Visit Guide
Here we are going to explain how a computer works so we can understand how it was possible for Sinclair to release such an affordable computer.
The next section is right at the end of this counter, on the yellow zone called Sinclair.
COMPUTER FUNCTIONING
A computer is an electronic device which helps us in various kinds of tasks and activities. Even though internally it is a very complex machine, it still has simple concepts and components that can help us understand how it works.
Just like every human has a brain, so do computers, and there are called processors or CPU (Central Processing Unit[s]).
Over the years there has been a constant evolution of this essential computer component. Whilst names like Intel, Motorola and even AMD are commonly known, in the very begin of computer history there were other extremely important manufacturers.
The brain has to store and be able to find information on demand that is known as the concept of memory. Memory is the place where information can be stored, whether it is temporary or permanent. Even though there are many kinds of memories, what matter for us at this moment is mass storage, that is, where you can archive programmes and similar concepts, as tu be able to use them in the future. Any and all devices that can help us stock contents to watch or listen to later fit into this category. Displayed here are examples of these types of storage, which include: USB flash drives, hard drives and disks, CDs/DVDs, and cassette tapes.
After having storage, you need a way to give instructions to your computer: the input/peripheral input. Examples of these forms of input are keyboards, mouses, joysticks and others.
There is also the need to see the computer’s response to our instructions, and to that we need the output/peripheral output. The most well known of this kind of output are monitors, TV screens and printers.
What allowed for the ZX Spectrum (and many other Sinclair computers) to be released at such low prices and be so successful was the fact that they used components that were already present in people’s homes, that is, cassette recorders and a television.
