What Are the Five Elements of a Computer System?

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The five elements of a computer system are datapath, control, memory, input and output. All five of these elements work together to allow the computer to function properly.

The input and the output elements of a computer are the elements with which end users interact. These elements include input devices such as keyboards, mice and external drives. The output elements include devices such as monitors and printers.

The remaining three elements of a computer system function to process data. The datapath works with the data that comes through the processor. The memory component stores the data and instructions for programs that are in use on the computer. The control element directs the operation of the datapath and memory.