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Computer System and Its Components

The document discusses the components of a computer system including the input unit, central processing unit, and output unit. It describes each component in detail and their functions. It also discusses the characteristics of computers like speed, accuracy, diligence, versatility, and storage capacity.

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Aleeza gondal
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25 views

Computer System and Its Components

The document discusses the components of a computer system including the input unit, central processing unit, and output unit. It describes each component in detail and their functions. It also discusses the characteristics of computers like speed, accuracy, diligence, versatility, and storage capacity.

Uploaded by

Aleeza gondal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Computer system and its

components
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:

• Input Unit
• Central Processing Unit(CPU)
• 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.

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