Basic Functions of A Computer

The four major functions of a computer are input, processing, output, and storage. Input devices like keyboards and mice take in data and instructions from users. The CPU processes this input data according to the instructions. Processed data is then output through output devices like monitors or printers. Both temporary storage in RAM and permanent storage in hard disks allow data to be saved and retrieved as needed.

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Basic Functions of A Computer

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Basic Functions of a Computer Explained

This tutorial explains the basic functions, operations, and characteristics of a

computer. Learn the four major functions of a computer through diagrams and
examples.

Taking data and instructions from a user, processing the data as per instructions, and
displaying or storing the processed data, are the four major functions of a computer.
These functions are also known as the input function, process function, output
function, and storage function, respectively.

The following diagram shows an example of these functions.

To provide these functions, a computer uses its components or devices. Usually,

components of a computer are designed to perform only one of these four functions.
But, some specialized components or devices are designed to perform two, three or all
four functions. For example, a hard disk can perform three functions: input (when
files are read), storage (when files are saved), and output (when files are written).

Components or devices of a computer, based on the function in which they are used,
can be classified into four major types: the input devices, output devices, storage
devices, and processing devices. For example, if a component processes the given
instructions, the component is known as the processing device. Or if a device displays
the processed data, the device is known as the output device.

Input function and devices

A computer is a data processing machine. It does nothing until a user (or a script or a
program) provides the data that needs to be processed and the instructions that tell it
how to process the data.

Any standard device or component that a user uses to instruct a computer is known as
the standard input device. In other words, a computer uses its standard input devices
or components to get instructions from a user.
The most common input devices are the keyboard and mouse. Almost all modern
computers have these devices. Other common input devices are scanners,
microphones, USB drives, and webcams.

Input data and instruction can also be generated from a non-standard input device
such as the hard disk and CD/DVD. For example, a batch file in the Windows system
may instruct the CPU to execute a program or a script at a particular time.

Installation disks are another good example of non-standard input devices. Usually,
they contain a script or an executable program that automatically starts the installation
process as soon as the disk is read.

Process function and devices

Once the data and instructions are received by the input function, the computer starts
the processing function. In this function, a computer processes the received data
according to the instructions.

To process the input data according to the instructions, the computer uses the CPU. A
CPU is the main processing component of a computer. It processes user instructions,
executes scripts and programs, and runs commands of the OS that provide a platform
for installing and using application software.

Other important processing components are auxiliary processors. Auxiliary processors

are also known as onboard processors. Auxiliary processors are used in devices to
enhance their functionalities. You can think of an auxiliary processor as the private
CPU of a device.

Only components or devices that provide the complex functionality such as Graphics
cards, I/O devices, and network interface cards use auxiliary processors. For example,
if a user draws an image, the auxiliary processor on the graphics card performs all
calculations that require in drawing the image on the display device.

The following image shows a sample of both a CPU and an auxiliary processor.

The following table lists the main differences between a CPU and an auxiliary
processor.

CPU Auxiliary processor

A CPU is a compulsory component. An auxiliary processor is an optional
Without it, a computer does not work. component.
A CPU is an individual component. It is An auxiliary processor is an integrated part
installed separately in the system. of a device. It can’t be installed separately.
A CPU is designed to perform all types An auxiliary processor is designed to perform
of tasks. only a specific type of task.
Output function and devices
After processing the input data, the CPU, auxiliary processor, or the process function
sends the processed data to the output function or to the default or configured output
device. By default, computers use monitors as the default output device.

Aside from monitor, a variety of output devices are also available. Each output device
presents the processed data in a different form, for example, a monitor, a printer, and
a speaker displays, prints, and plays the processed data, respectively.

A user, based on his requirement, can connect and use two, three or more output
devices to the computer. For example, after viewing the processed data, a user can
send it to the printer for printing.

Storage function and devices

Storing data and information is the fourth major function of a computer. This function
allows us to save the processed data for later use. To store data and information, a
computer uses two types of storage components: temporary and permanent.

Temporary storage components are used to store data temporarily. Data stored in a
temporary storage component is erased when the system is shutdown. RAM is a
compulsory temporary storage component. A computer uses the ram to store the
running applications and their data.

Permanent storage components are used to store data permanently. Data stored in a
permanent storage component is not erased when the system is shutdown. The hard
disk is the most common permanent storage component. Usually, all computers have
at least one hard disk to store data. Other common permanent storage components or
devices are external drives, USB drives, and CD/DVD.

The following image shows an example of both types of storage components.

Storage devices are also used in the input and output functions, allowing data to be
saved (output function) and then accessed again later (input function).

Examples

The following table lists a few sample actions along with the name of devices and
functions that are used when they are performed.

Action Device Function

A user running a text-editor program types the letter Z on the Keyboard Input
keyboard. The keyboard sends a code representing the letter Z
to the CPU.
The CPU processes the code and determines what letter was CPU Process
typed. Then the CPU sends instructions to the monitor to
display the letter Z.
The monitor displays the letter Z. Monitor Output
The user clicks the Save button. The mouse sends a code Mouse Input
representing the click.
The CPU processes the code and determines what action was CPU Process
clicked.
The CPU saves the file on the disk. Hard disk Storage

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