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The Computer Revolution/Chapter 1

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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.

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