the basic computer unit, such as the monitor, modem, printer, keyboard, etc., are often called peripherals. Hardware includes components such as the microprocessor, hard disk drive, memory chip, graphics card and so forth. You might like to think of the hardware as a car, and the software as the driver and the fuel it requires before it can be driven. Therefore, in this module, when I refer to ‘technology’ I mean both hardware and software, since the computer requires both to be a functional machine.
The computer also requires programs just to look after itself and to manage all its components. For you to produce your annual budget, write your great novel or draw your birthday party invitations you need programs which will make the computer do things. But the hardware is just an expensive doorstop without something to make it work.
These, along with all of the components inside the computer box, are the physical parts of the computer - the hardware. When you think of a computer you probably think of the dull-looking box sitting on top of, or underneath, your desk, plus the monitor, keyboard and mouse.
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