Tech+ (Episode 3): The Basics of Computing (1.1)

Welcome back! If you joined us last time, we took a bird’s-eye view of the CompTIA Tech+ exam objectives, breaking down what you need to know to get certified. Today, we’re zooming in on the first objective: Input, Processing, Output, and Storage. Think of this as the foundation for everything your computer does.

Let’s dive in.

Have you ever wondered how a computer turns your ideas into reality—whether that’s streaming videos, playing games, or designing something cool? Today, we’re breaking it all down with a story about the time I ordered a custom skateboard for my son at a skate shop downtown. Stick around, because by the end of this video, you’ll understand how Input, Processing, Output, and Storage work together to power every computer system.

Input

Input is how you tell a computer what you want. When I went to this amazing skate shop, they didn’t have a fancy computer system—just a super helpful owner with a notepad and pen. I described the deck design, picked the wheels, and chose the grip tape. That’s input!

In a computer, we send input through devices like keyboards, mice, or even touchscreens. These tools translate your ideas into a language the computer can understand.

Processing

After the owner had my order, he began assembling the skateboard—choosing the right parts and putting it all together. In a computer, this step is done by the Central Processing Unit, or CPU. The CPU is like the brain of the computer, taking input and making decisions about what happens next.

For certain tasks, like gaming or video editing, computers also use a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). It’s like having a specialized assistant who handles specific parts of the workload.

Output

Once the skateboard was assembled, the owner handed it to me—ready to ride. That’s output! In a computer, output devices deliver the results of processing.

Output devices include monitors, printers, speakers, and even VR headsets. They show us the results of our input in ways we can use and understand.

Storage 

If the shop owner hadn’t written down my order, he might have forgotten the details. Computers work the same way.

There’s temporary storage, like RAM, which acts like a workbench—it holds tools while they’re in use but clears everything off when the work is done. And there’s permanent storage, like hard drives or SSDs, where data stays safe for the long haul. It’s like keeping a digital record of every order you make.

Conclusion

So there you have it—Input, Processing, Output, and Storage—the four steps behind how computers do their thing. Are you ready for some review questions to help you prepare for the exam? Great! We’ll do that in just a second. However, if this video helped you understand the basics, can I ask you a favor? Please don’t forget to hit the like button, subscribe, and share it with a friend.

Review Questions

Ok - let’s do this. See how well you do on these 10 review questions (answers below).

1. Which of the following is an example of an input device?
a) Printer
b) Monitor
c) Microphone
d) Speaker

2. What component is responsible for interpreting and executing instructions in a computer system?
a) RAM
b) CPU
c) SSD
d) Mouse

3. A printer is an example of which type of computer component?
a) Input device
b) Processing device
c) Output device
d) Storage device

4. What is the primary difference between RAM and an SSD?
a) RAM is permanent storage, while an SSD is temporary storage.
b) RAM stores data permanently, while an SSD loses data when powered off.
c) RAM is temporary storage for active tasks, while an SSD stores data permanently.
d) RAM is slower than an SSD.

5. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a GPU in a computer system?
a) Long-term data storage
b) Handling graphical computations and rendering
c) Providing audio output to speakers
d) Managing input from peripherals

True/False Questions

6. RAM is a type of permanent storage used to save files and programs for later use.

7. Input devices, such as a keyboard, allow users to communicate with a computer.

Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

8. The ___________ is known as the "brain" of the computer, responsible for executing instructions and processing data.

9. Devices such as monitors and speakers are classified as ___________ devices because they provide results to the user.

Scenario-Based Question

10. You are building a gaming PC. Which of the following components should you prioritize for fast rendering of graphics-intensive games?
a) CPU
b) GPU
c) RAM
d) SSD

Answer Key

Answer 1: c) Microphone
Answer 2: b) CPU
Answer 3: c) Output device
Answer 4: c) RAM is temporary storage for active tasks, while an SSD stores data permanently.
Answer 5: b) Handling graphical computations and rendering
Answer 6: False
Answer 7: True
Answer 8: CPU
Answer 9: Output
Answer 10: b) GPU

How did you do? I imagine you did great! Let’s keep going!

Up Next

In the next two videos, I'll share some study tips before tackling something really cool: Objective 1.2—Identifying Notational Systems. Ever wondered what binary is or why it’s so important in tech? I’ll break it down into simple, easy-to-understand terms.

Be sure to check out my YouTube channel (@k.richardlabbe), The K. Richard Labbe Podcast, and visit my website at krichardlabbe.com for more learning tools. You can also find me on Facebook, Instagram, and X under the name KRichardLabbe (all one word). See you next time!

Take me to Tech+ Episode 4

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