
David W. answered 07/04/19
Experienced Prof
Computer Systems (composed of hardware and software) perform three important functions:
- INPUT
- PROCESS
- OUTPUT
Now, of course, there are devices that combine these.
1. INPUT
The word "data" is used to describe the values that are input to the "system unit." They come from a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, ... any sensor.
2. PROCESS
The "system unit" contains the CPU (Central Processing Unit) which does the arithmetic and the logic operations of the computer. The CPU is the "brain." The system unit also contains internal memory for the CPU to use. There is usually also external memory to store data for use later.
3.OUTPUT
In order to communicate with a human, a monitor displays human-readable characters. Now, it is often called "information." A printer also does this. However, "effectors" that control instruments are also output, but not humanly-readable.
The touch-screen monitor is an interesting combination of INPUT and OUTPUT capabilities. The computer displays pictures as OUTPUT and the human touches a specific area of the monitor to provide INPUT.