Data entered into a computer is called input. The processed results are called output. Thus, a computer processes input to create output. A computer also can hold data and information for future use in an area called storage. This cycle of input, process, output, and storage is called the information processing cycle.
User - A person that communicates with a computer or uses the information it generates
Two main components on the motherboard
Both the processor and memory are chips. A chip is an electronic device that contains many microscopic pathways designed to carry electrical current. Chips, which usually are no bigger than one-half inch square, are packaged so they can be connected to a motherboard or other circuit boards.
Communications Devices - enable computer users to communicate and to exchange items such as data, instructions, and information with another computer. Communications devices transmit these items over transmission media, such as cables, telephone lines, or other means, used to establish a connection between two computers. Why is a computer a powerful tool? Speed - Inside the system unit, operations occur through electronic circuits. When data, instructions, and information flow along these circuits, they travel at close to the speed of light. This allows billions of operations to be carried out in a single
second. Reliability - The electronic components in modern computers are dependable because they have a low failure rate. The high reliability of components enables the computer to produce consistent results. Accuracy - Computers can process large amounts of data and generate error-free results, provided the data is entered correctly. If inaccurate data is entered, the resulting output will be incorrect. This computing principle - known as
garbage in, garbage out (GIGO), point out that the accuracy of a computer’s output depends on the accuracy of the input. Storage - Many computers can store enormous amounts of data and make this data available for processing any time it is needed. Using current storage devices, the data can be transferred quickly from storage to memory, processed, and then stored again for future use. Communications - Most computers today have
the capability of communicating with other computers. Computers with this capability can share any’ of the four information processing cycle operations - input, process, output, and storage - with another computer. Computer Software - A series of instructions that tells the computer what to do. Before a computer can perform, or execute, a program, the instructions in the program must be placed, or loaded, into the memory of the computer. Software is
the key to productive use of computers. With the correct software, a computer can become a valuable tool. Two types of software
Utility Programs - a type of system software that performs a specific task. usually related to managing a computer. its devices, or its programs. Software that plays a supporting role for users and developers. Basic utility programs include file/folder management functions (create, copy, move, delete, rename), file search and compare, disk format and partition, as well as diagnostic routines to check performance and the health of the hardware. User
Interface - All software has a user interface that is the part of the software with which you interact. The user interface controls how data and instructions are entered and how information is presented on the screen. Nowadays we have Graphical User Interface or GUI (gooey) on most of our computer systems but before having GUI old computers only had Command Line Interface or CLI, a means of interacting with a computer program where the user (or client) issues commands to
the program in the form of successive lines of text (command lines) Want to experience CLI? Click here! Application Software - consists of programs designed to perform specific tasks for users. Popular application software includes word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation graphics software memos. Packaged Software - designed to meet the needs of a wide variety
of users, not just a single user or company, sometimes called commercial off-the-shelf software because you can purchase these programs of the shelf from software vendors or stores that sell computer products, and sometimes called commercial off-the-shelf software because you can purchase these programs of the shelf from software vendors or stores that sell computer products. Custom Software - Sometimes a user or organization with
unique software requirements cannot find packaged software that meets all of its needs. In this case, the user or organization can use custom software, which is a program or programs developed at a user’s request to perform specific functions. Shareware - software that is distributed free for a trial period. If you want to use a shareware program beyond that period of time, you are expected to send a payment to the person or company that developed the program. Upon
sending this small fee, the developer registers you to receive service assistance and updates. Freeware and Public-Domain Software - software that is provided at no cost to a user by an individual or company. Although free, freeware is copyrighted, meaning you cannot resell it as your own. Public-domain software is free software that has been donated for public use and has no copyright restrictions. Networks - collection of computers and
devices connected together via communications media and devices such as cables telephone lines, modems, or other means. A network could sometimes be wireless. When your computers are networked together users can share resources, such as hardware devices, software programs, data, and information. Internet - is the world's largest network. a worldwide collection of networks that links together millions of computers by means of modems, telephone lines, wireless
technology, and other communications devices and media. Categories of Computers
Examples of computer usage
Have some questions you want to ask? Feel free to contact us by clicking this! What is used to enter data and instructions in computer?An input device is any hardware component that allows users to enter data and instructions into a computer. Was this answer helpful?
Which part is used to enter data into a computer?Keyboard and mouse, for instance, are the most commonly used input device.
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