BASIC FUNCTIONS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
Computers operate through these four functions: input, output, processing, and storage. Input: the transfer of
information into the system (e.g., through a keyboard). Output: the presentation of information to the user
(e.g., on a screen). Processing: the retrieval or manipulation of information into a new form (e.g., results from
a search engine). Storage: the storing or preservation of information for later use (e.g., files stored on a hard
drive).
The four basic functions of a computer system are as follows:
input
output
processing
storage
Let's look at each individually:
Input
Transferring of information into the system. This may be through a user input device - i.e. keyboard, mouse,
scanner etc.. Or though previously loaded software/program, cd etc.
Output
Output is the exact opposite of input. Output is the function that allows a computer to display information, from
the system, for the user. This can be accomplished through the monitor (or other graphical display), printer,
speakers etc.
Processing
This is where the computer actually does the 'work' - manipulating and controlling data over the entire system.
Storage
Most computers are able to store data both temporarily (in order to process), but also long-term (i.e.,
permanently). Storage takes place on hard-drives or external storage devices.
Input device
An input device is any hardware device that sends data to a
computer, allowing you to interact with and control it. The
picture shows a Logitech trackball mouse, which is an
example of an input device.
The most commonly used or primary input devices on a
computer are the keyboard and mouse. However, there
are dozens of other devices that can also be used to
input data into the computer.
Types of input devices
Audio conversion device
Barcode reader
Biometrics (e.g., fingerprint scanner).
Business card reader
Digital camera and digital camcorder.
EEG (electroencephalography)
Finger (with touch screen or Windows Touch).
Gamepad, joystick, paddle, steering wheel, and Microsoft Kinect.
Gesture recognition
Graphics tablet
Keyboard
Light gun
Light pen
Magnetic ink (like the ink found on checks).
Magnetic stripe reader
Medical imaging devices (e.g., X-ray, CAT scan, and ultrasound
images).
Microphone (using voice speech recognition or biometric
verification).
MIDI keyboard
MICR
Mouse, touchpad, or other pointing devices.
OMR (optical mark reader)
Paddle
Pen or stylus
Punch card reader
Remote
Scanner
Sensors (e.g., heat and orientation sensors).
Sonar imaging devices
Stylus (with touch screen).
Touch screen
Voice (using voice speech recognition or biometric verification).
Video capture device
VR helmet and gloves
Webcam
Yoke
Output device
An output device is any peripheral that receives data from a computer,
usually for display, projection, or physical reproduction. For example, the
image shows an inkjet printer, an output device that can make a hard
copy of any information shown on your monitor, which is another
example of an output device. Monitors and printers are two of the most
common output devices used with a computer.
Types of output devices
The following list contains many different output
devices. For further information, select any of the
listings with blue text.
3D Printer
Braille embosser
Braille reader
COM (Computer Output Microfilm)
Flat panel
GPS
Headphones
Monitor
Plotter
Printer (dot matrix printer, inkjet printer, and laser printer).
Projector
Sound card
Speakers
SGD (Speech-generating device)
TV
Video card
