Identify the four functions that elements of a computer system perform.
The functions that elements of a computer system perform are taking data and instructions from a user, processing the data as per instructions, and displaying or storing the processed data.
What were the earliest computers made of?
The earliest computer was made of 17, 468 vacuum tubes, 70,000 resistors, and 10,000 capacitors.
When did they begin to use electrical circuits?
They first began to use electrical circuits in 1800, after Alessandro Volta invented them using bowls of salt solution connected by metal strips.
What is the difference between early computers and the ones we use now?
Early computers were only meant to be used for calculations and were very big and heavy and took up a lot of space. The computers we use now are much smaller and lighter, and consist of at least one processing element, usually a CPU in the form of a microprocessor, along with some type of computer memory chip.
What ways can we input information to a computer?
Information can be inputted into a computer through many ways, including:
More information: Ways to input data into a computer
Name some ways a computer can output information.
A computer can output information through a number of ways, including:
More information: Ways computers can output data
What is the role of the CPU? What are the parts of the CPU? Explain briefly how it works.
The role of the CPU is to process data. The CPU is where processes such as calculating, searching and sorting take place.
The CPU is made of 3 main parts:
| Control unit | The control unit controls the flow of data within the system and monitors communications between the hardware attached to the computer. It controls the input and output of data, checks that signals have been delivered successfully, and makes sure that data goes to the correct place at the correct time. |
| Immediate access store | The immediate access store is where the CPU holds all the data and programs that it is currently using. |
| Arithmetic and logic unit | The arithmetic and logic unit is where the CPU performs the arithmetic and logic operations. Every task that your computer carries out is completed in the ALU. It calculates which pixels on the screen should change so that you can see the screen move. |
List at least 3 of each device: input, output, storage.
Input:
Output:
Storage:
What are the 3 basic types of software?
The three types of computer software's are systems software, programming software and applications software.
Name at least 3 examples of each.
Systems software:
Programming software:
Applications software
