Chapter 2: How Computer Works

The Outcomes

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

 Understand the basic idea of the Input-Process-Output (IPO) cycle.

 Know how the IPO cycle works in everyday machines.

Get Set
Color the following:

Great job! Now let's explore how a computer works. Computers can do many things like helping
with homework, playing games, showing movies, and chatting with friends far away. But how
does a computer do all these things? Let’s find out!

IPO Cycle

The term IPO stands for Input-Process-Output. The IPO cycle shows how information flows in a
computer

1. Input: We give information to the computer.

2. Process: The computer works on the information.

3. Output: The computer shows the result.

So let us try to understand IPO cycle with the help of a delicious example:

Example: Making a Healthy Fruit Salad

FRESH FRUITS CHOPPING FRUITS FRUIT SALAD

(INPUT) (PROCESS) (OUTPUT)

Input
Input is when we give information to the computer. Example: Typing instruction through
keyboard.

The user giving input to the computer through Keyboard

Process
The computer works on the information. This is called processing.

Picture showing the input being under process

Output
Output means showing information to users, like on a screen or printer.

A printer giving printed page as an output

Quick Check

Ria is making a sandwich for her snack. Here are the steps she follows:

1. Taking bread slices and spreading butter on them.

2. Adding cheese and vegetables between the slices.

3. Cutting the sandwich into halves.

Identify the Input, Process, and Output:

Input: …………………………………..….

Process: ………………………………….

Output: …………………………….…….

IPO Cycle in Different Machines

 Traffic Light

Input: Sensors detect cars and people nearby.

Process: The traffic light decides when to change colors.

Output: The Lights change (red, yellow, green) to help cars and people know when to go.

 Coffee Maker

Input: Coffee and water

Process: The machine heats the water and pours it over the coffee.

Output: Fresh coffee is ready to drink.

  Printer

Input: Words or pictures sent from a computer to the printer.

Process: The printer understands the data it gets.

Output: The printer makes a paper copy of the words or pictures.

These examples show how machines change inputs into outputs we use every day.

IPO Cycle in Computer

Now, let’s see how the IPO Cycle works specifically in a computer.

1. Input in a Computer

There are many ways to give input to a computer:

 Keyboard: Input words and numbers by typing.
 Mouse: Click on icons and links.
 Touch Screen: Tap or swipe on the screen.
 Microphone: Speak to the computer.
 Scanner: Scan documents and photos.

Titibit

The First Computer Mouse: The computer mouse was invented by Douglas Engelbart in 1964. It
was made of wood and had two wheels that could detect motion on a surface.
 2. Process in a Computer

In a computer, "process" means the steps it follows to do things like showing things on the
screen, doing math, or running games and programs. Each process helps the computer do
different jobs, like learning new things, playing games, or making documents.

3. Output in a Computer

After processing the input, the computer shows the output through various devices:

 Monitor: Displays text, images, and videos on its screen.

 Printer: Prints documents and pictures onto paper.
 Speakers: Play sounds and music so you can hear them.
 Projector: Shows images and videos on a large screen for everyone to see.

Titbits

Computers have memory to remember what you do, like playing games or drawing pictures.
Working of Computer

To understand how a computer works, let’s break it down into simple steps.

1. Turning On the Computer: When you press the power button, the computer starts waking
up. It checks if everything is working.

2. Loading the Operating System: The computer loads a special program (like Windows or
macOS called operating systems) so it can start working.

3. Receiving Input: You can type on the keyboard, click the mouse, or touch the screen to tell
the computer what to do.
 4. Processing the Input: The computer's brain (CPU) follows instructions to do tasks like
playing games or opening programs.

5. Giving Output: After you tell the computer what to do, it shows you things like games, music,
or pictures.

6. Storing Data: The computer saves your drawings, stories, and other stuff you make on its
special memory so you can use them later.

This shows how a computer starts, works, and does what you tell it to do!

CPU

The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the brain of a computer. It follows instructions from
programs and does tasks like math and managing information. This helps the computer play
games, show videos, and do other things you want it to do.
Parts of the CPU:
1. ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Does math and makes decisions.
2. CU (Control Unit): Helps move information and follow instructions.
3. Memory Unit (MU) or Registers: Holds information the computer needs right away.

These parts work together so your computer can do what you ask, like playing games and
showing videos.

Titbits

Computers use special languages called "code" to understand and follow instructions. It's like
giving the computer a secret code to do things like play games or draw pictures!

How the CPU Works:

 Fetch: The CPU acts like someone going to a library (computer's memory) to pick up a
book (instruction). It brings the book back to its desk to read.
 Decode: Next, the CPU reads the book (instruction) to understand what it needs to do. It
figures out the steps it should take.
 Execute: Finally, the CPU follows the instructions it read. It does the task or math that
the instruction told it to do.
Speed of the CPU

The speed of the CPU is measured in gigahertz (GHz). A bigger number means the CPU is faster.
For instance, a CPU with 3 GHz can do 3 billion things every second!

Quick Check

Question: What does CPU stand for in a computer?

A) Central Programming Unit

B) Computer Processing Unit

C) Central Processing Unit

D) Computer Power Unit

Answer: C) Central Processing Unit

Key Insights

 Computers: Computers are machines that help us do tasks quickly.

 IPO Cycle: This is how computers work: they take in information (input), process it, and
give us a result (output).
 Examples: ATMs and microwaves work the same way—they take your instructions
(input), do something with them, and then give you what you want (output).
 Computer IPO Cycle:
o Input: You use devices like keyboards and mice to give commands.
o Process: The CPU, like the computer's brain, handles tasks and math.
o Output: Results appear on a screen or get printed out.

Check Yourself

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What does CPU stand for in a computer?

A) Central Programming Unit

 B) Computer Processing Unit
C) Central Processing Unit
D) Computer Power Unit

2. Which part of the computer acts like its brain?

A) Keyboard
B) Monitor
C) CPU
D) Printer

3. What is the purpose of the IPO cycle in computers?

A) To turn on and off the computer

B) To clean the computer's memory
C) To process information and produce results
D) To cool down the computer's components

4. How is the speed of a CPU measured?

A) In megabytes (MB)
B) In terabytes (TB)
C) In gigahertz (GHz)
D) In kilohertz (kHz)

True/False Questions

1. The CPU is responsible for performing calculations and logical operations in a computer.

2. The IPO cycle stands for Input, Process, and Outcome.

3. RAM is a type of fast, temporary storage in a computer.

4. The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) is a part of the CPU that handles math calculations and
logical operations.

Fill in the Blanks

1. The _____________ is like the brain of the computer.

2. Input devices include the keyboard, mouse, and _____________.

3. The IPO cycle involves _____________, processing by the CPU, and _____________.

4. The speed of the CPU is measured in _____________.

Subjective Type Questions

1. What part of a computer acts like its brain?

2. How does a computer show you pictures and videos?

3. Name one way you can give instructions to a computer.

4. What does a printer do after receiving information from a computer?

In the Lab

Go to the computer lab and draw and color the pictures of different parts of a computer.

NEP CONNECT

Art Connect

Make a computer collage using paper, scissors, glue, and markers. You will need to cut out
shapes for keyboards, CPUs, monitors, and mice, then arrange them on paper.

Bharat Connect

Use the drawing program on your computer to draw and color India's flag.

Count and write the number of spokes in the Ashoka Chakra