1. The organization of a microcomputer system is the same as that of a larger computer system. The microprocessor unit (MPU), usually concentrated in a single chip, consists of the control unit and the arithmetic logical unit. Internal memory is made up of random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Because RAM is only temporary storage, all microcomputers require some instructions to get started after they are turned on, and these are contained in ROM. A microcomputer includes both an MPU and internal memory.
The portion of the system software that is in ROM brings into RAM the additional instructions required to operate the microcomputer. Typically these instructions are stored on a magnetic disk; hence, they are called a disk operating system, or DOS. This start-up process is called bootstrapping. ROM also contains other programs that help to make personal computers easy to use, such as a programming language. Computer games are also stored in ROMcartridges.
In addition to the MPU, RAM, ROM, and associated control circuits, other components, called peripheral devices, are needed to make a complete microcomputer system. The principal peripheral units are: input devices, output devices, mass storage units, and communication components. Like a DOS, the programs that control the flow of data between a microcomputer and its peripheral devices are a part of systems software.
The most common input device used with personal computers is the keyboard. Most personal computer keyboards have extra keys that perform special functions and that can be used to control the movement of a cursor on a screen. A leverlike device, called a joystick, is also used as an input device, commonly for playing video games.
2. The CRT (cathode-ray tube) screen used with personal computers is called a monitor. Keyboards and monitors may be part of a single unit that also contains the microcomputer and the disc drives, or they may be separate units. Besides the monitor, the most common input units are dot-matrix and letter-quality printers. Dot-matrix printers are suitable for most microcomputer applications. Letter-quality printers are usually used for high-quality office correspondence. Both types of printers are considered to be low-speed character printers.
Mass storage units are available over a range of capacities and access times. Floppy disks, or diskettes, are the most common mass storage media. They store patterns of bits on magnetically coated, flexible plastic platters. A floppy disk platter is sealed permanently in a paper jacket with a small window for reading and writing. Hard disk storage systems are also available. They may be fixed or removable. Some mass storage units contain both floppy and hard disk devices.
Low-cost modulator-demodulator devices, called modems, that allow microcomputer systems to communicate over telephone lines have become increasingly popular. Modems permit networks of personal computer owners to exchange information or to access large data banks. These data banks may be dedicated to special applications, such as law or medicine, or they may provide a variety of consumer services.
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* bootstrapping ; ** leverlike
3. . .
PERSONAL COMPUTERS
The personal computer can serve as a work station for the individual today. Moreover, as it has become financially feasible to provide a computer for the individual worker, so also technical developments have made the interface between man and machine increasingly "friendly", so that a wide array of computer functions are now accessible to people with no technical background.
A personal computer is a small computer based on a microprocessor; it is a microcomputer. Not all computers, however, are personal computers. A microcomputer can be dedicated to a single task such as controlling a machine tool or metering the injection of fuel into an automobile engine; it can be a word processor, a video game or a "pocket computer" that is not quite a computer. A personal computer is something different: a standalone computer that puts a wide array of capabilities at the disposal of an individual.
The first generation of true personal computers, which came on the market between 1977 and 1981, had eight-bit microprocessors; later introduced systems had 16-bits ones. Now 32-bit microprocessor chips are available, and soon they will be included in complete computer systems.
1. a) Performance of a wide array of computer functions;
b)Accessibility of PC for not professionals.
c) Friendly interface of a personal computer.
2. a) A microprocessor-based PC;
b) PC a pocket computer;
c) Comparison of a microcomputer and a PC.
3. a) Microprocessor's capacity;
b)The growth of MPC's capacity;
The first generation of personal computers.
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING
