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Components of Computer and their Function1

A computer system consists of three main components: the Input Unit, Output Unit, and Central Processing Unit (CPU), each with specific functions that facilitate data processing. The Input Unit receives user commands, the Output Unit delivers results, and the CPU processes the commands through its subcomponents: Memory Unit, Control Unit, and Arithmetic & Logical Unit. Understanding these components is essential for effective computer use and is often tested in academic examinations.

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Mwanzia Munuve
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2 views

Components of Computer and their Function1

A computer system consists of three main components: the Input Unit, Output Unit, and Central Processing Unit (CPU), each with specific functions that facilitate data processing. The Input Unit receives user commands, the Output Unit delivers results, and the CPU processes the commands through its subcomponents: Memory Unit, Control Unit, and Arithmetic & Logical Unit. Understanding these components is essential for effective computer use and is often tested in academic examinations.

Uploaded by

Mwanzia Munuve
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Components of Computer

and their Functions


A computer system is not a single device or setup that functions
on its own. It is made of several components which have specific
functions and features to support the entire system. While there
are many devices under one system, they are divided into three
basic components of the computer system. They make data
processing and performing tasks easier and convenient.

The main three components are – Input Unit, Output Unit, and
Central Processing Unit. The central processing unit is further
divided into memory or storage unit, control unit, and
arithmetical and logical unit. Each unit has its own special
feature to assist the system.

The input unit is mandatory for taking in the instructions, the


processing unit is important for understanding them and the
output unit enables the delivery of results. They all rely on each
other at every step and together accomplish all the tasks.

One thing to keep in mind is that the external appearance of


these units might differ from system to system. But at the end of
the day, they will perform the same set of tasks as others. Let us
take a look at each of the components in detail with their
distinctive functions.

https://media.geeksforgeeks.org/wp-content/cdn-uploads/
Components-of-a-digital-computer.jpg

1. Input Unit of Computer System


The computer system responds to the instruction it receives from
the users. And to get those instructions, a computer needs an
input unit. This includes all the input devices responsible for
reading the data entered by the user.
The system doesn’t respond unless it receives a command from
the user using the input unit or the input devices. The users use
numbers, letters, images, etc. to enter the command, the input
devices are the ones accepting them. For example – we use a
keyboard to enter a text, the keyboard here becomes the input
unit.

Functions of Input Unit of a Computer


System
 Takes in user commands in the form of data.
 Converts data in a digital language format.
 Sends over the data to the processing unit for the next step.
Examples of Input Unit
 Keyboard
 Mouse
 JoyStick
 Light pen
 Track Ball
 Scanner
 Graphic Tablet
2. Output Unit of Computer System
The user, when sending a set of instructions to the computer,
reaches the output device in the end. The execution of command
takes place here and the users get their results.

The processor sends the transcripted instructions to the output


devices for execution. These devices always have a connection to
the system and thus the coordination is quite easy.

The monitor is one of the main output devices which displays the
results to the user. Everything that the input devices receive,
reaches the output devices eventually. All the execution activities
take place inside the mechanism of a device.
Functions of Output Unit of Computer
 Receives the instructions in machine language to execute a
task.
 Coordinates with the processor to get the instruction on time.
 Converts the machine language back into a user-friendly one
by completing tasks.
 It is the medium by which users understand that their
demands are met by the system.
Examples of Output Unit of a Computer
 Monitor – variants
 Printers – all types
 Plotters
 Projector
 LCD Projection Panels
 Computer Output Microfilm
 Speaker
 Headphones
 Ear Plugs
3. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The data that the input unit accepts goes to the processing unit
before execution. This unit understands what the command
actually is and how they can achieve it. It converts data accepted
in human language into machine language for computers to
understand. It has a mainboard with a central chip which is the
primary part of the processor.

The processor coordinates with both input and output devices to


make things done. It has three main components –
a. Memory Unit
This component of the CPU deals with strong data. When the
data reaches the processor from the input devices, the memory
unit saves it immediately. It has some pre-existing programs
which help in transmitting the data to the other parts of the CPU.
Similarly, the completion of a task by output device is also saved
here before it reaches the user. The processor cannot process
the data unless the memory unit saves it.

This is where all the information becomes accessible for the user.

It uses bits and bytes to measure data size. The memory unit
further divides into primary and secondary storage units.

The primary memory is internal and temporary. RAM is the


primary memory in this case. It stores the commands for a short
time and is volatile in nature.

The secondary storage is non-volatile and permanent. But not


directly accessible. The data needs to transfer to the primary
unit and then the processor can access it.
Functions of Memory Unit In Computer
 Responsible for storing data coming from input devices.
 Storing the result data coming from output devices.
 Storing all the steps that the system goes through while task
execution.
b. Control Unit
This unit is to manage the computer device functioning and is the
central component of the processor unit. Once the data is in the
memory, it processes it for further execution. It is where the data
conversion from human language to machine language takes
place. It interprets the signal and sends it over to the output unit.
Once the result is out, it retrieves the data again and presents it
to the user.

Functions of Control Unit in Computer


 Coordinate information transfer between the memory and I/O
devices.
 Converts the instruction into machine language.
 It decodes the instruction and sends it to the correct device.
 Prepare a data sequence making it easier for processing.
 Maintains a flow of data inside the system.
 Transfer the commands/issues to the arithmetic and logic
unit.
c. Arithmetic & Logical Unit (ALU)
This unit of processor takes care of mathematical calculations
and issues that the computer system faces while functioning. It is
also useful for data comparison and actions including decision
making. It has features to facilitate different mathematical
solutions like addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc.

ALU gets the data from the memory in the form of registers.
These registers are for a memory address, data manipulation,
and processing. They may have distinctive features sometimes.
The ALU performs the calculation only when needed and then
sends it to the output devices.

Functions of ALU in Computer


 Responsible for all calculations and mathematical issues.
 Allows the computer to compare data easily.
 Enables the data transfer between primary and secondary
memory by decoding it.
 Acts as a decision-maker in case of any trouble.
Conclusion
A computer system has many building blocks that help in its
functioning. They are quite important to understand since we use
them every day. Having enough and correct knowledge about
them can save us from wasting time and maintaining device
security. They are also important from the exam point of view.

Many competitive exams, as well as college exams, ask this topic


in the general knowledge section. And many might have it under
the computer awareness section. Thus reading the details
carefully can lead to fruitful exam results.

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