Computing technology refers to all equipment used for computers. This includes hardware, software, networking devices and any other technological innovations used by computers; along with their associated methodologies and processes used to operate them.
Computer information technology forms the backbone of our personal and professional lives, from businesses to our phones, tablets, and other devices.
Hardware
Computer hardware refers to external and internal devices that enable major functions like input, output, storage and communication. They’re often called peripherals or hardware components and include monitors, keyboards, printers and other physical devices. Contrast them with software programs which instruct these physical devices what to do.
Central Processing Unit (CPU), responsible for all of a computer’s logical and mathematical operations. RAM serves as temporary data storage, which will be erased when you close down. A system unit contains all important electronic components within one computer system.
It comprises the motherboard, hard disk drive and RAM modules; as well as the microprocessor – the heart of any programmable computer – with two subcomponents that make up its makeup: an arithmetic logic unit for basic mathematical functions and an electric control unit to direct electric signals throughout.
Computers are powered by electrical supplies provided through either an AC adapter or motherboard, with capacitors and diodes acting as essential parts to keep it operating optimally and prevent overheating of the computer by regulating temperature regulation.
Other computer hardware includes a mouse, keyboard and display screen. The keyboard and mouse serve as primary input devices while the display screen serves to showcase results of any tasks completed by the computer and other output devices such as printers are used for text, images and videos printing purposes. Specialized equipment exists such as bar code readers that convert strings of white and black lines into an electrical pulse signal.
Computer technology is an ever-evolving field with multiple facets. Popular areas in this realm include programming, networking and robotics.
Software
Computer hardware and software are two essential elements that comprise modern computing systems, providing us with the foundation necessary to accomplish many tasks easily and efficiently.
Although most people understand the role of computer hardware, understanding software may be more of a challenge. Simply put, software consists of instructions that tell computer hardware what it should do. These are encoded using computer languages which then get translated by hardware into tasks like performing calculations or storing data or controlling devices.
System software and application software are the two primary types of computer software. System software consists of programs that oversee computer’s hardware and interface while application software gives end-users tools to complete specific tasks – such as word processing programs, music and video players, browsers and email programs.
Operating systems (OSs) are an indispensable element of system software. Serving as an intermediary between hardware devices and users, OSs provide a standard platform on which other programs may run and translate user commands into hardware-oriented languages that devices understand. They also monitor hardware activity to ensure programs run according to plan in order to achieve desired results.
Software applications are typically compiled into machine code files, which are then interpreted by an OS using a programming language translator. These translators may be built-in or updated whenever an operating system upgrade occurs, although software can also be shipped as installers on floppy disk or CD for direct installation onto hardware.
At first, programmers had to write code manually on computers. While this task could be laborious and time consuming, as technology advanced this became faster and less error prone with the introduction of high-level programming languages and compilers. Today’s programming processes allow complex multifaceted applications that would otherwise have been impossible with older methods of development.
Networking
Computer networks are integral parts of every computing system. They enable computers to communicate over long distances using various communication technologies like physically wired, optical, and radio-frequency methods arranged into various topologies – for instance the Internet connects government, academic, corporate and public networks around the globe.
Computer networking technology encompasses an expansive field that spans various technologies and topics. From data communication to wireless transmission and more, computer networking technology can be found everywhere from business offices and schools to telecommunications networks and transport vehicles.
Computer networking can be an ambiguous term that encompasses various activities and components. Some refer to “networking” in relation to hardware components that connect computers together while others view it more as software programs used to manage a network.
Computer networks are networks comprised of interconnected computer systems that collaborate to share resources such as applications, files and printers. A computer network operates under standardized communication protocols defined by Open Systems Interconnection model; its devices each possess an unique identifier referred to as their media access control (MAC) address or IP address for easier tracking and routing data between them.
Computer networks come in two flavors, local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). A LAN connects computers and devices within a building or office while WANs span multiple cities or countries.
AT&T made history with their release of the first commercial modem in 1958, enabling digital data transmission over regular telephone lines at 110 bits per second – this marked the dawn of computer networking technology which is now an integral component of life.
Over time, computer networks have undergone tremendous technological change that has made them more scalable, automated, and secure. Recent innovations include Software-Defined Networking which enables network services to be programmed and self-configured automatically.
Security
Computer security (or information technology security) has become one of the cornerstones of modern IT, comprising all processes and mechanisms by which digital equipment, data, services and networks are protected from unauthorised access or modification. It has also seen increasing importance as businesses depend more heavily on computing devices for both their work and personal lives.
Central Processing Units, more commonly referred to as CPUs, form the foundation of any computer system. This component performs all necessary arithmetic, logic and input/output operations. Within its two component parts – Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and Control Unit – ALU performs basic arithmetic operations while control unit handles other functions such as interrupt handling and memory management.
Hardware components of a computer include physical parts such as its monitor, keyboard and mouse as well as power cables, CPU-monitor connection wires, RAM (random access memory) units (RAM and ROM), internal and external disk storage drives as well as devices such as printers.
Software is the collection of programs that powers computers. Perhaps the best-known example is Microsoft Office Suite, with word processors, spreadsheets, database managers and presentation tools; other commonly used programs include anti-virus protection software and literature management programs like Mendeley or Zotero. With access to websites like CNET Softpedia or Sourceforge users can download both free and paid programs easily.
Microprocessors have revolutionized computer speed and functionality, enabling more powerful applications like virtual reality, video games and artificial intelligence to be developed. Microprocessors are now embedded in all forms of computers such as mobile phones, tablets and laptops.
Computer technology has enhanced student learning at educational institutions. Unfortunately, however, its advancement also brings with it some downsides; for instance, information management in education sector now vulnerable to breach of confidentiality as hackers gain entry and steal confidential data for financial gains.