Input-Process-Output

The computer may seem like a very complicated machine, but it basically does four simple tasks: input, process, store and output.

Input means to put in or into and that is exactly what an input device does. An input device enables one to communicate with the computer. Input devices are used to enter information and issue commands. Examples of input devices are the keyboard, mouse, scanners, video cameras and microphones.

Information received from the input devices will then be processed in the Central Processing Unit (CPU). The CPU's job is to process instructions, perform calculations and manage the flow of information through a computer system. The CPU not only communicates with the input devices, but also the output and storage devices to perform tasks.

A storage device holds information. For the computer to receive instructions about what processing is to be done to the information, it must be held inside the computer long enough to be acted upon or processed. A hard drive, tape drive, floppy disk, and CAROM drive are storage devices. The computer uses information stored on these devices to perform tasks.

After the information has been processed, or the necessary tasks completed on the information, it will be outputted to you. The output device enables a computer to communicate with you. These devices display information on a screen, create printed copies or generate sound. Some of these devices are the monitor, printer and speakers.