The document discusses the key components of a computer system. It explains that a computer requires input, processing, output and storage devices. The central processing unit (CPU) processes data on the motherboard and uses memory like RAM and ROM for temporary and permanent storage. Data is represented digitally using binary code and standards like ASCII allow characters to be represented by numeric codes.

1. Lesson 4 How a Computer Processes Data Unit 1—Computer Basics

4. Common System Components Computer Concepts BASICS - - This figure shows several devices that are common components of a computer system.

7. Example of a Motherboard Computer Concepts BASICS - - This figure shows the devices inside a PC case including the motherboard, the power supply, and some storage devices.

10. A CPU Chip Computer Concepts BASICS - - This figure shows a CPU chip for a small computer. Computer programs are written in programming languages. Each program statement causes one or more actions to occur in the CPU. The CPU determines which of the millions of switches that it contains should be turned on or off by processing program statements that tell it what to do.

15. The Instruction and Execution Cycles Computer Concepts BASICS - - The execution cycle is the amount of time required to execute the instruction and store the results. This figure illustrates the basic machine cycle involved in processing a program statement. The instruction cycle is the amount of time required to read and decode the instruction.

16. The Machine Cycle Computer Concepts BASICS - - Machine cycles are measured in microseconds. The faster your computer can process machine cycles, the faster it can process data. The instruction cycle and one or more execution cycles create a machine cycle .

22. A Typical Expansion Card Computer Concepts BASICS - - Electrical prongs along the bottom are used to plug into the expansion slot and make an electrical connection to the main board. This port protrudes from the back of the PC case and is used to attach the device that this card controls.