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Activity 1.1: Computer Systems

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Activity 1.1

Computer Systems

Key Concepts

How a Computer Works

Input, Processing, Output, and Memory

Binary

The Four Basic Functions

Every computer, from a laptop to a microwave, performs the same four basic functions.

The Four Basic Functions

Diagram showing Input flowing into Processing (CPU), Processing flowing into Output, and Memory connected to Processing

Input

Information a computer receives from the outside world.

  • Keyboard and mouse
  • Microphone and camera
  • Sensors (temperature, motion, light)

Output

Information a computer sends back out to the world.

  • Monitor and speakers
  • Printer
  • LEDs and motors

Processing

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the "brain" of the computer. It carries out instructions and makes decisions, one step at a time.

Memory

Computers need somewhere to hold data while they work, and somewhere to keep it long-term.

  • RAM — temporary, cleared when the power turns off
  • Storage (like a hard drive or SSD) — permanent, kept even after the power turns off

Binary

Underneath everything a computer does, it only understands two states: on and off.

We represent those two states as 1 and 0. Each one is called a bit.

Binary

Diagram showing eight bits, 01000001, grouped together as one byte representing the letter A

Eight bits grouped together make one byte.

Today's Objectives

  • Identifying input, processing, output, and memory
  • Understanding binary as a computer's "language"

Key Terms

Input
Information a computer receives from the outside world.
Output
Information a computer sends back out to the world.
Processing (CPU)
The part of the computer that carries out instructions.
Memory
Where a computer holds data, either temporarily (RAM) or long-term (storage).
Binary
A system of representing information using only two states, on and off.
Bit
A single binary digit, either 0 or 1.
Byte
A group of eight bits.

'F' → Fullscreen

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Build

No coding yet — today is about recognizing these ideas in the devices you already use.

Task 1: Find the Four Functions in a Real Device

  • Pick a device you use every day (phone, laptop, game console, car, microwave).
  • List at least one real example of that device's input, output, processing, and memory.

Task 2: Spot the Bits

  • Look at the byte diagram from the presentation (01000001).
  • Count how many total on/off combinations are possible in one byte, and write down how you figured it out.
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Checkpoint

You should be able to explain, in your own words:

  • One real example each of input, processing, output, and memory from your chosen device.
  • Why a byte can represent 256 different values.
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Reflection

Answer the following questions before submitting your work.

  1. Which of the four basic functions (input, processing, output, memory) do you think is most similar to a human's brain? Explain your reasoning.
  2. Why do you think computers only use binary (0s and 1s) instead of the decimal numbers people use every day?
  3. Pick one device from Task 1 that surprised you once you broke it down into input/processing/output/memory. What surprised you about it?
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Submit

Submit the required files to the appropriate dropbox.

Activity Complete