The Computer Revolution/Chapter 1

How Computers Work: 3 Key components 1. The purpose of the Computer: - Basically to turn raw data into useful information Data: consists of the raw facts and figures that are processed into information, i.e., the votes for a presidential election, which are used to decide who has won. Information: is data that has been summarized or otherwise manipulated for use in decision making. 2. The difference between Hardware and Software..... Hardware: consists of all the machinery and equipment in a computer system, i.e. the mouse, monitor, hard drive, keyboard etc Software: "programs" all the electronic instructions that tell the computer how to perform a task. Such as a CD ROM, with instructions and or setup programs. 3. The basic Operations of a Computer: Input operation: Is whatever is put into the computer system Processing operation: The manipulation a Data into information Storage operation: "memory" Primary Storage- holds data waiting to be processed Secondary Storage- Refers to devices that store data/info permanently 4. Output Operation: Basically what the results of processing, usually info 5. Communications operation: Online Communications, email, MSN, etc.