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Basic Components of A Computer System

The document outlines the basic components of a computer system, including input, output, storage, central processing unit (CPU), and memory. The CPU contains a control unit that fetches and decodes instructions and an arithmetic logic unit that performs calculations. Memory temporarily stores programs and data for the CPU to access. Input devices like keyboards send data to the CPU, while output devices like displays receive processed data from the CPU. Storage holds information permanently until overwritten.

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Mildred C. Walters
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693 views

Basic Components of A Computer System

The document outlines the basic components of a computer system, including input, output, storage, central processing unit (CPU), and memory. The CPU contains a control unit that fetches and decodes instructions and an arithmetic logic unit that performs calculations. Memory temporarily stores programs and data for the CPU to access. Input devices like keyboards send data to the CPU, while output devices like displays receive processed data from the CPU. Storage holds information permanently until overwritten.

Uploaded by

Mildred C. Walters
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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BASIC COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

Any computer, from a simple handheld calculator to a complex mainframe computer, can
be broken down into the same functional components. The simplified component
breakdown is shown in the diagram below.

Computer Components &


The Flow of Data within a Computer System
STORAGE

Storage

Input

CPU

Output

INPUT
An input device is any device that sends information to the CPU. Examples of input
devices include a keyboard and a mouse.
CPU (CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT)
The brain of the computer is the Central Processing Unit (CPU). This is where numbers
are added and subtracted, and so forth.
The CPU is the brain of the computer. It consists of:
(a) control unit
(b) arithmetic/logical unit
(c) memory (or central memory)
Control Unit
The control unit can be thought of as the brain of the computer. Just as the human
brain controls the body, the control unit controls the computer. It is that part of the
Central Processing Unit (CPU) that controls the fetching, decoding, execution and
storage of program instructions.
1

Fetching refers to the obtaining of the next program instruction from main memory.
Decoding is translating the instructions into commands that the computer can process.
Executing refers to the actual processing of the computer commands.
Storing takes place when the result of the instruction is written to main memory.
Arithmetic Logic Unit - (ALU)
This unit has two basic functions:
(I) performing arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication
and division.
(II) performing logical comparison between two items of stored data such as less than
<, equal to =, and greater than > operations.
Memory
This is the section of the CPU (Central Processing Unit) where instructions (or
programs) and data are stored. It is called Primary Memory or Main Memory or
Immediate access storage. Memory is essential to the operation of any computer.
Memory serves as the scratch-pad for the processor which is the Arithmetic Logic Unit.
As it works the processor places data in memory and then retrieves it when necessary.
Application programs, (for e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel and Access) and operating
systems (like Windows XP) are stored in memory while they are running (being used).
Memory is transient or temporary storage used by the CPU in its computing duties.
Typically any information stored in a computers memory is lost when the computer
looses its power.
OUTPUT
An output device is a piece of equipment that receives information from the CPU. A
printer and display screen are the most obvious examples of output devices.
STORAGE
Storage is different from memory, in that it is permanent. That is, information placed on
a storage device remains there until it is erased or overwritten. A magnetic disk is an
example of a storage device.
REGISTERS
It is a permanent location in the internal memory of the processor used for the temporary
storage of data during processing operations.

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