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The principal components of a computer include the Central Processing Unit (CPU), which acts as the brain of the computer and processes all instructions. The Monitor displays visual output, while the Keyboard and Mouse serve as input devices for typing and navigation. Memory components, such as RAM (Random Access Memory), temporarily store data for quick access, and the Hard Drive or SSD (Solid State Drive) provides long-term storage. The Power Supply Unit (PSU) delivers electricity to all parts, and Motherboard connects all components, enabling communication between them.
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Components of Computer Dr Anita Choudhary Assistant Professor Department of Computer Science anitach312@gmail.com
Computer • A computer is an electronic device that processes data according to instructions stored in its memory, capable of performing a variety of tasks with high speed and accuracy. • It consists of hardware components such as the central processing unit (CPU),memory (RAM), storage devices (hard drives or solid-state drives), and input/output devices (keyboard, mouse, monitor). • Computers operate on softwareprograms that control their functions and enable users to perform tasks ranging from simple calculations to complex simulations and data analysis.
Input Unit of Computer System • Thecomputer system responds to the instruction it receives from the users. And to get those instructions, a computer needs an input unit. This includes all the input devices responsible for reading the data entered by the user. • The system doesn’t respond unless it receives a command from the user using the input unit or the input devices. The users use numbers, letters, images, etc. to enter the command, the input devices are the ones accepting them.
Functions of Input Unit of a Computer System • Takes in user commands in the form of data. • Converts data in a digital language format. • Sends over the data to the processing unit for the next step.
Examples of Input Unit • Keyboard • Mouse • JoyStick • Light pen • Track Ball • Scanner • Graphic Tablet
Output Unit of Computer System • The user, when sending a set of instructions to the computer, reaches the outputdevice in the end. The execution of command takes place here and the users get their results. • The processor sends the transcriptedinstructions to the outputdevices for execution. These devices always have a connection to the system and thus the coordination is quite easy. • The monitor is one of the main output devices which displays the results to the user. Everything that the input devices receive, reaches the output devices eventually. All the execution activities take place inside the mechanism of a device.
Functions of Output Unit of Computer • Receives the instructions in machine language to execute a task. • Coordinates with the processor to get the instruction on time. • Converts the machinelanguage back into a user-friendly one by completing tasks. • It is the medium by which users understand that their demands are met by the system.
Examples of Output Unit of a Computer • Monitor – variants • Printers – all types • Plotters • Projector • LCD Projection Panels • Computer Output Microfilm • Speaker • Headphones • Ear Plugs
Central Processing Unit (CPU) • The main function of the computer processor is to execute instructions and give the required output results. It is made up of 3 main components : • Control unit (CU), • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), and • Main memory (RAM). • Processors can be classified in terms of the number of cores that they have into 6 types, Single, Dual, Quad, Hexa, Octa, and Deca-core.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) • The data that the input unit accepts goes to the processing unit before execution. This unit understands what the command actually is and how they can achieve it. • It converts data accepted in human language into machine language for computers to understand. • It has a mainboard with a central chip which is the primary part of the processor. • The processorcoordinates with bothinput and output devices to make things done.
Functions of computer processor • CPU fetches and executescommands. • It temporarily stores data being processed and intermediate results. • Controlsallcommunication between RAM and all other input-output devices by interpreting data from and to the devices. • It carries out all arithmeticcalculations and performslogicoperations.
Memory Unit • Thiscomponent of the CPU deals with strongdata. When the data reaches the processor from the inputdevices, the memoryunit saves it immediately. • It has some pre-existingprograms which help in transmitting the data to the other parts of the CPU. Similarly, the completion of a task by output device is also saved here before it reaches the user. • The processorcannotprocessthedataunlessthememoryunitsavesit.
Memory Unit types • This is where all the information becomes accessible for the user. It uses bits and bytes to measure data size. The memory unit further dividesintoprimary and secondarystorageunits. • The primary memory is internal and temporary. RAM is the primary memory in this case. It stores the commands for a short time and is volatile in nature. • The secondary storage is non-volatile and permanent. But not directly accessible. The data needs to transfer to the primary unit and then the processor can access it.
Memory Types Level 1 Cache, Level 2 Cache, Level 3 Cache
Functions of Memory Unit in Computer • Responsible for storingdata coming from input devices. • Storing the resultdata coming from output devices. • Storing all the steps that the system goes through while task execution.
Control Unit • This unit is to manage the computerdevicefunctioning and is the central component of the processor unit. • Once the data is in the memory, it processes it for further execution. It is where the data conversion from human language to machine language takes place. • It interprets the signal and sends it over to the output unit. Once the result is out, it retrieves the data again and presents it to the user.
Functions of Control Unit in Computer • Coordinate information transfer between the memory and I/O devices. • Converts the instruction into machinelanguage. • It decodes the instruction and sends it to the correct device. • Prepare a data sequence making it easier for processing. • Maintains a flow of data inside the system. • Transfer the commands/issues to the arithmetic and logic unit.
Arithmetic & Logical Unit (ALU) • This unit of processor takes care of mathematicalcalculations and issues that the computer system faces while functioning. • It is also useful for data comparison and actions including decision making. • ALU gets the data from the memory in the form of registers. These registers are for a memory address, data manipulation, and processing. • The ALU performs the calculation only when needed and then sends it to the output devices.
Functions of ALU in Computer • Responsible for all calculations and mathematical issues. • Allows the computer to compare data easily. • Enables the data transfer between primary and secondary memory by decoding it. • Acts as a decision-maker in case of any trouble.