Identify the constituent parts of a total computer system :: Computer Science

Identify the constituent parts of a total computer system ========================================================= Hardware - input and output units Backup storage; central processing unit; Software - applications package; Operating system; The main function of a computer system is to process data. When data has been processed and output it becomes information. The main stages of this procedure are: 1. The Input Stage - where data is put into the computer. 2. The Processing Stage - where the data is processed. 3. The Output Stage - where the results are displayed. A computer also needs to store data for later use. This is done on a backing storage device. Hardware - input and output units INPUT DEVICES Barcode reader A barcodeBarcodes are different groups of vertical bars that can be read by an optical scanner. Barcodes are printed on nearly every product that you can buy. Shops use barcodes because they are cheap to produce and very durable. Concept keyboard A concept keyboard is a flat board that contains a grid of buttons. Each button can be programmed to follow instructions. An overlay sheet is placed on the grid with an explanation for each button. They are used in primary schools with young children. Many modern fast food restaurants have overlays with either a description or picture of the meals that are available to make ordering easier. Digital camera A digital camera allows you to take pictures and to store a digital photographic image that can be read by a computer. You can then transfer the images directly from your camera on to your computer. Digital cameras are often used by estate agents for producing advertising and sales material. Graphics tablet A graphics tabletA graphics tablet consists of a flat pad (the tablet) on which the user draws with a special pen. As the user draws on the pad the image is created on the screen. Using a graphics tablet a designer can produce very accurate on-screen drawings. MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Reader) Magnetic ink characters are the strange looking numbers that appear at the bottom of cheques. These characters are used because they are very difficult to forge or damage. Banks use MICR to read the numbers from the bottom of cheques to obtain data such as account numbers and bank sort codes. Magnetic strip A magnetic strip on a credit cardMagnetic strips are built into many plastic cards such as cheque guarantee cards, cash-point cards and personal identity cards. The magnetic strip on the back of the card can hold the personal details of the card owner and, with the necessary PIN, will allow access to secure information e.g. bank account details. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) A MIDI system allows you to attach a musical instrument to your