NOTE 2

How a computer works

Data is entered into the computer processor through various input devices (e.g. keyboard,
mouse, scanner, light pen). As data is entered into the computer system via the keyboard,
the circuits in the input device changes the data which are then transferred to a buffer
[temporary storage].

The processor or Central Processing Unit (CPU) immediately carries out certain
instructions which send codes from the storage buffer to the memory (RAM) which also
has a buffer that projects the corresponding information onto the screen.

The mouse is moved to guide its pointer to a piece of information or application. When
the button on the mouse is clicked, it commands the computer to execute (carry out) or
modify the selected information. The shape of the mouse pointer changes as the
application or document changes or as it is moved to different parts of the screen.

Disk drives are used to receive a diskette (CD ROM Drive for CDs & DVD Drive for
DVDs). A disk that is inserted into a disk drive is used to transfer information stored
from the disk to the buffer then to the memory or from memory to the disk (Hard drive,
hard disk, local disk, C Drive) for temporary or permanent storage.

The information in a document that is displayed on the screen can be edited before it is
printed. At this stage, the printer is switched on and the mouse pointer is used to select
the printing options and instructions.

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 NOTE 2

DIAGRAM OF THE FLOW OF INFORMATION

THROUGH A COMPUTER

SYSTEM UNIT

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Input Devices Communication
(Raw Data) 2 3 Devices
Control Unit Arithmetic Logic
(CU) Decodes Unit (ALU)
Executes
1 4 Output Devices (of
Registers processed data or
Fetches Stores Information)

Memory
RAM ROM Secondary Storage
Random Read Devices
Access Only
Memory Memory

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