Data input
every computer is designed with data input as a first function, an activity which is accomplished via input devices. application software used for this purpose will also dictate what data is entered. word processing software is designed to input basic alphanumerical data, while a photo editing application is used to input and manipulate images.
this data may be entered into a database, spreadsheet or other forms of a computerized work area.
data entry is done manually, automatically or both. manual entry is done via add-on peripherals like the keyboard, mouse and stylus. input can also be accomplished via vocal dictation applications and body gestures peripherals like kinect and biometric devices. elsewhere, data input is also done using secondary storage media and networking interfaces.
automated applications and robotics can also be used to intelligently feed data into the computer on station or remotely. as an example, tallying of electoral process can be accomplished remotely and automatically.
laptop keyboard and touchpad2. data processing
data processing is the core function of the computer system. processing involves manipulation of raw data into information. usually, data that is entered in the computer is in raw form, and will thus undergo processing before dissemination for user consumption.
the 'brain' of the computer where data is processed is referred to as the microprocessor. it is also commonly known as the central processing unit (cpu) or accelerated processing unit (apu).
the processing chips in modern personal computing devices continue to evolve and outperform its predecessors. one particular evolution is the merger of microprocessor and graphics processing unit (gpu) into what is now known as accelerated processing unit. the merger allows for the integration of powerful graphics processing abilities inside the traditional arithmetic and logical computations of the processor.
besides the microprocessor, the dynamic random access memory (dram) and static random access memory (sram) are integral parts of data processing. data entered via input devices is stored temporarily in dram, then transferred to sram from where the microprocessor manipulates it.
an amd microprocessor, inserted onto a laptop motherboard socket3. information output
when raw data has been manipulated by the microprocessor, the outcome is referred to as information. this is the ultimate purpose of a computer for the typical user.
processed data or information can be:
viewed as alphanumeric, images and video via a display hardwarelistened to as audio files by use of a speakerprinted as hard copy output onto paperprinted as 3d output on an a computer is an example of output4. data and information storage
the last and very important function of a computer is data and information storage. after sleepless nights of video and animation creation and editing, the user wants to have the finished product stored for future dissemination and additional editing.
a computer can store information internally and externally. the hard disk drive (hdd) and/or solid-state disk drive (ssd) are internal storage devices and serve to protect and house all data and information within a computer. in bigger systems, the raid system is used. multiple disk drives operate simultaneously to ensure data and information integrity.
external storage is achieved through accessories that attach externally to the computer. they include external drives and optical disks.
better still data and information can be stored online in cloud solutions for a fee or for a fee if large space is required.
storage integrity is a crucial phase that can actually determine the worth of a computer system. in any case, what use is a computer without data and information?
information created in the computer can be stored onto cds and dvd
