Computer Basics

• ​Describe why computers are important

• ​Explain how computers work.

​Computers are everywhere and everyone is using them! Computers are in our cars, our kitchens, our stores and in our workplaces. They are used to communicate, to play, and to make everyday tasks easier. Using a computer and the Internet will help you to keep in touch with friends and family. You will also be able to complete common tasks more quickly.

A computer is a piece of equipment that needs electricity or battery power. The computer does the following for you.

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• ​​accepts information (input)

• changes the information (process)

• produces new information for you (output), and

• stores the new information (storage)

The computer completes 4 basic functions that make up the information processing cycle.

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• Input - data that you put into the computer

• Process - how your data changes

• Output – data that you can take off of your computer

• Storage – where data is stored​

​The way that the computer processes information is kind of like the way your own brain works.

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​• Input = what you take in through your eyes, ears, mouth & nose

• Processing = your brain

• Output = your verbal and written reactions

• Storage = what you save and where and what you throw away

• Speed: Computers can complete tasks much faster than we can.

• Accuracy: Computers do not mistakes unless you make them first by giving bad information

• Reliability: Computers will not change their minds by how they feel about you

• Memory: Computers can work with huge amounts of information much faster than we can.​

1. Input: Things we use to get information into the computer.

2. Output: Things we use to see the results of what we do with the information we work with.

3. Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU processes your instructions. It is the “traffic cop” that tells the computer what to do. It also works with numbers.

4. ​Memory: RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory)

5. ​Storage: This is where the computer keeps your information.