Computer Basics

What is the primary function of the central processing unit?

What is the term for the physical units attached to the computer?

What is the purpose of input devices?

What is the term for a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do?

What is the main function of storage devices?

What is the term for the collection of RAM chips that holds the instructions and data being processed by the CPU?

What is the purpose of output devices?

What is the term for the electronic machine that can accept data, process it, and give the results in a specified format?

What are the two parts that a computer system consists of?

What is the purpose of the ports on the rear panel of the computer?

What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic machine that accepts data, processes it, and provides the results as information in a specified format.

Computer System Components

A computer system consists of two parts: hardware and software.
Hardware refers to any electronic or mechanical part that can be seen or touched.
Software is a set of instructions (a program) that tells the computer what to do.

Hardware Components

The three basic hardware sections are:
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): executes program instructions and coordinates the activities of other units, considered the "brain" of the computer.
- Main Memory (RAM chips): holds instructions and data being processed by the CPU.
- Peripherals: physical units attached to the computer, including storage devices and input/output devices.

Peripherals

Storage devices:
- Provide permanent storage of data and programs.
- Examples: hard drives, DVD drives, flash drives.
Input devices:
- Enable data to enter the computer's memory.
- Examples: mouse, keyboard.
Output devices:
- Enable the extraction of finished products from the system.
- Examples: monitor, printer.

Computer Ports

Ports on the rear panel of the computer allow for communication between the computer and devices.
Examples of devices that can be plugged into ports: modem, digital camera, scanner.
Modern desktop PCs have USB ports and memory card readers on the front panel.

Learn about the basics of computers, including what a computer is, the components of a computer system, and the different types of hardware components.