Computers:Part 2

Computers:Part 2

1. Depending upon the type of computer system in which they are fitted, the hardware components will look different and be larger or smaller in size but will perform the same function.

2. Keywords

   • Input- Entering data into a computer system is input.
   • Processing- Data is converted it from one form to another. This is done by following a set of instructions and commands.
   • Output-When the results of processing are shown, this is output
   • Storage- Data is kept or recorded while waiting to be used or for future use
   • Network- When computers are connected together so that they can share data and devices such as printers, they are said to be in a computer network.
   • Interface This is where data is transferred between computer devices or between people and computers.
   • USB Interface- It is now commonly used to connect other devices such as cameras. USB connections are also now found on many other devices such as PDAs, mobile phones and can also be used to charge batteries.
   • Peripheral device- Any device that is not actually part of the computer but is attached to a computer is called a peripheral device. Peripheral devices are seen as expanding the system and include scanners and printers.

3. Data

   • Data, such as instructions and commands or information to be used for calculations, is entered using the INPUT devices, worked on (processed), and OUTPUT so the user can see the results.
   • The processing in computer systems is carried out by the Central Processing Unit or CPU for short. The CPU is a collection of electronic circuits that carry out, or execute, the instructions either in a program or which are entered by the user and which make decisions using the instructions.

4. Components

   • Often, other devices may be present such as the components needed to connect the computer systems to others on a network. Other devices could be the communication devices such as modems, network interface cards, routers and hubs. Other connection systems may also be present, e.g. USB interfaces.