The Boot Process & The 4 Computer Functions

Computer TechnologyCreated by M Corbett

Lehi Junior High

Based in part on a power point created by

M. Guymon of Pleasant Grove High School

Modified Summer 2010

Basic Terminology

Computer A device that accepts input,

processes data, stores data, and produces output.

Hardware The electronic and

mechanical devices that process the data; refers to the computer as well as peripheral devices.

Software A computer program that

tells the computer how to perform particular tasks.

Peripheral devices Devices used to expand the

computer’s input, output and storage capabilities.

System Unit Case that holds the power

supply, storage devices and the circuit boards including the motherboard.

The Boot Process

The Boot Process

The Boot Process is what happens between the time you push the power button and the time that you are actually able to use the computer.

6 events of the boot process:

Power up Start boot program – ROM chip Power-on self-test - diagnostics Identify peripheral devices Loads the operating system Check configuration and

customization

4 Functions of Computers

All computers perform 4 basic tasks Input – Programs and data entered into

a computer by the user.

Output – Results produced by the computer and returned to the user.

4 Functions of Computers

Processing - Manipulation or change of the data.

Memory - Area of the computer that temporarily holds data while it is waiting to be processed, stored, or output.

The Input Function & Input Devices

To make it possible for the user to enter data and programs into the computer, computers have Input Devices

The Input Function & Input Devices

Examples of Input Devices are:

The Output Function & Output Devices

To make it possible for the user to get results from the computer, computers have Output Devices

The Output Function & Output Devices

Examples of Output Devices are:

Input & Output Devices

There are some devices that can do both Input and Output.

Sometimes they are installed in the computer case or system unit (internal) and sometimes they are not (external).

Many involve some kind of mass data storage.

Input & Output Devices

Some examples are:

Internal Drives External Drives

The Processing Function

The Microprocessor is usually the largest chip on the motherboard. It is also called the Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The motherboard is the main circuit board for the computer

The Processing Function

To make it possible to change or modify data, computers have a Microprocessor or Central Processing Unit (CPU).

The Microprocessor is the brain of the computer. It controls ALL operations within the computer.

The Processing Function

DataSymbols (letters, numbers, etc) that

represent facts, objects, or ideas that are not organized (have not been processed)

InformationThe results produced by the

computer after it processes data (organized)

Motherboard

Microprocessor chip(CPU)

The Memory Function

Memory or Main Memory is where instructions and data are held while waiting to be executed, processed or output.

Main Memory has two parts: RAM – random access memory ROM – read only memory

The Memory Function

RAM – random access memory One or more integrate circuit chips that can

temporarily hold instructions and data Very volatile

• Cannot hold data when the power is off.

ROM – read only memory One or more integrated circuits that contain

permanent instructions that the computer uses during the boot process.

Storage Mediums

Used to keep data when the power to the computer is turned off.

Medium/media - Location where data is stored.

Although not one of the 4 functions of computers, storage mediums are critical to the use of computers

Resources

Parsons, June Jamrich, and Dan Oja. Computer Concepts. Boston: Course Technology - Thompson Learning, 2002.