Basic Structure of Computer:
a) Input Unit
This unit contains devices with the help of which we enter data into the
computer. This unit creates a link between the user and the computer. The input
devices translate the information into a form understandable by the computer.
b) 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 the computer.
CPU itself has the following three components −
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
Memory Unit
Control Unit
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 the above operations.
Logic Section
Function of logic section is to perform logic operations such as comparing,
selecting, matching, and merging of data.
Memory (Storage Unit)
This unit can store instructions, data, and intermediate results. This unit supplies
information to other units of the computer when needed. It is also known as
internal storage unit or the main memory or the 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 the memory unit are:
It stores all the data and the instructions required for processing.
It stores intermediate results of processing.
It stores the final results of processing before these results are released to
an output device.
All inputs and outputs are transmitted through the main memory.
Memory Representations:
1. Smallest Memory Unit – Bit ( Binary Digit) -0/1
2. Nibble – 4 bits
3. Byte or 1B- 8 Bites
4. Kilobyte or 1KB – 1024 bytes or 210 Bytes
5. Megabyte or 1 MB – 1024 KB
6. Gigabyte or 1 GB – 1024 MB
7. Terabyte or 1 TB- 1024 GB
8. Petabyte or 1 PB- 1024 TB
9. Exabyte or 1 EB – 1024 PB
10. Zetta or 1ZB – 1024 EB
11. Yotta or 1 YB- 1024 ZB
Memory is primarily of
three types:
1. Cache Memory
2. Primary Memory/Main Memory
3. Secondary Memory
Cache Memory
Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor memory which can speed up
the CPU. It acts as a buffer between the CPU and the main memory. It is used to
hold those parts of data and program which are most frequently used by the
CPU. The parts of data and programs are transferred from the disk to cache
memory by the operating system, from where the CPU can access them.
Primary Memory (Main Memory)
Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on which the computer is
currently working. It has a limited capacity and data is lost when power is
switched off. It is generally made up of semiconductor device. These memories
are not as fast as registers. The data and instruction required to be processed
resides in the main memory. It is divided into two subcategories RAM and
ROM.
Secondary Memory
This type of memory is also known as external memory or non-volatile. It is
slower than the main memory. These are used for storing data/information
permanently. CPU directly does not access these memories, instead they are
accessed via input-output routines. The contents of secondary memories are first
transferred to the main memory, and then the CPU can access it. For example,
disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.
Control Unit
This unit controls the operations of all parts of the 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.
c) Output Unit
The output unit consists of devices with the help of which we get the information
from the computer. This unit is a link between the computer and the users.
Output devices translate the computer's output into a form understandable by the
users.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) consists of the following features:
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 the computer.
Input Devices:
Following are some of the important input devices which are used in a computer −
Keyboard
Mouse
Joy Stick
Light pen
Track Ball
Scanner
Graphic Tablet
Microphone
Magnetic Ink Card Reader(MICR)
Optical Character Reader(OCR)
Bar Code Reader
Optical Mark Reader(OMR)
Output Devices:
Following are some of the important output devices used in a computer.
Monitors
Graphic Plotter
Printer
