Information processing cycle

What is a computer?

• A computer is a machine that receives data and processes that data in some way to produce information.

• A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, performs computations, and makes logical decisions according to the data it is given, to produce information in a form that is meaningful to humans.

How does a computer process information?

In fo rm ation P rocess in g C yc le

In p u t P rocess in g O u tp u t

S to rag e

What is the information processing cycle?

The sequence of events in processing information, which includes

• (1) input• (2) processing• (3) output • (4) storage

Stage 1: Input

• “You first have to get the data in”

• Our brain takes in information from our senses

• Computers need “peripherals” (extra components) to get information in

– ex/ keyboards, scanners, mice

1.Input -entering data into the computer.Typical input devices: • Keyboards, mice, flatbed scanners, bar code

readers, joysticks, digital data tablets (for graphic drawing), electronic cash registers

keyboard

Mouse

Scanner

Barcode reader

joystick

Digital data tablets

Stage 2: Process• Next, we need to ‘make sense of’ the data we have

• Our brain compares this to what we know and decides whether it is important enough to remember or not

• Computers use the CPU (the main chip inside) to make decisions, do calculations, and organize data

– ex/ Pentium-IV, Dual-Core

2.processing -performing operations on the data.• CPU Processor - Central Processing Unit• A central processing unit (CPU), or sometimes

simply processor, is the key component in a digital computer capable of executing a program. It interprets computer program instructions and processes data. CPUs provide the fundamental digital computer trait of programmability, and are one of the necessary components found in computers of any era, along with memory and input/output facilities.

2.processing -performing operations on the data.• A CPU that is manufactured as a

single integrated circuit is usually known as a microprocessor. Beginning in the mid-1970s, microprocessors of ever-increasing complexity and power gradually supplanted other designs, and today the term "CPU" is usually applied to some type of microprocessor.

CPU

Stage 3: Output• The next step is to get the results out from the process,

and present them in a useable way

• Our brain makes our body respond by talking, moving, or writing

• Computers need “peripherals” to do this– ex/ monitor, printer, data projector

Stage 4: Distribute• Finally, the information needs to be sent elsewhere (or

stored) so it can be used later

• Our brain makes “memories” of the information, and we may write it down to look over later

• Computers use “peripherals” to do this– ex/ hard drive, CDs or DVDs to burn, Internet