Components of a Computer
System
A computer system consists of both hardware and information stored on hardware.
Information stored on computer hardware is often called software.
The hardware components of a computer system are the electronic and mechanical
parts.
The software components of a computer system are the data and the computer
programs.
All types of computers follow a same basic logical structure and perform the following five
basic operations for converting raw input data into information useful to their users.
Sr.No. Operation Description
The process of entering data and instructions into the
1 Take Input
computer system
Saving data and instructions so that they are available for
2 Store Data
processing as and when required.
Processing Performing arithmetic, and logical operations on data in order
3
Data to convert them into useful information.
Output The process of producing useful information or results for the
4
Information user, such as a printed report or visual display.
Control the Directs the manner and sequence in which all of the above
5
workflow operations are performed.
1
Input Unit
This unit contains devices with the help of which we enter data into computer. This unit
makes link between user and computer. The input devices translate the information into the
form understandable by computer.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
CPU is considered as the brain of the computer. CPU performs all types of data processing
operations. It stores data, intermediate results and instructions(program). It controls the
operation of all parts of computer.
CPU itself has following three components
ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)
Memory Unit
Control Unit
Output Unit
Output unit consists of devices with the help of which we get the information from computer.
This unit is a link between computer and users. Output devices translate the computer's
output into the form understandable by users.
CPU consists of the following features:
CPU is considered as the brain of the computer.
CPU performs all types of data processing operations.
2
It stores data, intermediate results and instructions(program).
It controls the operation of all parts of computer.
CPU itself has following three components.
Memory or Storage Unit
Control Unit
ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)
Memory or Storage Unit
This unit can store instructions, data and intermediate results. This unit supplies information
to the other units of the computer when needed. It is also known as internal storage unit or
main memory or primary storage or Random access memory(RAM).
Its size affects speed, power and capability. Primary memory and secondary memory are
two types of memories in the computer. Functions of memory unit are:
It stores all the data and the instructions required for processing.
3
It stores intermediate results of processing.
It stores final results of processing before these results are released to an output
device.
All inputs and outputs are transmitted through main memory.
Control Unit
This unit controls the operations of all parts of computer but does not carry out any actual
data processing operations.
Functions of this unit are:
It is responsible for controlling the transfer of data and instructions among other units
of a computer.
It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer.
It obtains the instructions from the memory, interprets them, and directs the
operation of the computer.
It communicates with Input/Output devices for transfer of data or results from
storage.
It does not process or store data.
ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)
This unit consists of two subsections namely
Arithmetic section
Logic Section
Arithmetic Section
Function of arithmetic section is to perform arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division. All complex operations are done by making repetitive use of
above operations.
Logic Section
Function of logic section is to perform logic operations such as comparing, selecting,
matching and merging of data.
