Discovering computers - Term Paper Example

elated to the same, including: how computers are used, uses of the application software, components of a system unit, input and output devices, storage devices, uses and ramifications of the internet, systems software, communications and network, databases and information management, systems development, project management, use of multimedia, security, privacy and ethics issue, and controversial computer-related topics addressing the use of computers in contemporary society. To understand how computers work, one must understood what goes into them (data) and what comes out from the same (information).

Basically, it is the main job of the computer to turn the said data into information through the process called information processing cycle. Computers usually work with inputs through devices that transmit data and information from external users such as the users (Shelley, et al. 2008). Input devices used for this particular function usually include the following: (1) keyboards, (2) mice, (3) touch-screen monitors and lastly, (4) network cards. On the other hand, computers also work with output by using devices that releases data from the computer to the user.

As earlier stated, the computer transforms the information coming in to the information needed by the user through the process called information processing cycle (Spencer 1985). Technically, the information processing cycle is defined as that method wherein information is processed. There are four components associated with the information processing cycle of a computer; these are; (1) input – the step wherein the user enters data into the computer; (2) processing – wherein the computer performs operations on the data; (3) output- the step concerned with the presentation of the results; and finally, (4) storage – concerned with saving data, programs and output for use in the future (Shelley, et al. 2008). Perhaps, one of the most common uses of the computer nowadays is to access the World Wide Web.