10 Questions
What is the primary function of the central processing unit?
To execute program instructions and coordinate the activities of all the other units
What is the term for the physical units attached to the computer?
Peripherals
What is the purpose of input devices?
To enable data to go into the computer's memory
What is the term for a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do?
Software
What is the main function of storage devices?
To provide a permanent storage of data and programs
What is the term for the collection of RAM chips that holds the instructions and data being processed by the CPU?
Main memory
What is the purpose of output devices?
To enable us to extract the finished product from the system
What is the term for the electronic machine that can accept data, process it, and give the results in a specified format?
Computer
What are the two parts that a computer system consists of?
Hardware and software
What is the purpose of the ports on the rear panel of the computer?
To enable communication between the computer and devices
Study Notes
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.
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