At their core, computers are machines that process and execute instructions provided by software programs. The hardware components like the CPU (central processing unit), memory, and circuits allow computers to take input data, manipulate it, and produce output according to programmed instructions.
The CPU acts as the brain, executing program instructions and performing calculations. It contains cores which are miniature processors that handle computations. CPU speed is measured in gigahertz. Faster CPU performance allows computers to work more efficiently.
Memory (RAM) provides short-term storage that programs and data can be quickly accessed from while the computer is running. Information in RAM is temporary unlike storage devices like hard drives. More RAM allows more data to be accessed at once for faster performance.
Hardware components are directed by software programming with languages like Python, Javascript, C++. Algorithms are sets of instructions given to programs to direct the computer operations and calculations in a specific order. Different algorithms allow computers to perform all kinds of tasks.
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to programming that enables computers to mimic human intelligence and decision making. AI algorithms utilize machine learning to improve and adapt without human intervention. AI powers technologies like self-driving cars, speech recognition, recommender systems.
WiFi allows devices to connect to the internet wirelessly using radio waves. A wireless router connects to the internet via cable and broadcasts a wireless signal. Devices with WiFi capability can detect and connect to the wireless network to access the internet and communicate with other devices.
Understanding these basic components helps reveal how amazing feats of technology are powered under the hood. While advanced, at the core, computers are designed to reliably carry out tasks in a step-by-step manner based on human instructions.
