Input, processing, output, storage and feedback
Any ICT system can be broken down into:
input
Taking information that is external to the system and entering it into the system. This may be manual (e.g. keyboard) or automated input (e.g. OMR). May also be input by electronic means (e.g. via a network or CD).
Processing
An action performed on the data. Processing can include sorting, searching or performing calculations on the data.
Storage
Where data is held and still in the system. It may be the data that has been input, required during processing or results of processing.
Output
Taking information that was in the system and outputting it. May result in a printed, on screen or electronic