Computing Architecture
A computing architecture is the environment -
hardware and software - in which
you organize, manipulate, store, and manage data to create information.
We are used to thinking of computers in terms of hardware:
keyboards, disk drives, and monitors. Let's also consider a different
perspective: a computer deals with data. Data is words, numbers, and and
codes that describe or represent things.
The "larger view" of a computer is to transform data
into information, that is, to organize the words, numbers, and facts to be
useful and productive.
Therefore, think of a computer as being a set of processes
that handle data and transform it into information.
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Data: the raw, unrelated elements that
represent (identify or name) things found in the universe.
Representations include codes, letters, numbers, words, sentences.
Data by itself is typically meaningless; however it can be collected,
stored, and transmitted.
For example: "A", 111, "Elm Street", "John"
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Information: the organized data about
things that make up the universe.
Organized data: combining words that describe where someone lives.
Data when organized and presented = information.
For example: "John is lives at 111 Elm Street"
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The following describes the parts of a computer as both hardware and
processes for dealing with data:
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Component |
Hardware |
Process |
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Input |
A device that brings data into the computer.
For example: keyboard, mouse, network, and modem. |
The collection of data from a user into the computer. For example:
entering your name, address, and phone number into an application.
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Output |
A device that presents data and or information to the end user. For
example: monitor, printer, network, or modem. |
The presentation (or transmission) of information to the end user. For
example: displaying or printing a database report.
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Memory |
A means to store data for short- or long-term use.
For example: long-term - hard disk, floppy disk, CD-ROM; short-term—
random access memory (RAM). |
Storing and managing data from input, for output, and for processing.
Data is stored for short-term manipulation or for long-term reuse. For
example, when data is input, it is stored as a record in a database file.
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Processor |
A device for executing programmed instructions. This is the central
processing unit (CPU) of a computer. |
Manipulation of data to accomplish specific tasks. For example: sorting
financial records and summing the total costs on a daily basis.
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Control |
The program or instructions used to operate a computer. This includes the
programs (on-disk) for the operating system and application software such
as a word processor.
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The set of steps to accomplish tasks by the computer. |
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