Edexcel GCSE Computer Science
4.2.1: understand the function of the hardware components of a computer system (CPU, main memory, secondary storage, input and output devices) and how they work together
4.2.1: understand the function of the hardware components of a computer system (CPU, main memory, secondary storage, input and output devices) and how they work together
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| CPU | Central Processing Unit (The brain of a computer that follows instructions to process data) |
| Input Device | mouse, keyboard, scanner, graphics tablet, iris scanner, touch screen or anything that sends data into a computer |
| Main memory | Random Access Memory used to store instructions and data whilst a program is running |
| Output Device | speakers, printer, display or anything that receives data from a computer |
| Secondary storage | Hard Disk Drive used to store instructions and data whilst the computer is switched off or whilst a program isn't running |
