Study the 4 basic functions of a computer for your IT exam. This guide covers input, processing, output, and storage with practice questions.

Q: Input Device

Answer: This device sends information TO a computer (data comes in). Examples include a digital camera, keyboard, or USB drive.

Q: Output Device

Answer: This device receives or displays information FROM a computer (data goes out). Examples include a printer, speakers, or monitor.

Q: Hardware

Answer: This is a collection of all the parts of a computer that you can physically touch. This includes the monitor, keyboard, CPU, printer, and more.

Q: Software

Answer: This includes all electronic sets of instructions that tell a computer what task to perform. This includes system software to help run the computer itself, and application software to help run other programs such as the internet browser you are using.

Q: Storage

Answer: These devices save digital data or information to be retrieved later. This includes memory, USB drives, and CD-ROMs.

Q: Processing

Answer: These devices perform the instructions given to the computer by the software. This includes the CPU, or central processing unit, and the Mother Board.

Q: What are the Four Basic Functions of a Computer?

Answer: Input, Output, Storage, and Processing