Computer Fundamentals

and information
processing
LESSON 3
Objectives

► Explain how the major hardware components of a computer

system interrelate
IPOS Cycle
IPOS Cycle

► The IPOS cycle happens every time you use a computer. It

stands for Input, Processing, Output, Storage.
► Input is to enter data into the computer by input devices such as
a mouse, or keyboard. The device translates the input into a
"language" that the computer can understand (binary), and it
"tells" the computer what was input.
IPOS Cycle

► These are the steps in the IPOS Cycle. First, input is entered
into the computer through input devices. Second, the CPU of
the computer processes the information. The computer can then
just store the information for later use, or it can output it as a
finished product.
► Instead of Outputting the information, a computer can just store
it. It can just store the information for later use.
IPOS Cycle

► After the Information is processed, it can then be either output,

or stored. When it is output, the results then exit the system.
► Once the computer gets the message from the device, the CPU
processes it. The CPU then does what it is supposed to do
according to the input command.
IPOS Cycle