[ 8.1.1 - Computer Room] [ 8.1.2 - Functional Units of Data Processing] [ 8.1.3 - Types of Magnetic Media Storage] [ 8.1.4 - Memory Sticks, CD/DVD and TWC Computers]

Hardware is the term applied to the machines and equipment associated with a computer setting.

Many employers, especially large employer may have a separate location in their business, which holds computer hardware. A typical computer room may consist of:

Disk Drives = reads and writes data from/to hard or floppy disks.

Compact Disk = reads and/or writes to/from a compact optical disk.

DVD = reads and/or writes to/from a digital disk.

Tape Drives = retrieves or writes data to magnetic tape or cartridge media.

Keyboards = allows for communication with the computer.

CPU = Central Processing Unit.

Printers = display output from the computer.

A small employer may have a personal computer system, which incorporates all of these hardware items, and fits within a small location in their business.

[ 8.1.2.1 - Control Unit or CPU] [ 8.1.2.2 - Input/Output Devices]

There are four units of data processing.

• Input Devices.
• Control Unit - Primary storage of data and arithmetic logic operations.
• Secondary Storage.
• Output Devices.

The control unit directs and coordinates all the operations of the computer system.

1. Retrieves instructions from the stored software programs, and interprets them.
   
2. Generates signals and commands that cause data to be processed.
   
3. Controls other operations.
   

Data processing systems require devices that introduce data into the computer system, and devices that accept data after it has been processed. Input/Output devices linked to the system perform these functions.

The input devices convert human understood information to information that can be read by a computer.

The output devices convert computer data to human understood data.

[ 8.1.3.1 - Primary Storage (Internal Storage)] [ 8.1.3.2 - Secondary Storage (Auxiliary Storage)]

This section discusses the various storage areas available to maintain magnetic media data.

Primary storage (internal storage) is an electronic filing cabinet, and each location is capable of holding data or information. This type of storage permits rapid storing and retrieval of programs and data. Large amounts of internal storage are desirable.

During normal operations this unit contains:

• All data being held for processing.
• Data that is involved in current processing.
• The final results of processing until it is released as output.
• Program instructions while processing is being carried out.

Secondary storage (auxiliary storage) is for programs and data not currently in use.

Types of Auxiliary Storage

If an employer, selected for an audit states they are completely paperless and offers all required documents via a memory stick, CD, DVD, or other device the auditor can accept this information, without violating Agency policy.

Agency owned computers are equipped with anti-virus software that will auto scan the data for any problems. Should the anti-virus software display an error message the employer provided device will be immediately removed and returned to the employer along with a request for another copy without problems.