• Inputs allow the user to put data into a system
• This data can either be stored (for later) or used to carry out an instruction
• Inputs often come from external devices such as a keyboard or mouse

---

👩🏾➡️🖥️

• A process is where the computer is doing something (making a decision or carrying out a calculation)
• Processes may utilise the data received from an input
• Processes may also utilise data stored in the computer's memory

---

🧠

• Storage is needed to keep hold of data
• Processes may utilise (make use of) data that is held in storage
• Data generated by a process can also be written (saved) to storage, for later use

---

🖥️🔃🗄️

• Outputs are information given to the user
• Outputs often contain data generated by a process, but organised in a way that is meaningful to a human
• Outputs can be in the form of text, visual information (images and videos) or sound

---

🖥️➡️👩🏾

Copy and paste this table into your OneNote Page

Then complete the task

📝 The Basic Model

Referring to each concept in this list, explain how a computer works: Input Process Storage Output

• The Motherboard is the main circuit board of the computer
• All other components are plugged into the motherboard
• It allows for direct communication between each of the components
• Think of it as the Central Nervous System of the computer!

---

• The CPU is considered by many to be the brain of the computer
• It carries out calculations and makes decisions at a rate of billions of times per second!
• It carries out so much work that it gets very hot, and most computers also require a cooling system for their CPU!

---

The CPU cannot make decisions and carry out calculations without instructions. These instructions are kept in the computer's Primary Memory, often called RAM (short for Random Access Memory)

---

---

• Each instruction carried out by the CPU is fetched, one-at-a-time, from the primary memory
• Whole sets of instructions must firstly be loaded (placed) into the primary memory, before the CPU can work with them like this.
• The primary memory is volatile; meaning it is wiped clean when the power is switched off!

• As you have already learned, the primary memory is volatile; meaning it gets wiped every time the computer is turned off
• We therefore need secondary storage to permanently save our work
• We also need secondary storage to permanently store the instructions that are loaded into the primary memory
• These instructions are actually called a program

---

There are two types of secondary storage:

• Hard Disk Drives: These use metal disks (called platters), covered in magnetic particles, to store all of their data
• Solid State Drives: These use microchips to store all of their data.

Sound Card

• Processes sound: Converts digital data from the computer into sound you can hear through speakers or headphones.
• Handles input sound: Converts sound from a microphone into digital data the computer can store or edit.
• Improves audio quality: A dedicated sound card can make music, games, and videos sound clearer and more detailed.

---

Graphics Card

• Processes images and video: Creates the pictures, videos, and animations you see on the monitor.
• Handles complex graphics: Important for gaming, video editing, and 3D design.
• Takes pressure off the CPU: Has its own processor (GPU) so the main CPU can focus on other tasks.

Complete this activity

Then screenshot your result into the OneNote Page

Copy this into your OneNote Page and complete it

📝 Describe Each Component

Describe the role of each component below Motherboard CPU Primary Memory Secondary Storage Graphics and Sound Cards