lesson
Physical components need instructions
1 · Learn
Hardware is the physical equipment in a computer system; software provides instructions and data that make it perform tasks. Inputs supply information, processing transforms it, storage retains it and outputs communicate results.
The same device can perform different jobs because its software differs. A touchscreen combines an output display with an input surface, so categories describe functions rather than forcing each object into only one box.
2 · Worked example
In a model ticket machine, a button choice is input, software calculates a price, and a display shows the result. The screen's glass alone does not decide the price.
3 · Your turn
Why can a touchscreen be both an input and an output device?
Check your answer
It displays information and detects a user's touch as input.
4 · Apply your learning
Map the components of a fictional kiosk and label the data passing between them.
Adult guidance and safety
Use an approved private programming or authoring environment and fictional data. Do not install unknown software or enter personal credentials for these exercises. Trace first, then run and test where a suitable tool is available; these text examples do not themselves provide an executable assessment environment.
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