Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Computer Document
Computer Document
Input Devices
Input
o Keyboard
o Computer mouse
o Graphic tablet
o Touchscreen
o Barcode reader
o Image scanner
o Microphone
o Webcam
o Game controller
o Light pen
o Scanner
o Digital camera
Output devices
Output devices are pieces of computer hardware used to
communicate the results of data processing performed by a computer.
Output
o Computer display
o Printer
o Projector
o Speaker
o Projector
Headphones
GPS
Storage devices
A storage device is a piece of computer hardware used for saving, carrying and
pulling out data. It can keep and retain information short-term or long-term. It can be
a device inside or outside a computer or server. Other terms for storage device is
storage medium or storage media.
Every computer has both primary and secondary storage, with primary storage
acting as a computer’s short-term memory, and secondary as a computer’s long-
term memory
Storage devices
o Floppy disk drive
o Flash drive
o Disk drive
o Smartphone or Tablet computer storage interface
o CD/DVD drive
o RAM (
o RAM (volatile memory)
Functions of a computer
1. Data Input
Every computer is designed with data input as a first function, an activity which is
accomplished via input devices
Data entry is done manually, automatically or both. Manual input is done via add-on
peripherals like the keyboard, mouse and stylus. Input can also be accomplished via
vocal dictation applications and body gestures peripherals like Kinect and biometric
devices. Elsewhere, data input is also done using secondary storage media and
networking interfaces.
By using these input devices, we can perform the basic tasks in computer-like
calculations, viewing the images and videos, listening to the audios, preparing the PPT
documents, browsing the Internet. In fact, all the basic functions of a computer user are
initiated by inputting the data into the computer through input devices.
Since a computer is an electronic machine that accepts the input data as per the user’s
needs in an organized manner for processing. Another way of inputting the data is
through a command or encoding the internal software.
2. Data Processing
Data processing is the core function of a computer. Processing involves
manipulation of raw data into before converting it into meaningful information.
Usually, data is in raw form, and will thus undergo processing before dissemination
for user consumption.
3. Information Output
When raw data has been manipulated by the microprocessor, the outcome is meant
to be disseminated for useful purposes. The output is thus referred to as information
and is beneficial to the computer user.
The output is in the form of documents, videos, audio, graphs, images, etc. that you see
from the output devices such as computer monitor, printer, speakers, headphones,
screen projector, etc.
Thus, now all the results are displayed on your computer screen. In this way, we are able
to work with computer-like sending messages, emails, chatting, and receive
notifications, even errors also are displayed by the monitor as an output.
Basically, there are two types of storage in the CPU of a Computer – One is RAM (used
for processing the input data temporarily ) and the second is ROM (used to store
processed data permanently)
Therefore, the computer must need both RAM and ROM for functioning the entire
computer system present in the CPU. RAM has low memory temporarily while ROM has
a large storage capacity for storing all the large data, information, video, images,
documents, and software in the computer permanently.
RAM and ROM have a great capacity to store data that would be pointless in the event
that they are unable to recover them rapidly and without any problem. In such a manner,
the computer offers us the possibility of immediately and accurately assessing any data
that we have previously saved on it.
Characteristics of a computer
Speed
A computer works with much higher speed and accuracy compared to humans
while performing mathematical calculations. Computers can process millions
(1,000,000) of instructions per second. The time taken by computers for their
operations is microseconds and nanoseconds.
Accuracy
Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy. Errors may occur due to data
inconsistency or inaccuracy.
Diligence
A computer can perform millions of tasks or calculations with the same consistency
and accuracy. It doesn’t feel any fatigue or lack of concentration. Its memory also
makes it superior to that of human beings.
Versatility
Reliability
A computer is reliable as it gives consistent result for similar set of data i.e., if we
give same set of input any number of times, we will get the same result.
Automation
Computer performs all the tasks automatically i.e. it performs tasks without manual
intervention. Computers can also be used to automate routine tasks with the help of
a task scheduler such as launching a specific application or software, sending an
email, scanning for viruses, and many other maintenance tasks. Besides, computers
can also be programmed to perform many complex tasks.
Memory
Consistency of Computer
The computer is so consistent that it can perform trillions of processes without errors
for several hours. This means that we can use a computer 24 hours a day or 365
days a year continuously. Furthermore, it provides consistent results for the same
set of data, that is, if it is given the same set of data multiple times, it will give the
same result each time.