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STUDY SHEET FOR BTA -- Information Processing Cycle
A computer is an electronic device that processes data and converts it into information
that people can use.
Hardware on the Outside
Input Devices are used to get information into a computer – (name 5)
Output Devices carry information out of a computer – (name 5)
Hardware on the Inside
Processing -Every computer needs a power supply to take electricity from your house and convert it
into a current that works for your computer. The electrical cord that comes out of your
computer comes out of the power supply.
The motherboard (the main circuit board of the computer) gets its name because it is
like a mother to all of the other circuit boards. Found at the bottom of a desktop case or
the side of a tower case, the motherboard is the largest circuit board and has many
smaller boards plugged into it. It holds all of the most important parts of the computer, like
RAM, ROM and the CPU. Also on the motherboard, you will find several expansion
cards, like the sound card, the video card, the modem or the network card. The
expansion cards have ports on the outside that allow you to connect the parts to the
computer and the motherboard. For example, a keyboard and a mouse have ports
(plugs or holes) on the back of the computer. A sound card has a port on the back of the
computer to connect the speakers. A video card has a port on the back of the computer
to attach a monitor. A network card will have a hole on the back of the computer to plug
in the network cable.
The brain of a computer is the CPU or Central Processing Unit (microprocessor). Like
a brain, it controls information and tells other parts what to do. The type of CPU in a
computer also determines how fast that computer can operate. A CPU generates lots of
heat, so there is usually a small fan nearby to cool it down.
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. RAM chips will remember what you tell them
and can even change to remember new information. But, when the computer is turned
off, RAM forgets everything you told it. This is why it is so important to save your work on
a computer - if the computer gets turned off, RAM will lose all of your work! RAM is
short-term memory for a computer. You can add more RAM.
ROM stands for Read Only Memory. ROM is good at remembering, but cannot change
it's mind. It holds information that is built into it. ROM is like reading a library book - lots of
information is there, but you can't change it (because you never write in a library book).
RAM, on the other hand, is more like a journal - you can write information into the journal.
But if you change your mind, you can erase and write in new information. ROM is the
long-term memory of the computer. It holds the computer’s built-in instructions and
comes with the computer when you buy. You cannot add more ROM.
Storage -Disk drives read information off of storage disks. The three most common disk drives
are the hard drive, the CD-ROM and a flash drive. Floppy drives have become pretty
much obsolete because of their failure rate and because they can’t hold much
information.
The hard drive, however is hidden inside the computer because the disks are not meant
to be removed. Information that you save on your computer is stored on these hard disks.
You can have an external hard drive also that can be moved from computer to computer.
The BIOS is held in
ROM. This chipset is
basically ROM.
Flash drives or flash memory is used in digital cameras, MP3 players and thumb
drives. It is usually portable. The flash drives have replaced floppy discs. Most of these
storage devices plug into a computer’s USB port.
A CD-ROM is an optical disk that can hold up to 1 GB of information.
A DVD-ROM is commonly used to store movies.
SOFTWARE
Application Programs -Applications are the programs designed for a particular type of task, like writing a letter
or calculating a budget. However, applications will not work without an operating system.
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Word processing - letter writing, essays, writing stories
Database - address books, mailing lists
Spreadsheets - storing financial information
Research - encyclopedias, informational programs
Entertainment - games, music/video programs
Education - skill practice games, tutorials, how-to programs
Desktop Publishing - creating birthday cards, newsletters, etc.
Operating System Programs -An operating system is a program that runs the computer. It recognizes input from input
devices, sends output to output devices, and saves data and information on the hard
disk. The OS is a large program made up of many smaller programs that control how the
CPU communicates with other hardware components. The two most common operating
systems are Windows and Mac. We use __________ in our computer lab.
Read the Label – Software and Hardware Compatibility
When you are shopping for computer software - in a virtual
store or a real one - it is important to check out the program's Minimum System
Requirements before making a purchase. They will help you to determine whether or not
the software is compatible with your computer system. System Requirements will be
listed somewhere on the packaging of a software product or should be available on the
product's web page if you are shopping online. Check out the graphic above for a sample
from a software package.
Requirement information will vary from product to product, but most requirements will tell
you the following:
Operating System compatibility
Processor speed
RAM requirements
available Hard Disk Space needed for installation
CD-ROM or DVD speed
Additional requirements may be listed for:
Monitor Display
Video Card
Sound Card
Peripherals - joystick, gamepad, etc.
Modem (for internet applications)
Support software
Any applications that you buy for your computer must be compatible with its operating
system. Usually, Windows OS will only run Windows programs; Mac OS will only run
Mac programs.
The requirements on a software package are the minimum that you have to have for the
application to run on your computer. If you have more RAM than is listed on the
software, it will still run. It may even be faster! If you have a faster CD than 4X (4 speed)
like a 16X, the software will run. If you have a newer operating system, the software will
still run; you just can’t have an older version. For example, if your software calls for a
Windows 98 operating system, if you have Windows 98, Windows XP or Windows Vista,
the software will still run. The chart below begins with older versions and lists upgrades
underneath.
Operating Systems
Windows 3.1
Windows 95/98
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Microprocessors
286 Processor
386 Processor
486 Processor
Pentium 133
Pentium 166
Pentium II
Pentium III
Pentium IV
System Specifications
If you don't know your system specifications already, you should be able to find them in
your user guide or other paperwork from the manufacturer. System information can also
be accessed through your computer. Although the location of this information may vary
from system to system, the most common place to find it will be in the "System" menu of
the Control Panel. Knowing this information about your system will help you make
compatible software purchases.
Compare how a human processes information to how a computer processes
information.
Information
Human Parts
Processing Cycle
Input
Output
Processing
Storage
Computer Devices