What Is a Computing System?

What Makes a
Computer a Computer?

What makes a computer,
a computer?

Four common components

Common to all computers

Input

Memory

Processor

Output

Input

• How a computer takes in

information from the world.

Human input through our senses:
Vision, hearing, touch, taste, smell.

Computer Inputs: keyboard,mouse, touchscreen, camera, microphone, game controller, scanner

Memory

How the computer remembers

things

• Two types of memory:

⚬ RAM (random access

memory) - Short-term memory

⚬ Storage (hard drive) -

Long-term memory;
information is stored, even
when power is off

Processor

• Usually a small chip inside the

computer.

• How the computer processes and

transforms information.

• CPU - Central Processing Unit.
• Processor is the brains of the

computer:

⚬ the faster the processor, the more

quickly the computer can think

Output

• How a computer displays or

communicates information.

• Humans communicate information

by using our mouths when we
talk.

• Communication that doesn't

involve talking- Blushing, sign
language

• Computer outputs:

monitor/screen, headphones,
speakers, printer

Partner up with a
classmate
Think about the computing
devices in our lives
Can you identify the parts
that make them
computers?

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of understanding the essential components of a computer?

• To learn how to program

• To understand the essential components that define a computer

• To understand how to use software applications

• To learn about computer history

Explanation Slide...

To understand the essential components that define a computer is important because it provides the foundation for learning how computers work and how to effectively use them.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a human input method?

• Vision

• Hearing

• Keyboard

• Smell

Explanation Slide...

The correct choice is 'Keyboard' because it is not a human input method, unlike Vision, Hearing, and Smell which are sensory input methods.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of computer input?

• Monitor

• Printer

• Keyboard

• Speaker

Explanation Slide...

The correct example of computer input is the Keyboard, as it is used to input data into the computer system.

Multiple Choice

What is the role of memory in a computer?

• To process data

• To take in information from the world

• To remember things

• To output information

Explanation Slide...

The role of memory in a computer is to remember things, storing data and instructions for the computer to access when needed.

Multiple Choice

What type of memory is referred to as short-term memory in a computer?

• Hard Drive

• RAM (Random Access Memory)

• CPU

• Cache

Explanation Slide...

In a computer, short-term memory is referred to as RAM (Random Access Memory), not the Hard Drive, CPU, or Cache.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a computer input device?

• Mouse

• Touchscreen

• Camera

• Printer

Explanation Slide...

The correct choice is Printer because it is an output device, not an input device like the Mouse, Touchscreen, and Camera.

Multiple Choice

What is the role of input in a computer?

• To process data

• To take in information from the world

• To store data

• To output information

Explanation Slide...

The role of input in a computer is to take in information from the world, such as user commands or data from external sources.

Multiple Choice

What is the role of long-term memory in a computer?

• It processes information.

• It stores information even when power is off.

• It displays information.

• It enhances the computer's speed.

Explanation Slide...

Long-term memory in a computer stores information even when power is off, allowing data to be retained for future use.

Multiple Choice

What is the function of the CPU (Central Processing Unit) in a computer?

• It stores information.

• It displays information.

• It is the brain of the computer.

• It outputs information.

Explanation Slide...

The CPU is the brain of the computer, responsible for executing instructions, performing calculations, and managing data flow within the system.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of human output?

• Monitor

• Printer

• Talking

• CPU

Explanation Slide...

Talking is an example of human output because it involves verbal communication, which is a direct result of human interaction and expression.

Multiple Choice

What enhances the computer's "thinking" speed?

• Long-term memory

• Faster processors

• Monitor

• Keyboard

Explanation Slide...

Faster processors enhance the computer's 'thinking' speed by processing instructions and data more quickly than slower processors.

Multiple Choice

How does a computer display or communicate information?

• Through the CPU

• Through long-term memory

• Through output devices

• Through input devices

Explanation Slide...

Through output devices

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an input device?

• Monitor

• Printer

• Keyboard

• Speaker

Explanation Slide...

The correct choice is Keyboard because it is an input device that allows users to input data into the computer system.

Multiple Choice

Which component is responsible for processing data in a computer system?

• Monitor

• CPU

• Printer

• Speaker

Explanation Slide...

The CPU is responsible for processing data in a computer system, performing calculations, executing instructions, and managing data flow.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an output device?

• Mouse

• Microphone

• Keyboard

• Speaker

Explanation Slide...

The correct choice is 'Speaker' because it is an output device that produces sound. The other options are input devices.

Multiple Choice

Which device is used to input audio into a computer system?

• Monitor

• Printer

• Microphone

• Speaker

Explanation Slide...

The correct device used to input audio into a computer system is a Microphone.