PC Hardware —

Tutorial Summary: An Overview of the Computer

The following points summarize the key concepts in this tutorial:

The Three Stages of Computing

  • Computing occurs in three stages: input, processing, and output.

  • All computer hardware can be classified in one or more of these stages.

Components of a Computer

  • An input device retrieves data from an outside source and brings it into the computer for processing.

  • A processing device takes information and alters it in some useful manner.

  • An output device takes the altered information and stores or displays it.

Support Hardware

  • Computers require additional components to protect operations and ensure optimal performance.

  • Use of surge suppressors and uninterruptible power supplies can protect computers from damage caused by power spikes and surges.


Tutorial review and questions

  1. Describe the three stages of computing and the role of each.

  2. What is the purpose of the central processing unit (CPU)?

  3. Describe two devices that process information inside a computer.

  4. What is a chip set?

  5. Name and describe three input devices.

  6. What type of device is a scanner?

  7. Describe three output devices.

  8. What is I/O?

  9. Name three I/O devices.

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Answers

  1. What are the three stages of computing?

    The three stages of computing are input, processing, and output.

  2. What is the purpose of the central processing unit (CPU)?

    The central processing unit (CPU) is the heart and brain of the computer. This one component or "chip" does all the number crunching and data management.

  3. Describe two devices that process information inside a computer.

    The CPU and the chip set process information inside a computer.

  4. What is a chip set?

    A chip set is a group of computer chips or ICs (integrated circuits) that, when working in harmony, manage and control the computer system.

  5. Give three examples of input devices.

    The mouse, keyboard, microphone, and scanner are examples of input devices.

  6. What type of device is a scanner?

    A scanner is an input device.

  7. Give three examples of output devices.

    The printer, monitor, and speakers are examples of output devices.

  8. What is I/O?

    Many devices can handle both input and output functions. These devices are called I/O devices.

  9. Give four examples of I/O devices.

    The floppy disk drive, hard disk drive, modem, and network interface card are examples of I/O devices.