Module 1 — Introduction to Computers · What is a Computer?
What is a Computer?
General · Learn → Example → Practice → Check
What you will learn
- Input → process → output
- Instructions are called programs
- Storage keeps work after shutdown
What will you learn?
You need a clear picture of what a computer actually does before you name parts.
The core idea
A computer is a machine that takes input, processes it with stored instructions, and produces output. It can store results for later. A laptop, a phone and a shop billing PC all follow this same input-process-output idea.
Key points
- Input → process → output
- Instructions are called programs
- Storage keeps work after shutdown
Simple path
Input → Process → Store → Output
- 1. Input
- 2. Process
- 3. Store
- 4. Output
Example
You type two numbers, the program adds them, the screen shows the sum. The typed numbers are input; addition is process; the sum is output.
Try this
- Name the four jobs of a computer in order.
Practice
Name the four jobs of a computer in order.
Question 1
Which sequence describes a computer?
Summary
Every computer follows input, process and output. Storage is optional for a single calculation but usual for files.
Summary
Every computer follows input, process and output. Storage is optional for a single calculation but usual for files.