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Components of Computer Gokul

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18 views2 pages

Components of Computer Gokul

Uploaded by

ss4325
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Components of Computer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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