Introduction to Computers/Basic operations

Course Navigation

<< Previous - Hardware and software Next - Data sizes and speeds >>


Introduction to Computers Basic operations
This page is part of the Introduction to Computers project.
Completion status: Almost complete, but you can help make it more thorough.

Input

edit

Input is whatever goes into the computer. Input can take a variety of forms, from commands you enter from the keyboard to data from another computer or device. A device that feeds data into a computer, such as a keyboard or mouse, is called an input device.

  Search for Input/output on Wikipedia.

Output

edit
 
1-9 English 10-16 English
1 Scanner 10 Monitor
2 CPU (Microprocessor) 11 System software
3 Main memory (RAM) 12 Application software
4 Expansion cards 13 Keyboard
5 Power supply unit 14 Mouse
6 Optical disc drive 15 External hard disk
7 Hard disk drive (HDD) 16 Printer
8 Motherboard
9 Speaker

Output is anything that comes out of a computer. Output can be display screens, loudspeakers, and printers.

Processing

edit
 

The processor is the brain of a computer. It's also called the "CPU" (Central Processing Unit) and it is a microchip.

Processing refers to the actions the CPU takes in response to input to produce the appropriate output.

Storage

edit
 

A computer's storage is the location where the computer preserves data for later use. It is also known as the computer's memory. Examples include RAM, hard disks, or removable memory sticks.

  • see also storage heading under processor

Course Navigation

<< Previous - Hardware and software Next - Data sizes and speeds >>