Computer Basics and Networking

Computer Basic

A computer is a general purpose device that can be programmed to carry out a set of arithmetic or logical operations automatically. Since a sequence of operations can be readily changed, the computer can solve more than one kind of problem.

Conventionally, a computer consists of at least one processing element, typically a central processing unit (CPU), and some form ofmemory. The processing element carries out arithmetic and logic operations, and a sequencing and control unit can change the order of operations in response to stored information. Peripheral devices allow information to be retrieved from an external source, and the result of operations saved and retrieved.

Computer hardware is the collection of physical elements that constitutes a computer system. Computer hardware refers to the physical parts or components of a computer such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, hard drive disk (HDD), system unit (graphic cards, sound cards, memory, motherboard and chips), etc. all of which are physical objects that can be touched.^[1] In contrast, software is instructions that can be stored and run by hardware.

Computer software, or simply software, also known as computer programs, is the non-tangible component of computers. Computer software contrasts with computer hardware, which is the physical component of computers. Computer hardware and software require each other and neither can be realistically used without the other.

Examples are: Nero, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Windows 7 OS, Microsoft PowerPoint and etc.

Networking

A computer network or data network is a telecommunications network that allows computers to exchange data. In computer networks, networked computing devices pass data to each other along data connections. The connections (network links) between nodes are established using either cable media or wireless media. The best-known computer network is the Internet.

One way to categorize the different types of computer network designs is by their scope or scale. For historical reasons, the networking industry refers to nearly every type of design as some kind of area network. Common examples of area network types are:

·         LAN - Local Area Network

·         WLAN - Wireless Local Area Network

·         WAN - Wide Area Network

·         MAN - Metropolitan Area Network

·         SAN - Storage Area Network, System Area Network, Server Area Network, or sometimes Small Area Network

·         CAN - Campus Area Network, Controller Area Network, or sometimes Cluster Area Network

·         PAN - Personal Area Network

·         DAN - Desk Area Network

Hardware needed in a computer networking are :

·         Router

·         Proxy Server

·         Switch

·         Gateway

·         Network Address Selector (NAT)

·         Protocol Converter

·         Hub

·         Repeater