Last updated on June 17th, 2024 at 11:43 am
If you are here, chances are you have heard about the IPOS cycle or information processing cycle and are looking for more information.
In this article, we will address the following:
- What the IPOS cycle is; and
- The four stages of the IPOS cycle.
What is the IPOS cycle?
The IPOS (input. process, output, store) cycle, also referred to as an information processing cycle, is the combination of four events that refers to how computer processes interrelate. We explain the processes below.
The IPOS cycle is done on the machine cycle, which involves four stages. The stages of the machine cycle are
- Fetch;
- Decode;
- Execute; and
- Store.
The four stages of the IPOS cycle
There are four stages in the information processing cycle that refer to the stages information go through when you enter it into the computer system. The letters in the name of the cycle refer to each stage in the cycle. These are input, process, output, and storage operations.
Input operation
We enter data into the computer using input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, joystick, etc. The data is then converted to a form (machine language) that can be processed by the computer. This stage is referred to as input.
Process operation
In this stage, the processing devices in the computer manipulate and change the data to information that can be used by people. For instance, let’s say we enter the grades of a class, let’s say 7A. Upon request, the computer will convert this (using the processing devices) from mere numbers to a graph that helps to show a comparison between the different students’ grades. On this, we would then be able to see at a glance who has the highest grade and who has the lowest.
Output operation
In this stage, the processed information is made available to the user in a form that is understandable to them. Example graph, printed text, sound, etc. This information is made available using various output devices.
Storage Operation
In the storage operation, data and information is held on storage devices in a form the machine (computer) can understand (machine language). This involves both primary and secondary storage.
How the information processing cycle relates to the machine cycle
Once the information is entered into the computer(using the input device), the CU fetches it from memory. The information is then decoded into machine language (a form that the computer can understand). Next, the processing devices execute the instructions they receive, which means they perform the desired tasks that you send to the computer. Lastly, the result is sent back to memory (primary storage).
As you can see, the process involves the stages of the IPOS cycle to the point where we can safely say they are closely linked to each other.
To learn more about the machine cycle, visit the machine cycle on Computer Hope.
Before you go
Do you have further questions about the IPOS cycle? Leave your questions or comments below.