Basic Computer
Concepts
Unlocking the Power of Your Digital World
CESAR FREDERICK LLAGAS CIANO
What Is a Computer?
An electronic device that receives input,
processes data, stores information, and produces
output.
Think of it as a smart assistant that follows
instructions (software) to perform tasks.
The Five Key Components of a Computer
1 2 3
Input Devices Central Memory
Processing
Tools to enter data Unit (CPU) Temporary storage
(e.g., keyboard, The brain that (RAM) and
mouse) processes permanent storage
instructions (ROM)
4 5
Output Devices Storage Devices
Display or present information Save data long-term (e.g., hard drive,
(e.g., monitor, printer) flash drive)
nput Devices: How We Communicate with Computer
Keyboard Mouse
The CPU: The Computer’s Brain
Executes instructions and
processes data at incredible
speeds, often billions of
operations per second.
• Major brands: Intel and AMD,
leading the industry in processor
technology.
• Internal Components: Contains a
Control Unit (CU) for managing
operations and an Arithmetic Logic
Unit (ALU) for calculations.
mory: Temporary and Permanent Stora
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Holds data and programs
currently in use. It's
incredibly fast but entirely
temporary; data is lost when
the computer powers off. ROM (Read-Only Memory)
Stores essential startup
instructions and firmware.
This data is permanent and
retained even when the
computer is off, crucial for
Think of RAM as your short-term memory while working, and ROM
booting up. as the computer’s
foundational knowledge.
tput Devices: Seeing and Hearing the Resu
Monitor Printer Speakers/Headphon
The primary Produces Convert electrical
visual output physical, hard audio signals into
device, copies of sound waves,
displaying text, documents, allowing you to
images, and photos, or other hear music,
videos in real- digital content spoken audio,
time, allowing onto paper. and system
you to interact alerts.
with software.
Storage Devices: Saving Your Work
These devices provide long-
term retention of files and
programs, ensuring your data
persists even after the
computer
•
is turned off.
Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and
Solid State Drives (SSD): The
primary internal storage
solutions for operating systems
and large files.
• Flash Drives and
CDs/DVDs: Excellent for
portable storage and
transferring data between
devices.
How Computers Work Together: Ports
and Connections
USB Ports Network Ports Expansion Cards
Universal connections Enable computers to Add enhanced
for keyboards, mice, connect to the internet capabilities like superior
flash drives, and and local networks, video graphics, high-
many peripherals, facilitating quality sound, or
making them communication and improved network
essential for modern data sharing. performance.
Understanding these connections helps you link various components and
devices.
expand your computer's functionality.
Summary & Next Steps
Computers combine hardware and software to perform tasks efficiently.
Understanding their basic Explore operating systems
components helps you use and applications next to
and troubleshoot computers unlock their full potential!
confidently.
