Computer Analogy

I love analogies because they help us relate to something that are incomprehensible. Computers can be this way. The easiest way to think of a computer’s basic hardware is like a house on a lot. I know, let me explain further.

The processor of a computer is like the owner of the house taking care of errands, which are tasks we put our computers up to: searching the internet, looking at pictures and playing Farmville on Facebook. The faster the owner (processor) is, the more errands get done in a shorter amount of time.

Now some errands require the owner (processor) to go get additional tools (information) stored in the house. For example, you tell the owner to vacuum. It is quicker to for the owner to access the vacuum if it is stored in the house as opposed the garage. RAM for the computer is comparable to closet space in a house. With more closet space (RAM) the owner (processor) can access additional tools quickly to complete errands faster than searching for them in the garage.

Now we all know our closets have limited space so we have to store the big things in the garage (hard drive). A hard drive to the computer is similar to the garage in a house. It stores everything that is too big to keep in the closets (RAM) and things we don’t use on a daily basis, such as most computer programs, music and picture libraries, etc.

Within the houses there are walkways, doorways and stairs (circuits) that allow tools (information) to move freely around the floor plan (motherboard), into the garage, back out of the garage, etc. These pathways in a house are similar to the circuits on a motherboard. Each floor plan differs from the next to help fit the needs of its owner.

Recap: The owner (processor) retrieves tools (information) quickest from its closets (RAM) before looking in the garage (hard drive) to complete errands (commands) . The owner (processor) is able to move tools (information) along the hallways (circuits) and throughout the floor plan (motherboard). Ultimately, the faster the owner (processor) can move, the quicker the errands (commands) will be completed.

Hope this helps clear up some of the mystery!  🙂