The Boot Process &
The 4 Computer Functions
Computer Technology
Created by M Corbett
Lehi Junior High
Based in part on a power point created by
M. Guymon of Pleasant Grove High School
Modified Summer 2010
Basic Terminology

Computer
 A device that accepts input,
processes data, stores data,
and produces output.

Peripheral devices
 Devices used to expand the
computer’s input, output and
storage capabilities.

Hardware
 The electronic and
mechanical devices that
process the data; refers to
the computer as well as
peripheral devices.

System Unit
 Case that holds the power
supply, storage devices and
the circuit boards including
the motherboard.

Software
 A computer program that
tells the computer how to
perform particular tasks.
The Boot Process
The Boot Process
The Boot Process is what happens
between the time you push the power
button and the time that you are
actually able to use the computer.
6 events of the boot process:
Power up
 Start boot program – ROM chip
 Power-on self-test - diagnostics
 Identify peripheral devices
 Loads the operating system
 Check configuration and
customization

4 Functions of Computers
All computers perform 4 basic tasks

Input – Programs and data entered into
a computer by the user.

Output – Results produced by the
computer and returned to the user.
4 Functions of Computers

Processing - Manipulation or change of
the data.

Memory - Area of the computer that
temporarily holds data while it is waiting
to be processed, stored, or output.
The Input Function & Input
Devices
To make it possible for the user
to enter data and programs into
the computer, computers have
Input Devices
The Input Function & Input
Devices
Examples of Input Devices are:
The Output Function &
Output Devices
To make it possible for the user
to get results from the
computer, computers have
Output Devices
The Output Function &
Output Devices
Examples of Output Devices are:
Input & Output Devices
There are some devices that can
do both Input and Output.
Sometimes they are installed in
the computer case or system
unit (internal) and sometimes
they are not (external).
Many involve some kind of mass
data storage.
Input & Output Devices
Some examples are:
Internal Drives
External Drives
The Processing Function
The Microprocessor is usually the
largest chip on the motherboard. It is
also called the Central Processing
Unit (CPU)
The motherboard is the main circuit
board for the computer
The Processing Function
To make it possible to change or modify
data, computers have a
Microprocessor or Central Processing
Unit (CPU).
The Microprocessor is the brain of the
computer. It controls ALL operations
within the computer.
The Processing Function

Data


Symbols (letters, numbers, etc) that
represent facts, objects, or ideas that
are not organized (have not been
processed)
Information

The results produced by the
computer after it processes data
(organized)
Motherboard
Microprocessor chip
(CPU)
The Memory Function
Memory or Main Memory is where
instructions and data are held while
waiting to be executed, processed
or output.
Main Memory has two parts:
 RAM – random access memory
 ROM – read only memory
The Memory Function
RAM – random access memory


One or more integrate circuit chips that can
temporarily hold instructions and data
Very volatile
• Cannot hold data when the power is off.
ROM – read only memory

One or more integrated circuits that contain
permanent instructions that the computer
uses during the boot process.
Storage Mediums
Although not one of the 4 functions of
computers, storage mediums are critical to
the use of computers


Used to keep data when the power to the computer
is turned off.
Medium/media - Location where data is stored.
Resources
Parsons, June Jamrich, and Dan Oja.
Computer Concepts. Boston: Course
Technology - Thompson Learning,
2002.