MODERN PCs

            As you all know, thdern PC is an incredible collection of:        

• ·         Hardwares
• ·         Softwares
• ·         Firmwares &
• ·         Humanware, Peopleware or Liveware

            “HARDWARE” is a term used to describe the physical components of the computer, any computer part that you can see or touch, such as the computer monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, e.t.c. In short, any accessory/device connected is known as HARDWARE.

           “SOFTWARE” is a set of instructions, provided to the computer to carry out the job required by the user and to make the Hardwares component work.

            “FIRMWARE” is software permanently stored inside the computer e.g. the BIOS (Basic Input Output System).

            “HUMANWARE” , “PEOPLEWARE” or “LIVEWARE” are the name given to the people who work with the computer, such as the computer programmes, system analyst, computer Operators, e.t.c.

            Concentrating particularly on the hardware, it has been proved that:

• Nearly 8.6 billion transistors are in 1GB of RAM;
• Between 50 and more than 400 transistors exists in modern processors;
• In addition, hundreds of millions of transistors exist in the motherboard chipset, video processor and video RAM;
• And millions more are in the other adapter cards or logic boards in the system.

            Each of these billions of interconnected transistors must not only function properly, but also operate in an orderly fashion within strictly enforced timing windows, some of which are measured in Picoseconds (which is trillionths o a second).

            However, when you realized that your PC is kinds of lock up or slowdown, kindly remember that it may be one of these transistors that fail to operate properly.

            The complexities of modern PCs have made it simpler to operate, troubleshoot and maintain. It had also made it more reliable unlike their predecessors. However, modern designs and manufacturing techniques have made PC more reliable and easier to service despite their ever increasing internal complexity.

            Everytime I power on my system/PC, I always imagine billions upon billions of components that operate in an orderly sequence inorder for the PC to become usable by me. From another perspective view, we can also see that there are opportunities for problems to arise.

            In summary, the internal complexity & configurations of modern PC have made it reliable and had also reduced/minimize the rate at which PC breakdown.