Computer devices and what they do
Computer devices are grouped by what they do: input, output, processing and storage. We find out how the processor, RAM and long-term storage differ.
All topics (1 of 11)
Chapter 1. Getting to know the computer
Chapter 2. Files and folders
Chapter 3. Information
Chapter 4. Working with text and graphics
All the physical devices of a computer together are called hardware. By purpose, they can be divided into four groups: input, output, processing and storage devices. The programs on a computer are called software.
Input devices send information into the computer: the keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner and webcam. Output devices show or play the result for a person: the monitor, printer, speakers and headphones. A touchscreen does both jobs, because it takes input and shows output.
The processor is the “brain” of the computer: it carries out the commands of programs and does calculations. The data the processor is working with is kept temporarily in RAM, or main memory. RAM is very fast, but everything in it disappears when the computer is switched off.
To keep information for a long time, a computer uses long-term storage: a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD) and a flash drive. Files stay there even when the computer is off. All the devices connect to the motherboard and exchange information through it.
Key takeaways
- Devices are divided into input, output, processing and storage devices.
- The processor carries out program commands and does calculations.
- RAM keeps data temporarily and is cleared when the computer is switched off.
- Long-term storage (disk, SSD, flash drive) keeps files even when the computer is off.
- All devices are connected through the motherboard.
Practice tasks
- Sort these devices into input and output devices: scanner, printer, microphone, speakers, monitor, webcam.
- List the devices of a computer in your classroom and write one sentence about what each one does.
- In two sentences, explain how RAM differs from a flash drive: which one keeps data after the computer is switched off?
Review questions
Test yourself: think first, then reveal the answer.
1How do input devices differ from output devices?Show answerHide answer
Input devices send information into the computer (keyboard, mouse), while output devices show the result (monitor, printer).2Which memory loses its data when the computer is switched off?Show answerHide answer
RAM.3What does the processor do?Show answerHide answer
It carries out program commands and does calculations.
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