Desktop PCs in the real sense introduced us to a four-dimensional world where we could not only practically visualize and experience the three-dimensional virtual reality, but also could realistically exploit the immense possibilities of understanding the fourth dimension i.e. time. No other invention has so immensely revolutionized our lives as the little wonder called the desktop PC.
One fundamental reason for the immense popularity of desktop PC in such a short span of time is that it has practically enabled the people to overcome the limitations of time and space. One can truly grasp the enormous importance of this invention only if one is astute enough to understand the difference between a purely mechanical notion of reality and a more contemporary digital world view.
Desktop PC has resolved once and for all the problem of accessibility. Be it the accessibility to resources, expertise, skills, information, markets, individuals, opportunities and what not, a desktop PC can take you there in a matter of seconds. So whether you want the tickets to a matinee show or the satellite photographs of a particular place, you can conveniently access all this stuff by just using your desktop PC. This has levelled the playing field for the entire humanity and created a new world full of colossal opportunities and possibilities.
Basically speaking, a desktop PC is a general purpose gadget fabricated around a microprocessor. Most of the electronic gadgets we use in our everyday life do have some computerized component. An MP3 player is a specialized computer designed to process MP3 files. A GPS is a special computer that is good at handling GPS signals. We even have microprocessors fitted into our televisions and cars. A desktop PC is general purpose in the sense that it can be used to perform a variety of tasks such as listening to music, playing games, sending e-mail, etc.
How does a Desktop PC Work?
A desktop PC is able to perform all these tasks owing to a coordinated functioning of its various components. A desktop PC primarily comprises of the following components:
Central Processing Unit (CPU): This is the microprocessor called the brain of the computer.
Memory: A computer uses a variety of memories such as:
1) Read Only Memory (ROM): This is a permanent memory that stores the data that does not change.
2) Random-access Memory (RAM): This is a volatile memory used for short term data storage.
3) Hard Disk Drive (HDD): This is a permanent storage device used to store programs and documents.
Mother Board: It is the main circuit board that is connected to all the other internal components and it coordinates their activities.
Operating System: This is the fundamental software that facilitates the interface between the user and the computer.
Sound Card: It codes the sound output and sends it to the speakers.
Graphics Card: It codes the video output and sends it to the monitor.
Modem: It helps in connecting a computer to the internet.
Optical Disk Drive (ODD): It reads the optical storage devices such as CDs and DVDs.
Power Supply: The electric supply to a computer is regulated by a transformer.
Network Card: It is used to link a computer to a computer network.
A user has to install a number of input/ output devices with a desktop PC so as to communicate with it. The most common types of input/output devices are:
Monitor
Keyboard
Mouse
Removable Storage Devices such as floppy disks, CDs, DVDs, Flash Memory, etc.
The external input/ output devices are plugged into a desktop computer through the various ports provided on it. The various types of ports in a desktop PC are:
Universal Serial Bus (USB): At present, this is the most popular external connection and is very easy to use.
Fire Wire (IEEE 1394): It is used for connecting external hard drives, digital cameras, camcorders, etc.
Serial: This port is particularly used to plug in an external modem.
Parallel: This port is primarily used to plug in a printer.
Card Reader: It is used for reading the flash memory cards of mobile phones, digital cameras, etc.
Power: This is used to connect the power lead.
Desktop PCs are at present the most affordable and popular computers and are widely being used in institutions and households for a variety of purposes.
James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. For more information on computer crime and Computer Forensics see http://www.fieldsassociates.co.uk