Input
An input is data that is entered into or received by a computer. This
could include a user pressing a key on a keyboard, clicking a mouse
to select something on screen or tapping a touch pad. Some inputs
indicate to the computer what we want it to do, while others provide
data for the computer to process.
Data
data is information that has been translated into a form that is efficient
for movement or processing. Relative to today's computers and
transmission media, data is information converted into binary digital
form. It is acceptable for data to be used as a singular subject or a
plural subject.
Information
Information is organized or classified data, which has some
meaningful values for the receiver. Information is the processed
data on which decisions and actions are based.
Bit
A bit (binary digit) is the smallest unit of data that a computer can
process and store. A bit is always in one of two physical states, similar
to an on/off light switch. The state is represented by a single binary
value, usually a 0 or 1. However, the state might also be represented
by yes/no, on/off or true/false.
Byte
In most computer systems, a byte is a unit of data that is eight binary
digits long. A byte is the unit most computers use to represent a
character such as a letter, number or typographic symbol.
Character
A character is a display unit of information equivalent to one
alphabetic letter or symbol. This relies on the general definition of a
character as a single unit of written speech.
File
A file is a collection of data stored in one unit, identified by a filename. It can
be a document, picture, audio or video stream, data library, application, or
other collection of data.
Data file
A data file is a computer file which stores data to be used by a
computer application or system, including input and output data. A
data file usually does not contain instructions or code to be executed
(that is, a computer program). Most of the computer programs work
with data files.
Executable file
An executable file (EXE file) is a computer file that contains an
encoded sequence of instructions that the system can execute directly
when the user clicks the file icon. Executable files commonly have an
EXE file extension, but there are hundreds of other executable file
formats.
Processing
Processing is the transformation of the input data to a more
meaningful form (information) in the CPU. Output is the production of
the required information, which may be input in future. The difference
between data collection and data capture.
Computer Program
A computer program, also called an application or software, is a set of
instructions that process input, manipulate data, and output a result.
For example, Microsoft Word is a word processing program that
allows users to create and write documents.
Software
Software is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate
computers and execute specific tasks. It is the opposite of hardware,
which describes the physical aspects of a computer. Software is a
generic term used to refer to applications, scripts and programs that
run on a device.
Central Processing Unit
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the primary component of
a computer that acts as its “control center.” The CPU, also
referred to as the “central” or “main” processor, is a complex set
of electronic circuitry that runs the machine's operating system
and apps.
Memory
Memory is the electronic holding place for the instructions and
data a computer needs to reach quickly. It's where information is
stored for immediate use.
Storage
Storage is a process through which digital data is saved within a data
storage device by means of computing technology. Storage is a
mechanism that enables a computer to retain data, either temporarily
or permanently
Output
The output is how the computer presents the results of the process.
Outputs can be returned to the user in many ways such as text on a
screen, printed materials, or as sound from a speaker.
