AS Computing F451

Computer Fundamentals OCR Computing F451

Bhavesh V Tailor

3.1.1 COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM a. Define the terms hardware, software, input device, storage device and output device

HARDWARE

The physical components that make up a computer system

SOFTWARE

The computer programs/set of instructions that tell the computer what to do

INPUT DEVICE Hardware that allows data to be entered into a computer

STORAGE DEVICE Hardware that allows data to be saved/stored, long-­‐term, after it has been inputted into a computer for future use

OUTPUT DEVICE Hardware that presents data from the system to the user

b. Describe the purpose of input devices, storage devices and output devices

INPUT DEVICE Gives the computer the data to be used when instructions are carried out Barcode reader-­‐ to read the barcode on an item Keyboard-­‐ to input damaged barcode/amount paid

STORAGE DEVICE Needed to store files when the power to the processor is switched off Needed to store files which are too big to be stored in the processor E.g. Hard Disk Drive, CD-­‐ROM, USB Memory Stick

OUTPUT DEVICE Needed so that the computer can report to us what it has done Needed as it affects future input in system Printer-­‐ to give hard copy output for customers to keep Screen (LCD) -­‐ to shows