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Computer - Components 3

The document discusses the major components of a computer system: the processor (CPU), main memory, secondary storage, input devices, and output devices. It describes the roles and functions of each component, how they interact, and how programs are run by loading instructions from secondary storage into main memory for the CPU to execute.

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13 views

Computer - Components 3

The document discusses the major components of a computer system: the processor (CPU), main memory, secondary storage, input devices, and output devices. It describes the roles and functions of each component, how they interact, and how programs are run by loading instructions from secondary storage into main memory for the CPU to execute.

Uploaded by

Domperidone Maleate
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer Systems

CS208
Major Components of a
Computer System
 Processor (CPU)
 Runs program instructions

 Main Memory
 Storage for running programs and current data

 Secondary Storage
 Long-term program & data storage (hard disk, CD, etc)

 Input Devices
 Communication from the user to the computer(e.g. keyboard,

mouse)
 Output Devices
 Communication from the computer to the user (e.g. monitor,

printer, speakers)
Computer Systems
System Unit
Output device
Output device

Output device

Input device

Input device
The Processor
 The processor is the "brain" of the computer system.
 Main processor is called the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
 A particular computer will have a particular type of
processor, such as a Pentium or a SPARC chip.
 Co-processors assist the CPU with some of the processing
functions. Examples:
 Math co-processors handle heavy duty math processing
 Graphics coprocessors speed up the display of graphics
onto the monitor
Component Interaction
The CPU controls all of the other resources within the system,
in order to accomplish a task.
The CPU
The CPU is a silicon chip that contains
millions of tiny electrical components.

The CPU’s three main parts are:


 Control Unit
 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
 Registers
Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Performs calculations
Arithmetic / Logic Unit
and decisions

Coordinates
Control Unit processing steps

Small, fast
Registers storage areas for
instructions and
data
Main Memory Characteristics
 Very closely connected to the CPU.
 Contents are quickly and easily changed.
 Holds the programs and data that the
processor is actively working with.
 Interacts with the processor millions of times
per second.
 Nothing permanent is kept in main memory.
Secondary Storage
Characteristics
 Connected to main memory through a bus and a
device controller.
 Contents are easily changed, but access is very
slow compared to main memory.
 Only occasionally interacts with CPU.
 Used for long-term storage of programs and data.
 Much larger than main memory (GBs vs. MBs).
Program Instructions
 Programs instructions are stored in secondary storage
(hard disks, CD-ROM, DVD).
 To process data, the CPU requires a working area
 Uses Main Memory
 Also called: RAM (random access memory), primary
storage, and internal memory.
 Before a program is run, instructions must first be copied
from the slow secondary storage into fast main memory
 Provides the CPU with fast access to instructions to
execute.
How Programs Are Run
 The operating system presents an interface to the user
(e.g. Windows Desktop)
 The user double clicks on an icon to run a program (e.g.
Microsoft Word)
 The operating system copies the program (or at least the first part
of it) from the hard disk into main memory
 The CPU runs the instructions in the program, and presents the
initial Word screen
 Within Word, the user uses the menu to open a document
 The application software (Word) asks the Operating System to
open the file.
 The Operating System communicates with the hardware to open
the file on the hard disk.

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