How computers work

How computers work

All computers and digital devices work in the same way, from the simplest digital watch to a supercomputer. 

Watch this video to see how computers work. 

Input - Process - Store - Output 

The "how computers work" video explained this process really well. We call this the Input - Process - Store - Output or ISPO cycle. The true beauty of a computer system lies in the seamless integration of these processes. 

Input: Devices like keyboards, mice, touchscreens, and microphones feed data into the computer. For example, when you type on a keyboard or swipe on a touchscreen, you’re providing input.

Process: After receiving the input, the computer processes the data. This is done using the Central Processing Unit (CPU), the computer’s “brain”. The CPU performs arithmetic and logical operations to transform raw data into meaningful information. For example, when you ask your computer to calculate a mathematical problem, the CPU processes this request.

Storage: Once processed, data is often stored for future use. Computers have various storage mechanisms. Permanent storage (like on an HDD or SSD) ensures that data remains even when the computer is off, while temporary storage (like RAM) holds data the computer is actively using.

Output: After data has been processed, the computer produces output which is relayed to the user through output devices. Examples include monitors (which display visuals), speakers (which produce sound), and printers (which produce physical copies of digital data).