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4 Functions of a Computer
Every modern day desktop computer (PC) can be defined as having 4 basic functions:
Input
Input devices such as keyboards and mice are used to enter data into the computer. Other examples of input devices are: touch-pads, a bar-code reader, microphone, scanner, and/or a digital camera. Most input devices are located outside of the computer and connect through USB ports. The two most common input devices are keyboards and mice.
Processing
The computer uses microprocessors such as the CPU to perform calculations with the data. The most powerful processing unit in a computer is the CPU.
Storage
Storage is where the data that the computer is using to process is saved. As you will learn later there are two types of data: temporary and permanent.
Output
Data that has been processed is communicated back to the user in the form of words, sounds or pictures, and is delivered through printers, speakers, monitors or other output devices. Most output devices are located outside of the computer and connect through USB ports. The two most common output devices are monitors and printers.
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