BCA SEM I Notes by Prof. S. K.

Narad

Subject: Digital Computer Fundamental

UNIT 2
Computer Organization, Memory and Storage

Computer Organization:
Computer organization refers to the operational unit and their interconnection that realise the
architectural specification. Computer organization deals with how different part of a
computer are organised and how various operations are performed between different parts to
do a specific task using input and output devices.

Basic Computer Organization

In computer organizations following basic four parts are interconnected;

1. Input Devices

2. Output Devices

3. Memory

4. Storage Devices

Fig. 1.1 Computer Organization

A computer system consists of mainly four basic units; namely input unit, storage unit,
central processing unit and output unit. Central Processing unit further includes Arithmetic
logic unit and control unit. A computer performs five major operations or functions
irrespective of its size and make. These are
BCA SEM I Notes by Prof. S. K. Narad

it accepts data or instructions as input,

it stores data and instruction,
it processes data as per the instructions,
it controls all operations inside a computer, and
it gives results in the form of output.

The computer organization is made up of following devices.

1. CPU
2. The Arithmetic / Logic Unit (ALU)
3. The Control Unit
4. Main Memory
5. External Memory
6. Input / Output Device
7. The System Bus

1. Central Processing Unit (CPU):

The central processing unit is the key component of a computer system, which contains the
circuitry necessary to interpret and execute program instructions.
The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical operations is called processing.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data and instructions from the storage unit and
makes all sorts of calculations based on the instructions given and the type of data provided.
It is then sent back to the storage unit.
CPU includes Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and control unit (CU)
BCA SEM I Notes by Prof. S. K. Narad

Fig.2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

2. Arithmetic / Logic Unit (ALU):

An arithmetic-logic unit is the part of a central processing unit that carries out arithmetic and
logic operations on the operands in computer instruction words.
In some processors, the ALU is divided into two units: an arithmetic unit (AU) and a logic
unit (LU). Some processors contain more than one AU -- for example, one for fixed-point
operations and another for floating-point operations. It performs arithmetic functions like
addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and also logical operations like greater than,
less than and equal to etc.

Fig. 3. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

3. Control Unit:
 Control Unit is the part of the computer’s central processing unit (CPU), which directs
the operation of the processor. It was included as part of the Von Neumann
Architecture by John von Neumann. It is the responsibility of the Control Unit to tell
the computer’s memory, arithmetic/logic unit and input and output devices how to
respond to the instructions that have been sent to the processor.
BCA SEM I Notes by Prof. S. K. Narad

 Controlling of all operations like input, processing and output are performed by
control unit. It takes care of step by step processing of all operations inside the
computer.

Fig. 4. Control Unit (CU)

Computer Bus:
It is also known as an address bus, data bus, control bus, or local bus, a bus is a link
between components or devices connected to a computer. For example, a bus carries data
between a CPU and the system memory via the motherboard.

Fig. 5.1. Bus

BCA SEM I Notes by Prof. S. K. Narad

Fig. 5.2. Motherboard Bus Structure

Classification of Input Devices:

1. Keyboard Devices:
Keyer
Keyboard
Lighted Program Function Keyboard (LPFK)
2. Pointing Devices:
A mouse sitting on a desk.
A computer mouse
3D mice
Joysticks
Pointing sticks
3. Composite Devices
4. Game controller:
Gamepad (or joypad)
Paddle (game controller)
Jog dial/shuttle (or knob)
Remote
5. Visual Devices
6. Audio Input Devices

1. Keyboard Devices:
The keyboard is an input device that allows you to enter letters, numbers and symbols
into your computer. The keyboard keys include the alphanumeric keys (letters and
BCA SEM I Notes by Prof. S. K. Narad

numbers), numeric keypad (may not be available on netbooks/laptops), special function

keys, mouse cursor moving keys, and status lights.
Examples: Keyboard

Fig. 6. Keyboard

2. Pointing Devices:
The pointing devices are used to point or select anything on the screen using devices such as
a mouse. These pointing devices are also called “Input devices.” The pointer which appears
on the screen is called a cursor which is a symbolic representation of the mouse and is used
for selecting, dragging elements from one location to another.

Examples: Mouse, Keyboard, Touchpad, Joystick, Trackball, Light Pen, Optical Card,
Reader, Digitizing Tablet, Stylus

3. Composite Devices:
A Composite device is a single piece of hardware, that connects to the PC by a single USB
cable, but which acts as if it contained multiple independent USB devices inside it. Each one
of those seemingly independent devices is actually just a separate USB Interface.

4. Game controller:
A game controller, gaming controller, or simply controller, is an input device used with video
games or entertainment systems to provide input to a video game, typically to control an
object or character in the game.

Fig. 7. Game Controller

BCA SEM I Notes by Prof. S. K. Narad

5. Visual Devices:
Visual input devices consist of low vision devices, such as magnifiers that enlarge print for
people with low vision, Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTV), which enlarge the image, and
optical character recognition devices (OCR) that allow printed information to be converted to
digital information.

Fig. 8. Visual Devices

6. Audio Input Devices:

Microphone capture the sound vibration form source and convert it into corresponding
digital signal and transferred to computer memory for further processing. Whereas through
CD/DVD player, we can enter pre-recorded audio signal into computer memory.

Advantage of Input Audio / Video Device:

1. Input A/V devices can be used by people having visual problem
2. Input A/V devices are best used in the situation where users want to avoid input through
keyboard.
3. Input A/V devices are used in online meeting and video conferencing.
4. Input A/V devices are used to record memorable moment of life.
5. Input A/V devices can also be used for security purpose.
BCA SEM I Notes by Prof. S. K. Narad

Classification of Output Devices:

The different types of output devices are as follows:-
1. Monitor
2. Printer
3. Headphones
4. Computer Speakers
5. Projector
6. GPS
7. Sound card
8. Video card
9. Braille reader
10. Speech – Generating device
11. J plotter
12. FAX

Output Device:
 Output device receives information from the CPU and presents it to the user in the
desired from.
 The processed data, stored in the memory of the computer is sent to the output unit,
which then converts it into a form that can be understood by the user.
 The output is usually produced in one of the two ways – on the display device, or on
paper (hard copy).
 An output device is any hardware equipment to display, project, or physically
reproduce the results of data processed by a computer.

 It converts electronic information into a format, which can be understood by humans.

 Output devices are peripheral hardware devices that are either wired or wireless.

1. Monitor:
Monitor: is often used synonymously with “computer screen” or “display.” Monitor is an
output device that resembles the television screen (fig. 1.8). It may use a Cathode Ray Tube
(CRT) to display information. The monitor is associated with a keyboard for manual input of
characters and displays the information as it is keyed in. It also displays the program or
application output. Like the television, monitors are also available in different sizes.

2. Printer:
Printers are used to produce paper (commonly known as hardcopy) output. Based on the
technology used, they can be classified as Impact or Non-impact printers. It is a device that
accepts texts and graphic output from the computer and transmits the image data to the
printer, usually on paper. Printers are the most common output device to print text or photos.
Some printers can print only in black and white, but today, almost all the printers can print
monochrome and color prints. The modern-day printers used in homes have high DPI (dots
per inch), which generates high-quality images.
BCA SEM I Notes by Prof. S. K. Narad

Types of printer:
The printers are classified into two main types –
a. Impact printers
b. Non-Impact printers.
a. Impact printers use the typewriting printing mechanism wherein a hammer strikes the
paper through a ribbon in order to produce output. Dot-matrix and Character printers fall
under this category.
The impact printers are of two types – Character printer, Line Printer
 Character printer: Character printers can print only text, and a single character at a
time. The different types of character printers are – chain, band, dot matrix, and daisy
wheel printers.

 The commonly used printers are dot matrix and daisy wheel. Their speed is up to 300
lines per minute.

 Line Printer: Line printers can print line by line. The two types of line printers are
drum printers and chain printers. Among these, the drum printer has high speed and
can print up to 300 to 2000 lines per minute.

b. Non-Impact printer

 These types of printers are those printers that print without striking on the ribbon.
Examples of non-impact printers are laser printers and inkjet printers.

Laser Printers

 Laser printers use laser lights to produce dots to form the characters for printing.

 When a print command is given, a laser beam “draws” the document on a selenium-
coated drum using an electrical charge, giving a clean copy of the image on the paper.

 They have fewer smearing problems than an inkjet printer, as they don’t use ink.

Inkjet Printers

 These printers produce hard copies by spraying the ink onto the paper.

 Inkjet printers are the most widely used type of printer. There are expensive and
inexpensive models available in the market.

3. Headphones:
The headphones or called earphones are hardware output devices that are either plugged in
the computer or can be wireless. We can listen to audio or watch the video privately without
disturbing others. Headphones come in various shapes and sizes. Some headphones utilize
Styrofoam or soft fabric around the earpiece to provide a comfortable fit. The most common
type of headphones is earbuds, which are small shaped in a specific manner that fits inside
the ear.
BCA SEM I Notes by Prof. S. K. Narad

4. Computer Speakers:
Computer speakers are the most common output devices used with a computer. The speakers
receive audio as input from the computer or a sound card then this input may be either in
analog or digital form. Most computer speakers have internal amplifiers which can increase
the volume or the amplitude of the sound based on users’ requirements. External speakers are
connected to a computer only if a user requires louder sounds, more bass, or surround sound.

5. Projector:
A projector is an output device that can take images produced by a computer and project
them onto a screen or surface. The older versions of the projectors used to create the image
by shinning the light through a small transparent lens while the newer version projectors can
project the image directly by using a laser. The projectors used nowadays are known as video
projectors. The projectors can produce still images or moving images. Projectors are used in
classrooms, offices, auditoriums, and also at places of worship, as it enables a group of
people to watch videos, presentations, or pictures generated from a single computer.

6. GPS (Global Positioning System):

A global Positioning System or GPS is a network of satellites to know the exact location of
an object on earth. The GPS is composed of a sender and a receiver computer. It comprises
24 satellites, expanded in space about 12000 miles above the earth’s surface. The GPS and
satellite interact using microwave signals to give information regarding location, vehicle
speed, etc. GPS is nowadays used in smartphones, vehicles, and many other tracking devices.

7. Sound Card:
The sound card, also known as an audio adapter is the expansion card or integrated circuit to
receive and produce sound. The sound cards operate with the help of a software application
and a device driver. Microphones are the input device that receives the audio signals, and
speakers or headphones are the output devices to send audio data. The sound card has a dual
purpose of converting the input audio data into analog audio that can be played by the
speakers, can convert the analog audio from microphones into digital data. The computer
doesn’t need a sound card. It is either a built-in motherboard or comes as an expansion slot.

8. Video Card:
A video card is also an expansion card that is attached to the motherboard. It processes the
images and video and enhances their display quality. Most computers have basic video and
graphics capabilities, but a video card is required for getting faster and more detailed
graphics.

9. Braille Reader:

A Braille Reader is an electronic device that allows a blind person to read the text
displayed on the monitor screen.

The computer sends a text to the Braille Reader, where it is translated into Braille
format and displayed by raising rounded pins through a flat surface.
BCA SEM I Notes by Prof. S. K. Narad

Braille readers are available in various sizes like large units of keyboard size for
computers and small units for laptops and tablets.

10. Speech- Generating device:

The speech-generating device, also known as voice output communication aids, converts the
text to speech.

The SGD speaks out loud the command entered in the form of text by the user.

This device is useful for individuals suffering from speech impairments.

11. J plotter:

J plotter or simply plotter is a kind of hardware output device similar to a printer used to draw
vector graphics.

Plotter generates a digitally represented hard copy of the design.

A graphics card sends the design to the plotter, and a pen is used to form the design.

It is usually used in engineering and basically draws a certain image on a number of straight
lines.

Fig. 9. Plotter

12. Facsimile (FAX):

Facsimile machine, a device that can send or receive pictures and text over a telephone line.
Fax machines work by digitizing an image.
BCA SEM I Notes by Prof. S. K. Narad

What is the difference between input and output devices of computer?

The main difference between an input and output device is that the input device transfers data
to the computer, whereas the output data receives data from the computer.

For example, the content is fed into the computer through an input device called a keyboard,
and one can read it on an output device called a monitor.

Input devices are necessary for the computer to operate, whereas output devices can be
optional.

Computer Memory:
Computer’s memory can be classified into two types; primary memory and secondary
memory

Main Memory: Memory is often used as a shorter synonym for Random Access Memory
(RAM). This kind of memory is located on one or more microchips that are physically close
to the microprocessor in your computer. Most desktop and notebook computers sold today
include at least 512 megabytes of RAM (which is really the minimum to be able to install an
operating system). They are upgradeable, so you can add more when your computer runs
really slowly.

Types of RAM:

There are two types of RAM used in PCs - Dynamic and Static RAM.

1. Primary Memory:
Primary Memory can be further classified as RAM and ROM.

a. RAM or Random Access Memory is the unit in a computer system. It is the place in a
computer where the operating system, application programs and the data in current use are
kept temporarily so that they can be accessed by the computer’s processor. It is said to be
‘volatile’ since its contents are accessible only as long as the computer is on. The contents of
RAM are no more available once the computer is turned off.

b. ROM or Read Only Memory is a special type of memory which can only be read and
contents of which are not lost even when the computer is switched off. It typically contains
manufacturer’s instructions. Among other things, ROM also stores an initial program called
the ‘bootstrap loader’ whose function is to start the operation of computer system once the
power is turned on.
BCA SEM I Notes by Prof. S. K. Narad

2. Secondary Memory:

RAM is volatile memory having a limited storage capacity. Secondary/auxiliary memory is

storage other than the RAM. These include devices that are peripheral and are connected and
controlled by the computer to enable permanent storage of programs and data.

Secondary storage devices are of two types; magnetic and optical. Magnetic devices include
hard disks and optical storage devices are CDs, DVDs, Pen drive, Zip drive etc.

a. Hard Disks:
Hard disks are made up of rigid material and are usually a stack of metal disks sealed in a
box. The hard disk and the hard disk drive exist together as a unit and is a permanent part of
the computer where data and programs are saved. These disks have storage capacities ranging
from 1GB to 80 GB and more. Hard disks are rewritable.

b. Compact Disk:
Compact Disk: Compact Disk (CD) is portable disk having data storage capacity between
650-700 MB. It can hold large amount of information such as music, full-motion videos, and
text etc. CDs can be either read only or read write type.

c. Digital Video Disk:

Digital Video Disk (DVD) is similar to a CD but has larger storage capacity and enormous
clarity. Depending upon the disk type it can store several Gigabytes of data. DVDs are
primarily used to store music or movies and can be played back on your television or the
computer too. These are not rewritable.

External Memory: There are different seven types of memory devices used in computers.
That are; CDs, DVDs, External Hard Drives, Flash Drive, Computer External memory,
Memory card and cloud storages.

Fig. 9. Secondary Storage Devices

BCA SEM I Notes by Prof. S. K. Narad