01 Computer Overview
01 Computer Overview
1. Any computer system, large or small, can be represented by the four elements of an
IPO model. Draw an IPO model; clearly label each of the four elements in your
drawing.
3. There are protocols that are not standards and standards that are not protocols. With
the help of a dictionary, identify the differences between the definition of protocol and
the definition of standard; then, identify a specific example of a standard that is not a
protocol; identify a specific example of a protocol that is not a standard.
Answers
Question 1
Question 2
Hardware
Processes data by executing instructions
Provides input and output
Control input, output and storage components
Software
Applications and system software
Instructions tell hardware exactly what tasks to perform and in what order
Data
Fundamental representation of facts and observations
Communications
Sharing data and processing among different systems
Question 3
Protocols define the specific agreed-upon sets of ground rules that make it possible for a
communication to take place. Except for special applications, most computers perform their
operations such that each hardware or software computer unit will understand what other
computer units that they are connected with are saying. Protocols exist for communications
between computers, for the communications between various I/O devices and a computer,
and for communications between many software programs. A protocol specification defines