Module 1.2 "Exploring The Computing Cycle" Study Guide

Lesson 1.2 Explore the Computing Cycle Objectives:

• 1.1 Explain the basics of computing.

• 2.2 Explain the purpose of common internal computing components.

• 2.3 Compare and contrast storage types.

“Input, Processing, Storage, and Output” (1.2.1)

The computing cycle helps us understand how information moves through a computer by calculating the set of steps it takes to understand what you want it to do and then do it.

The four(4) main steps of the computing cycle is:
1. Input
2. Processing
3. Storage
4. Output
-------------------------------------------

COMPUTING CYCLE DEVICES

• Input - These devices are responsible for sending data and user commands to the computer for processing

• Processing - central processing unit (CPU) chip. This component processes instructions, performs calculations, and manages data for all operations within the computer. The processor uses RAM for short-term storage and also sends output for long-term storage.

• Storage - Storage devices are used to retain data either permanently (as with hard drives) or temporarily (as with RAM).

• Output - These devices present processed information to the user, such as displaying text and images or playing sound.

“What Is Input?” (1.2.2)

• The communication between an information processing system, such as a computer or computing device, and the outside world. The data or commands could come from a human, or from another computing device.

• People give input to computers by clicking with mice, typing on keyboards, touching screens, talking to them, turning on a camera, or even making gestures.

“What Is Processing?” (1.2.3)

• Processing happens when a computer's central processing unit (CPU) figures out what to do with the input.

• It takes the instruction, and runs through all the steps and options available to show you

• The operation takes just a nanosecond, or one-billionth of a second, to happen. And while this is going on, the CPU is processing so many other things at the same time.

-------------------------------------------

MEMORY

• RAM is an essential part of computer operations; without it, the computer won't even start.

• The CPU needs the "shelf space" that is RAM to open up a program. Once it's in RAM, the CPU can quickly grab the data it needs, work on it, and then put the results back in RAM. Sometimes, the CPU might also ask RAM to keep some instructions ready while it works on others.

“What Is Storage?” (1.2.4)

• Where all the computer's programs and information are kept.

• In a special part of the computer called the hard drive. This part keeps everything safe even when the computer is turned off.

• If we didn't have this kind of storage, everything would disappear every time the computer is turned off.

• The two most common ways to keep information for a long time on a computer are solid state drives (SSD) and the hard disk drive (HDD).

-------------------------------------------

HDD

• Hard disks keep data on special magnetic disks inside a protective housing to store data. Because a hard disk drive is usually installed inside a computer, it's not easy to move it to another computer.

• Might stop working if they're bumped or moved around too much because they have parts that move.

• Manufactured in 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch sizes,

• up to 18TB

-------------------------------------------

SSD

• A solid state drive stores information using flash memory, which lets it work much faster than an HDD. Flash memory holds onto information even when there is no power, but it can be reprogrammed with new data very quickly.

-------------------------------------------

Optical Drives

• Can also store things on devices you plug into your computer, such as optical drives like CD-ROMs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. These are good for keeping things like videos, pictures, papers, or a company's financial details, but usually not for programs or apps.

• Optical types of storage are good for holding data, but aren't great at adding new data. Originally they were designed to just hold data, and were known for their read only memory (ROM).

• Some versions of these optical discs include the ability to write over, or re-write, data on the disc. Those versions will have a "-R" or "-RW" attached to their name, such as CD-RW or DVD-R.

• Optical drives was replaced with flash and cloud storage

“What Is Output?” (1.2.5)

• The information the computer gives back to you is called output.

• Things like printers, screens, and speakers are referred to as the "output" or peripheral devices.

• A peripheral is something outside the main computer that you can connect with a cable or wirelessly. These are extra tools that help the computer do more, but they aren't part of the computer itself.