When we put power on in our computer, it first of all loads the operating system. This procedure popularly is known as ‘booting’ up of computer. Thus, we can say that the computer starts from scratch every time we turn the power on. It checks all its components. In case there is any problem with any component, it will usually display a message. Loading the operating system is usually automatic.
On most PCs these days, Microsoft Windows is used. However, Mac OS or Linux as their operating system are also used by some users. All these Operating Systems (OS) are Graphic User Interface (GUI) systems and thus allows the user to control or run the computer using a Mouse and clicking on the icons. The user simply moves the mouse on a flat surface, rolls the trackball, or moves their hand over the touch pad to control a pointer. They then choose the option they want by pressing a button or touching the pad.
Without a GUI the user controls the computer using the keys on the keyboard. This is referred to as a Command Line Interface (CLI) which was popular under DOS environment.
Once the system is loaded the user can start the application or program that they are going to use.
A typical computer process includes
(a) inputting the information;
(b) Processing the information;
(c) Outputting the information.
The information is inputted through input devices like keyboards, mouse, disks, scanners and other devices. The information is processed in CPU and the processed information displayed either on Monitor (soft copy), stored on the disk, or taken as a hard copy through a printer.
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