Chapter 4

Input, Output, and More: The Basics of Computing and Processing

A computer must perform four major tasks:

  • Input

  • Processing

  • Output

  • Storage

In this chapter, you learn the basics of these essential tasks. This chapter covers CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ exam Objective 1.3: Illustrate the basics of computing and processing.

Foundation Topics

Input

In technology terms, an input is a command or information that is made available to a computer. Before information can be processed by a computer, it must be input.

Any of the following activities can be considered inputs:

  • Typing text or numbers into a computer program

  • Selecting menu options with a mouse, touchpad, or touchscreen

  • Transferring photos or videos from a digital camera, tablet, ...

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