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In the field of computing, there are a series of basic concepts that you need to know to enter this world and not feel lost.
Computer science is a discipline that requires a lot of study and practice, but with minimal knowledge, it is almost possible to get into it.
Computer Basics
1. Definition of computing
First of all, it is necessary to define what computing is.
According to the Definition given by the RAE, it is the “set of scientific knowledge and techniques that make the automatic processing of information possible by computers.”
2. Hardware
They are the physical and tangible elements that are part of a computer or any other computing device.
They are the parts that make it up, such as the keyboard, a printer, or the processor.
Within the Hardware, we can distinguish two groups:
a) The CPU or Central Processing Unit
It is what controls everything that happens in the computer, what makes it possible for the different orders that we enter to be executed.
Along with it, we also find the other elements found inside, such as the RAM, the sound card, or the graphics card.
b) The peripherals
They can be input, which allows information to be entered into the computer (such as the keyboard, a scanner, or mouse), or output, which makes it possible for the computer to return information to us (for example, a monitor, speakers, or a printer).
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3. Software
It would be the intangible part, the different programs and applications that the user will use for specific functions (e.g., word processors, video games…), or the operating system installed on the device (e.g., Windows, macOS…).
The operating system will make the operation of the system possible, and each one will have a series of characteristics, such as its own design or exclusive functions.
4. RAM
It is random access memory or Random Access Memory. In it, the device temporarily stores the data it needs to work.
The more RAM the computer has, the more fluid its operation will be, allowing for more effective multitasking.
5. ROM memory
It is the read-only memory or read-only memory, where the basic instructions of the processor are stored.
6. Hard drive
It is where the information is stored on our computer equipment.
Storage capacity is usually measured in gigabytes (GB), and the larger it is, the more information you can hold (texts, photos, videos, reports…).
Until recently, HDD hard drives were used, but in recent years, SSDs have become popular, allowing much faster access to information and better overall computer performance.
7. Connectors or ports
Through them, we will be able to connect the different peripherals and even expand the memory using external storage units (e.g., USB flash drives, external hard drives, or SD cards).
The most common ports were USB-A, although, in recent years, they have been replaced by USB-C, which allow a higher data transfer speed and are reversible, among other features.
There are also audio connectors (such as the 3.5 mm Jack, commonly used to connect headphones), video connectors for the monitor (such as VGA, HDMI, or DVI ), or the RJ45 connector (also called Ethernet port), which allows us to connect our router to the computer.
8. Programming languages
They allow us to program the instructions or commands that will help us control the device and make it possible for it to execute specific tasks.
Computer programs and applications would be the result of orders written using programming languages.
Some of the most used programming languages today are Java, JavaScript, Python, PHP, C++ …
These essential concepts constitute the gateway to the complex world of computing.
Furthermore, it is a world in constant evolution, which means that new concepts appear every so often, and different uses are discovered.
Therefore, to dedicate yourself to this discipline, it is necessary to update your knowledge and catch up with the most relevant developments that arise.
But, even if you want to avoid dedicating yourself professionally to this activity, it is highly recommended to have minimal computer knowledge, especially in a society as technological as the current one.
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