Name: _______________________
Computer Basics
All computers have a few basic components. These include the central processing unit
(CPU), memory, input, and output.
Central Processing Unit:
The central processing unit is often abbreviated and referred to
as the CPU. The CPU is the “brain” of a computer. The CPU
gets program instructions from the computer memory. The
instructions are the program or software that tell the CPU what
to do. All CPU's no matter how small, large, simple, or complex
perform the following basic operations:
1. get or fetch program instructions from memory
2. execute program instruction
3. read information from input devices
4. send information to output devices
Memory:
All computers have memory that is used to hold the program
instructions that the CPU executes. The CPU can also write to
and store information in the memory.
Input:
Most computers need some way to input information into
them. Devices such as a keyboard or mouse are
examples of input devices. When you press a key on your
keyboard, an input signal is sent to the CPU. The CPU then
reads the keyboard input data to determine what key was
pressed.
Output:
Computers need some way of sending information that can be
read by people that use them. Examples of an output device are
a monitor and printer. A computer sends information to be
displayed on a printer or monitor by reading the data from
memory and then sending it to the output device where it is
displayed.
Name: _______________________
From reading the information on the previous page, answer the following questions.
1. Name the four basic components of a computer system:
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. What component of a computer is considered the “brain” of a computer ?
Ο output Ο input
Ο CPU Ο memory
3. Select an item that would be used as output device on a computer system.
Ο monitor Ο joystick
Ο mouse Ο keyboard
4. Select an item that would be used as an input device on a computer system.
Ο monitor Ο printer
Ο speakers Ο keyboard
Label the computer parts.
_________________________ _________________________
_________________________ _________________________
From reading the information on the previous page, answer the following questions.
1. Name the four basic components of a computer system:
CPU
memory
input
output
2. What component of a computer is considered the “brain” of a computer ?
Ο output Ο input
● CPU Ο memory
3. Select an item that would be used as output device on a computer system.
● monitor Ο joystick
Ο mouse Ο keyboard
4. Select an item that would be used as an input device on a computer system.
Ο monitor Ο printer
Ο speakers ● keyboard
Label the computer parts.
monitor
mouse
keyboard printer