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Input Devices

In computing, an input device is a peripheral (piece of computer hardware


equipment) used to provide data and control signals to an information processing
system such as a computer or other information appliance. Examples of 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.

The objective of output devices is to turn computer information into a


human friendly/readable form.

 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.

The 'brain' of the computer where data is processed is referred to as the


microprocessor. It is also commonly known as the central processing unit (CPU) or
accelerated processing unit (APU).

It consists of manipulating the data in different ways, performing calculations, modifying


the instructions, coding, and executing the actions. All this process is done on the
motherboard with the help of the processor, power supply unit and RAM presented in the
CPU.

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.

Processed data or information can be,

 viewed as alphanumeric, images and video via a display hardware


 listened to as audio files by use of a speaker
 printed as hard copy output onto paper
 printed as 3D models

4. Data and Information Storage


The fourth and equally very important function of a computer is data and information
storage. After sleepless nights of video and animation creation and editing, the user
wants to have the finished product stored for future dissemination and additional
editing.
A computer can store information internally and externally. The hard disk drive
(HDD) and/or solid-state disk drive (SSD) are internal storage devices and serve to
protect and house all data and information on a computer. 
A computer can store information internally and externally. The hard disk drive
(HDD) and/or solid-state disk drive (SSD) are internal storage devices and serve to
protect and house all data and information on a computer. 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)

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

Versatility refers to the capability of a computer to perform different kinds of works


with same accuracy and efficiency.

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

A computer has built-in memory called primary memory where it stores data.


Secondary storage are removable devices such as CDs, pen drives, etc., which are
also used to store data.

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.

Storage Capacity of Computer


Computers can store vast amounts of data. Today's computers have increased
storage capacity compared to earlier days. Besides, we also have the option to store
data in secondary devices such as external drives, or floppies, etc. These secondary
devices can be kept separate from the computer or attached to other computers.

Remembrance Power of Computer


The computer has the power to store any data or information for as long as we like.
Data can also be recalled easily if needed. It is our choice to decide how much data
we want to store on the computer and when to recall or erase these data.

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