- The 4 basic operations of a computer
- 1- Entry or entry
- 2- Treatment or data processing
- 3- Storage of data and information
- 4- Departure
- References
The basic operation of a computer is summarized in four operations: input, processing, storage and output. The first computers that existed were used for the elaboration of numerical calculations.
Later they were used in information processing until they evolved, to become large and powerful machines capable of carrying out countless operations.
Input devices
Simple or complex, any operation carried out by a computer includes a series of sequential steps that are executed just at the moment it is requested by the user. These sequential steps are called the information processing cycle.
The 4 basic operations of a computer
1- Entry or entry
Entry or entry is the act by which data and instructions are supplied to the computer.
Computer systems are made up of different functional units. Among these, the input unit is the one in charge of entering, either by sending data or instructions.
Entry can take many forms: from keyboard commands to data from another computer through an interconnection network.
Devices whose function is to feed data to a computer are called input devices.
In turn, these devices carry out the coding process; that is, the mechanism that makes the data understandable by the central processing unit or CPU.
The most common input devices are the keyboard, mouse, stylus, scanner, disks, webcam, microphone, and barcode reader.
2- Treatment or data processing
This function consists of the manipulation of the data entered with a particular objective.
It occurs through the execution of arithmetic and logical operations whose results are converted into useful information.
Carrying out calculations, ordering or altering figures, modifying words or images and making comparisons between different values are part of the many operations related to data processing.
The functional unit to which this function corresponds is called the processing unit or processor.
In turn, this comprises the CPU (central processing unit) and system memory. The processor is the brain of the computer.
3- Storage of data and information
To make the data available during the processing phase, the computer stores it:
- Inside the processing unit: the data in use is saved, specifically in the system memory.
- On the hard drive, discs (CD or DVD) or external storage devices: data that is not being processed at the moment is stored. This type of storage is more permanent.
After processing, the results must also be stored or saved before being passed to the output unit.
4- Departure
The output is the operation consisting of the results generated by the computer in the processing of data and information.
Such results are seen in the form of reports, graphs, documents and images, among others.
The output devices are the monitor, printer, speakers, and even other computers.
References
- Foster, D. (s, f.). Ready f the Four Basic Computer Operations. Retrieved on December 10, 2017 from: techwalla.com
- Basic functions of computers. (s, f.). Retrieved on December 10, 2017 from: cca.org.mx
- Introduction to Computers. (s, f.). Retrieved on December 10, 2017 from: cs.sru.edu
- Khanal S. (July 29, 2017). Basic Operations of a Computers. In: mcqsets.com
- Morton, W. (June 287, 2017). Computer. In: britannica.com