Fundamentals ☾♡☽ Flashcards
What is a computer?
A computer is a machine for processing data.
What does it mean to process?
Definition specific to the computer
To process is to change data, to create more useful information.
What does the term ‘data’ mean?
Data is a collective term for facts and figures of any kind.
How many basic functions does a computer have and what are they?
The computer has four basic functions [IPOS]:
Input
Output
Processing
Storage
What does the input function do?
The input function turns data and instructions into electronic form. [so the computer can process it]
What is the processing function?
The processing function refers to the computers ability to process input data according to the input instructions. [to make information]
Where does processing occur?
Processing occurs in the CPU [Central Processing Unit].
What does the acronym CPU mean?
CPU stands for
C: Central
P: Processing
U: Unit
What does the output function do?
The output function turns the results of the processing function into a form that people or other computers can understand or use.
What does the storage function do?
It saves [keeps] information ready/accesible for the CPU to use.
What are the two formats that information can be stored as.
It can be stored either magnetically or electronically.
What is the CPU?
The central processing unit is the hardware component of a computer system where processing occurs.
What is Hardware?
Hardware is a general term for all pieces of equipment in a computer system that you can touch or carry?
Give an example for each type of function of the computer: Input, Processing, Storage and Output
Input: Mouse
Processing: CPU
Output: Screen
Storage: Disk
How can you classify Hardware?
Hardware is classified based on the four basic functions of the computer system: IPOS
Input, Processing, Output and Storage.
What are some hardware devices according to the four basic functions.
Input: Keyboard
Processing: Processor/CPU
Output: Speaker System
Storage: Flash Drive
What are the four basic functions?
The four basic functions are IPOS.
What is the modern-day terminology for the processor?
The modern-day terminology for the process is the CPU.
What are peripherals and give examples.
Peripherals are devices that are connected to the core computer.
Input, Output and Storage Devices are considered peripherals.
What is the major component of the computer system?
The major component is the CPU.
What is inside a processor?
There are several electronic components inside the CPU, they are the [CAM]:
- Control Unit
- Arithmetic and Logic Unit [ALU]
- Main Memory [IAS] Immediate Access Storage
Why is it emphasized that all components in the CPU are electronic?
Because without power these components will stop working.
They require power to work.
What does the Control Unit do?
The control unit passes instructions to the different parts of the processor/CPU.
WHY?: So the process can carry out the correct tasks in the right order.
What does the [ALU] Arithmetic and Logic Unit do?
The ALU performs calculations and transforms data at lightning speed.
What does the Immediate Access Storage [Main Memory] do?
The Immediate Access Storage/Main Memory stores all the information that is being processed by the [ALU] Arithmetic and Logic Unit.
Where do all these components stay?
These components are usually fixed to the motherboard, which has connections to the peripherals. [IPOS]
What joins these electronic components together?
They are joined together by connections called data.
“The connection of data.”
