tree basic steps. are involved in the process. First, data is fed into the computer's memory. then, when the program is run, the computer performs a set of instruction and processes the data. finally, we can see the results (output) on the screen or in printed form. information in the form of data and programs is known as software, and the electronic and mechanical parts that make up a computer system are called hardware. a standard computer system consists of three main sections: the central processing unit (cpu), the main memory and the peripherals.