LEARNCYBERSECURITY

Local index

Search this platform

Menu

Knowledge Hub / Digital foundations

Computer foundations

What is a computer doing when it stores and runs information?

Computers, files, folders and processes as the vocabulary needed before terminals and networks.

Last verified
2026-09-20
Review interval
730 days
Status
In review

01 / Overview

What is a computer doing when it stores and runs information?

A computer combines processing, memory, storage and interfaces. Files preserve data, folders organise names and a process is a running instance of a program. These distinctions make later command, network and security explanations concrete.

Level
Beginner
Units
3
Estimated time
46 min
What you will learn
  • Identify processing, memory, storage and input/output as different roles.
  • Distinguish a file, directory, filesystem and path.
  • Explain why a stored program and a running process are not the same object.
Know first

No prior topic required

Learning materials
  • Labs: available
  1. 01What a computer does14 min
  2. 02Files, folders and paths18 min
  3. 03Program and process14 min
Start topic →

02 / Learn

Learn

  1. What a computer does

    Separate processing, working memory, storage and input/output before learning files or commands.

    Open lesson →
  2. Files, folders and paths

    Understand named stored data, containers for names and the route to one item.

    Open lesson →
  3. Program and process

    Separate stored instructions from a running instance with memory, identity and permissions.

    Open lesson →

03 / Concepts

Concepts

Resourcescomputer-resources
Processing, memory, storage and interfaces are distinct resources with different roles.
Stored versus runningstored-running
A program can exist as stored files; a process exists while the operating system runs it.

05 / Labs

Labs

  1. Command Lab

    Deterministic browser simulator for CMD, Linux shell and PowerShell practice with virtual state.

    deterministic simulator
    Open safe simulator →

07 / Security

Security

  1. Name the resource and the undesired change before selecting a security control.

08 / Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

  1. Distinguish stored program files from the process that is currently running.

09 / Quick checks

Quick checks

  1. What is the difference between a program file and a process?

10 / GRAPH

Related concepts

Used in certifications

These links reuse canonical knowledge; the certification page does not own or duplicate the topic.

    12 / Sources and freshness

    Sources and freshness

    Last verified
    2026-09-20
    Review interval
    730 days
    Source version
    Operating Systems: Three Easy Pieces · project foundation lesson v1