The human brain's memory can be described as an information processing system with three following actions on information . This system has often been compared to that of a computer. Both have three basic parts of memory. (Benjamin, Hopkins, & Nation, 1994. p.252)

1. Encoding - Turning sensory stimuli into a form that can be stored in memory. (Benjamin, Hopkins, & Nation, 1994. p.252)
   • Computer Examples: keyboard, mouse, microphone.
   • Human Examples: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
2. Storing - Retention of information in memory over an extended period of time.
• Computer Examples: hard disk, CD-ROM, zip disk, floppy disk.
• Human Examples: episodic , semantic , and procedural memories stored in engrams in the brain .
3. Retreiving - Bringing stored knowledge into awareness. Information can then be reviewed or manipulated within this temporary storage place.
   • Computer Example: Information can be placed in Random Access Memory (RAM) .
   • Human Example: Information can be placed in working memory .

The computer is not the perfect analogy or exact match for the human brain. Most computers do everything step-by-step. They must process an image bit-by-bit, whereas the brain (as far as we know) can interpret the whole picture at once.

Parallel processing has been developed in an attempt for computers to better simulate how the brain really processes information. (Yount, 1996, p. 48-49)