PETRA : We would like to introduce you to some basic computer vocabulary.
First of all, the computer is an object
that is made up of hardware components.
A processor to do the math,
a hard disk to store information
memory also called RAM to run applications
and peripherals:
keyboard, mouse, screen,
printer and so forth.
REMI : But the hardware alone
does not make up the whole computer.
In addition, we have software
to instruct the hardware components
what to do.
Software is basically computer code
that runs on the computer
and includes the operating system
as well as all the applications installed on the computer.
PETRA : Hardware and software
work together hand in hand,
ideally, to provide services to users
or to solve problems.
In order to be able to provide these services,
application developers,
those who create the software,
create so-called algorithms.
REMI : An algorithm is a sequence of instructions
pretty much like a cooking recipe.
It provides a set of steps to follow
in order to achieve a desired result.
Well, a program is an algorithm
that is implemented - written -
in a certain programming language,
for example the C programming language.
PETRA : Just as in a cooking recipe
we typically start by looking at the ingredients,
a program typically needs input data
that is supposed to be processed in some form.
Next the cooking recipe
shows a set of steps to be performed
in order to prepare and cook the ingredients.
Similarly, a computer program contains computer code
that represents a sequence of commands to be executed
in order to process the input data.
In a kitchen, we hopefully end with a tasty dish.
Similarly, the program hopefully
creates the desired output.
REMI : So, all together, we start with input data to the program,
process it, this data, with the algorithm,
and end up with output data.
We often simply speak of program input
and program output.
PETRA : So now, you're able to identify and name
the different components of a computer.
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