A computer system consists of mainly four basic units; namely input unit, storage unit, central processing unit and output unit. Central Processing unit further Includes Arithmetic logic unit and control unit, as shown in the flexure:. A computer performs five major operations or functions irrespective of its size and make. These are ; it accepts data or instructions as input, ; It stores data and Instruction ; it processes data as per the instructions, ; it controls all operations inside a computer, and ; it gives results in the form of output.Functional units: a.
Input unit: This unit is used for entering data and programs into the computer system by the user for processing. Basic Computer Organization b. Storage unit: The storage unit is used for storing data and instructions before and after processing. C.
Output Unit: The output unit is used for storing the result as output produced by the computer after processing. D. Processing: The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical operations is called processing.The Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data and instructions from the storage unit and makes all sorts of calculations based on the instructions given and the type of data revived. It Is then sent back to the storage unit.
CPU Includes Arithmetic logic unit (ALL) and control unit (CUE) ; Arithmetic Logic Unit: All calculations and comparisons, based on the instructions provided, are carried out within the ALIAS. It performs arithmetic functions like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and also logical operations Like greater than, less than and equal to etc. Control Unit: Controlling of all operations like Input, processing and output are performed by control unit. It takes care of step by step processing of all operations In side the computer. Memory Computer's memory can be classified Into two types; primary memory and secondary memory a. Primary Memory can be further classified as RAM and ROOM.
; RAM or Random Access Memory Is the unit in a computer system. It is the place in a computer where the operating system, application programs and the data In current use are kept temporarily so that they can be accessed by the computer's processor.It is said to be 1 OFF contents of RAM are no more available once the computer is turned off. ROOM or Read Only Memory is a special type of memory which can only be read and contents of which are not lost even when the computer is switched off. It typically contains manufacturer's instructions.
Among other things, ROOM also stores an initial program called the 'bootstrap loader' whose function is to start the operation of computer system once the power is turned on. B. Secondary Memory RAM is volatile memory having a limited storage capacity. Secondary/auxiliary memory is storage other than the RAM.These include devices that are peripheral and are connected and controlled by the computer to enable permanent storage of programs and data. CD ROOM Secondary storage devices are of two types; magnetic and optical.
Magnetic devices include hard disks and optical storage devices are CDC, DVD's, Pen drive, Zip drive etc. ; Hard Disk Hard disks are made up of rigid material and are usually a stack of metal disks sealed in a box. The hard disk and the hard disk drive exist together as a unit and is a permanent part of the computer where data and programs are saved. These disks have storage capacities ranging from 1 KGB to 80 KGB and more.Hard disks are rewritable. ; Compact Disk Compact Disk (CD) is portable disk having data storage capacity between 650-700 MOB.
It can hold large amount of information such as music, full-motion videos, and text etc. CDC can be either read only or read write type. CD Drive ; Digital Video Disk Digital Video Disk (DVD) is similar to a CD but has larger storage capacity and enormous clarity. Depending upon the disk type it can store several Gigabytes of data. DVD's are primarily used to store music or movies and can be played back on your television or the computer too. These are not rewritable.
Input / Output Devices: These devices are used to enter information and instructions into a computer for storage or processing and to deliver the processed data to a user. Input/output devices are required for users to communicate with the computer. In simple terms, input devices bring information INTO the computer and output devices bring information OUT of a computer system. These input/output devices are also known as peripherals since they surround the CPU and memory of a computer system. Input Devices An input device is any device that provides input to a computer.There are many input devices, but the two most common ones are a keyboard and mouse.
Every key you press on the keyboard and every movement or click you make with the mouse sends a specific input signal to the computer. Keyboard ; Keyboard: The keyboard is very much like a standard typewriter keyboard with a ewe additional keys. The basic QWERTY layout of characters is maintained to make it easy to use the system. The additional keys are included to perform certain special keyboard.
; Mouse: A device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointed display screen.A mouse is a small object you can roll along a hard and flat surf Its name is derived from its shape, which looks a bit like a mouse. As you move mouse, the pointer on the display screen moves in the same direction. ; Tracks trackball is an input device used to enter motion data into computers or other electronic devices.
It serves the same purpose as a mouse, but is designed wit evolvable ball on the top, which can be rolled in any direction. ; Touched: A t pad is a device for pointing (controlling input positioning) on a computer display screen. It is an alternative to the mouse.Originally incorporated in laptop com touch pads are also being made for use with desktop computers.
A touch pad by sensing the user's finger movement and downward pressure. ; Touch Screen allows the user to operate/make selections by simply touching the display screw display screen that is sensitive to the touch of a finger or stylus. Widely used o machines, retail point-of-sale terminals, car navigation systems, medical monitor ND industrial control panels. Mouse ; Light Pen: Light pen is an input device that utilizes a light-sensitive detector t select objects on a display screen. Magnetic ink character recognition (MICRO): MICRO can identify character printer a special ink that contains particles of magnetic material.
This device particular finds applications in banking industry. ; Optical mark recognition (NORM): Optic recognition, also called mark sense reader is a technology where an NORM device senses the presence or absence of a mark, such as pencil mark. NORM is widely in tests such as aptitude test. ; Bar code reader: Bar-code readers are photocell canners that read the bar codes or vertical zebra strips marks, printed on pro containers.These devices are generally used in super markets, bookshops etc.
Light Pen Scanner Scanner is an input device that can read text or illustration printed on paper a translates the information into a form that the computer can use. A scanner w digitizing an image. Output Devices: Output device receives information from the CPU and presents it to the user in desired from. The processed data, stored in the memory of the computer is SE the output unit, which then converts it into a form that can be understood by t user. The output is usually produced in one of the two ways - on the display De or on paper (hard copy). Monitor: is often used synonymously with "computer screen" or "display.
" Monitor is an output device that resembles the television s (fig. 1. 8). It may use a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) to display information.
The moon information as it is keyed in. It also displays the program or application output. Like the television, monitors are also available in different sizes. ; Printer: Printers are used to produce paper (commonly known as hard copy) output.
Based on the technology used, they can be classified as Impact or Non-impact printers.Impact printers use the typewriting printing mechanism wherein a hammer strikes the paper through a ribbon in order to produce output. Dot-matrix and Character printers fall under this category. Non-impact printers do not touch the paper while printing. They use chemical, heat or electrical signals to etch the symbols on paper. Inkiest, Diskette, Laser, Thermal printers fall under this category of printers.
; Plotter: Plotters are used to print graphical output on paper. It interprets computer commands and makes line drawings on paper using multi colored automated pens.It s capable of producing graphs, drawings, charts, maps etc. ; Facsimile (FAX): Facsimile machine, a device that can send or receive pictures and text over a telephone line. Fax machines work by digitizing an image. Plotter ; Sound cards and Speaker(s): An expansion board that enables a computer to manipulate and output sounds.
Sound cards are necessary for nearly all CD-Rooms and have become commonplace on modern personal computers. Sound cards enable the computer to output sound through speakers connected to the board, to record sound input from a microphone connected to the computer, and manipulate sound stored on a disk.
