Components of Computer

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A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, performs operations, displays

results, and stores the data or results as needed. It is a combination of hardware and
software resources that integrate together and provides various functionalities to the
user. Hardware is the physical components of a computer like a processor, memory
devices, monitor, keyboard, etc., while software is a set of programs or instructions
that are required by the hardware resources to function properly.
Components of a Computer
There are basically three important components of a computer:
1. Input Unit
2. Central Processing Unit(CPU)
3. Output Unit
1. Input Unit:
The input unit consists of input devices that are attached to the computer. These
devices take input and convert it into binary language that the computer understands.
Some of the common input devices are keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner etc.
 The Input Unit is formed by attaching one or more input devices to a computer.
 A user input data and instructions through input devices such as a keyboard,
mouse, etc.
 The input unit is used to provide data to the processor for further processing.
2. Central Processing Unit:
Once the information is entered into the computer by the input device, the processor
processes it. The CPU is called the brain of the computer because it is the control
centre of the computer. It first fetches instructions from memory and then interprets
them so as to know what is to be done. If required, data is fetched from memory or
input device. Thereafter CPU executes or performs the required computation, and then
either stores the output or displays it on the output device. The CPU has three main
components, which are responsible for different functions: Arithmetic Logic Unit
(ALU), Control Unit (CU) and Memory registers
A. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): The ALU, as its name suggests performs
mathematical calculations and takes logical decisions. Arithmetic calculations include
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Logical decisions involve the
comparison of two data items to see which one is larger or smaller or equal.
 Arithmetic Logical Unit is the main component of the CPU
 It is the fundamental building block of the CPU.
 Arithmetic and Logical Unit is a digital circuit that is used to perform arithmetic
and logical operations.
B. Control Unit: The Control unit coordinates and controls the data flow in and out
of the CPU, and also controls all the operations of ALU, memory registers and also
input/output units. It is also responsible for carrying out all the instructions stored in
the program. It decodes the fetched instruction, interprets it and sends control signals
to input/output devices until the required operation is done properly by ALU and
memory.
 The Control Unit is a component of the central processing unit of a computer that
directs the operation of the processor.
 It instructs the computer’s memory, arithmetic and logic unit, and input and output
devices on how to respond to the processor’s instructions.
 In order to execute the instructions, the components of a computer receive signals
from the control unit.
 It is also called the central nervous system or brain of the computer.
C. Memory Registers: A register is a temporary unit of memory in the CPU. These
are used to store the data, which is directly used by the processor. Registers can be of
different sizes(16 bit, 32 bit, 64 bit and so on) and each register inside the CPU has a
specific function, like storing data, storing an instruction, storing address of a location
in memory etc. The user registers can be used by an assembly language programmer
for storing operands, intermediate results etc. Accumulator (ACC) is the main register
in the ALU and contains one of the operands of an operation to be performed in the
ALU.
Memory attached to the CPU is used for the storage of data and instructions, and is
called internal memory The internal memory is divided into many storage locations,
each of which can store data or instructions. Each memory location is of the same size
and has an address. With the help of the address, the computer can read any memory
location easily without having to search the entire memory. When a program is
executed, its data is copied to the internal memory and stored in the memory till the
end of the execution. The internal memory is also called the Primary memory or Main
memory. This memory is also called RAM, i.e., Random Access Memory. The time of
access of data is independent of its location in memory, therefore, this memory is also
called Random Access memory (RAM).
 Memory Unit is the primary storage of the computer.
 It stores both data and instructions.
 Data and instructions are stored permanently in this unit so that they are available
whenever required.
3. Output Unit :
The output unit consists of output devices that are attached to the computer. It
converts the binary data coming from the CPU to human understandable form. The
common output devices are monitor, printer, plotter, etc.
 The output unit displays or prints the processed data in a user-friendly format.
 The output unit is formed by attaching the output devices of a computer.
 The output unit accepts the information from the CPU and displays it in a user-
readable form.
Characteristics of a Computer
1. Speed: Computers can perform millions of calculations per second. The
computation speed is extremely fast.
2. Accuracy: Because computers operate on pre-programmed software, there is no
space for human error.
3. Diligence: They can perform complex and long calculations at the same time and
with the same accuracy.
4. Versatile: Computers are designed to be versatile. They can carry out multiple
operations at the same time.
5. Storage: Computers can store a large amount of data/ instructions in its memory,
which can be retrieved at any point of time.