Information Systems For You

The central processing unit (often called CPU or simply Processing Unit) processes the raw data into information.
There are three main parts(elements) of the Central Processing Unit:

• The Control Unit, reponsible for coordinating the input and output devices.
• The arithmetic and logic unit in which the calculations and logical decisions are made.
• The immediate access store, which provides memory for holding data and programs.

Embedded computers serve as the "brain" of a large piece of equipment or machine. They are basically Miniature computers. Their software is stored in the computer's own electronic circuits , not on disks. They work just like a personal computer and have the same components, but no Monitor, Keyboard or Drives.

Eg. -    

• Cars use them to control anti-lock braking system.
• They are found on Medical Equipment such as heart-lung machines, dialysis machines, defibrillators and scanners.

Peripheral devices are devices outside the Central Processing Unit but under it's control. They may be Input devices, such as keyboards, used to get data into the computer, output devices, such as printers, or storage devices, such as disk drives. 

A microprocessor is a single chip that performs the functions of a Central Processing Unit [CPU]. Microprocessors are used to control devices such as washing machines, video recorders, burglar alarms and microwave ovens.

Software is the word used for the actual programs that allow the hardware to do useful jobs. Without software, Hardware is USELESS!! Software is made up of a series of instructions that tell the computer what to do!
eg. - Operating System= Windows XP, Windows 7 or Windows 8..

Hardware is the term used for the parts of the computer that we can touch and handle. Hardware is the collective name given to all the devices that make up a computer system.
eg. - Keyboard, Mouse, Joystick, Printer, monitor and CPU etc.