Investigation Anatomy of Computers

Introduction

Objective: Identify and differentiate between the basic components of computers focusing on inputs, storage, processing, and output.

Computers play a crucial role in our daily lives by making tasks easier and more efficient. From staying connected with friends and family through social media to completing school assignments and researching information online, computers have become an essential tool for communication and learning. What about if we want to stay organized with calendars and reminders, or even entertain ourselves with our favorite games or the latest TikTok videos?

All of these express the importance of computers in our daily lives to put a few tasks at ease and maybe provide endless opportunities for growth and development.

Knowledge Point

Computers are programmable electronic devices designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the results of these operations. With all the unique features of a computer, it is important to understand that a computer consists of two parts known as hardware and software.

Hardware consists of the physical components of a computer, while software refers to the set of programs (instructions) that tell a computer what to do.

Hardware: Physical Components of a Computer

Learn more about the hardware of a computer by clicking each tab in the activity below.

Software: Non-physical components of a computer

Software refers to the set of instructions a computer uses to complete any instructed task. Software is the program that is operated by the hardware.

Hardware and software are interdependent. Interdependent means that neither can function without the other one. Hardware cannot do anything without software because it depends on the processed instructions to provide input, while software cannot function without hardware to process the user’s instructions.

There are two types of software to think of when you talk about software, that would be system and application software.

System software manages the flow of data and the information contained on the computer. The operating system (OS) is the most important type of system software. The OS is designed to control and coordinate the tasks and functions of computer hardware.

- Examples: Microsoft Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

Application software is a program that is built for a specific purpose, like sending a message, browsing the internet, or typing a document. Refers to any software that lets the user accomplish a function or create content and requires system software in order to function.
- Examples: Microsoft Office, Google Chrome, Spotify, and Uber.

Now that you have explored the components that make up a computer. Take a moment to watch a quick video from Code.org about how computers work, reference the information you obtained in this lesson.

OER Source: Khan Academy Partners and Code.org “CPU, Memory, Input & Output" Used according to terms of use.

Anatomy of a Computer Self-Assessment

Test your knowledge by completing the activity below. Click true or false for each.

Reflection and Wrap-up

Computers are electronic devices designed to process data quickly through mathematical and logical operations, comprising hardware (physical components) and software (programs).  

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