Data flow in a computer follows an organized and systematic approach, enabling the machine to gather the information and generate meaningful outcomes by processing it. The user can communicate with the system or computer by typing on the keyboard or clicking the mouse.
What is the Path of Data Flow in a Computer?
The data the computer receives from the keyboard is known as input or raw data because it is unprocessed. However, computers cannot understand the raw data. Hence, as a first step, computers convert the data to digital form, making it easier for computers to understand. In the next step, the digital data is transferred to the Central Processing Unit (CPU). A very important part of the computer, which is considered its brain.
The CPU uses RAM, which provides temporary storage, to interpret, manipulate, and organize data. The CPU, while doing these functionalities, follows the steps or instructions of the program. After completion of data processing, the output devices, such as the monitor, display the outcome data. Otherwise, the memory storage device of the computer, like an SSD, stores the data permanently. Such systematic data flow in a computer makes it efficient at performing a wide range of tasks, from simple to complex.
The Role of Operating System in Communication:
The operating system plays a vital role in communicating with multiple computer hardware components while enabling them to work as a single unit. On one side, the operating system connects with computer hardware and, on the other, with the application software.
Interconnection of Software and Hardware:
It is to note that while the software developer or the programmer can access the programming language (to code), the front end of the programming language, the application software, is accessible/available to the user.
The user can insert the necessary data through the application software—for example, Microsoft Word.
Furthermore, as the application software sits over the operating system, there is a scope for the user to communicate with the computer architecture while using the particular capabilities provided by the computer. With the interconnection of all these devices, the data flow in a computer is made possible.
How Does the Data Flows in a Computer and Reach the Hardware?
Now, the data through the application reaches the operating system, which delegates that given data into the hardware for processing. In the final step, the processed information returns to the application as an output for the user. The most important thing is that the user or the application software cannot directly access the hardware but takes the help of the OS to communicate with the hardware components.
Watch the below video, to get a better grip on the data flow in a computer.