Topic: Tech+ Domain 1 — Digital Data, File Types, and Media Formats

Essential Question:

How does a computer represent, store, and use different kinds of digital information, and how can I choose the correct file type for a specific task?

🔹 1. What a Computer Is (2.2.1–2.2.5)

A computer is a device that performs four universal steps:

Input → Processing → Output → Storage

• Input: keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, microphone
• Processing: CPU performs calculations, logic, instructions
• Output: monitor, speakers, printer
• Storage: SSD, HDD, flash drives, cloud storage

Hardware = physical components

Software = programs/apps that run on hardware

Operating System (OS) = manages hardware, files, apps, users

Supercomputers

• Extremely powerful systems used for science, weather, simulations
• Not personal computers — massive multi-CPU machines

Human-Computer Interaction

Ways humans communicate with devices:

• GUI (icons, windows, menus)
• Touchscreens