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Basic Operations of a Computer
The computer performs four basic operations that are input, process, output, and storage. Let us discuss these in detail.
Input (Raw Data)
Input is the collection of raw facts or figures in the form of text, numbers, graphs, etc. provided to the computer
using input devices like keyboard, mouse, scanner etc. It is also called raw data or unprocessed data.
Process
Process is a method to convert raw data into meaningful information. The Central Processing Unit(CPU) of the
computer is responsible for processing of data.
Output (Information)
Output is the processed data. It is obtained after manipulation and processing of input (raw) data. It is also called
meaningful data or Information. Computer displays the output to the user through output devices like monitor,
printer, speakers, etc.
Storage
Storage is the process of storing either raw data or processed information. The data can be stored either using
secondary storage devices like flash drive, hard disc, compact disc, or online storage medium like Google Drive,
OneDrive, etc.
Input-Process-Output Cycle
All computing work revolves around three interrelated parts i.e., input, process, and output.
• An input is accepted by the user through the input devices.
• It is then processed by CPU and sent to the user as Input Output Information
an output using output devices. Data Process
• There can be a need to store the output for later
use in the storage devices.
• Sometimes the result generated acts as an input Storage
for the next stage of data flow.
• This flow of information follows a cycle which is known as the Input-Process-Output Cycle.
Characteristics of a Computer
Following are some of the important characteristics of a computer:
• Speed: A computer can process data at a speed of millions of instructions per second. It is faster than human
beings in doing complex tasks which can otherwise take a few days to process manually. It uses its internal clock
to measure the processing speed for completing the job. The unit of computer speed is Hertz, which equals
one cycle per second.
• Accuracy: The information provided by the computer is very accurate. Sometimes we may feel that we are not
getting the desired result or maybe the output generated is not accurate. When we give wrong input to the computer,
the system malfunctions or gives wrong output. It works on the principle of GIGO(Garbage In Garbage Out).
• Reliability: Information received using a computer is highly reliable. During an online flight reservation, seat
allocated to one person cannot be reallocated to another at any cost. So, we can totally depend on the availability
of information of seats during online booking or availability of stock during online shopping.
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