Components of a Computer System
Components of a computer system
A computer system consists of mainly four basic units, namely: input unit, memory unit, central processing unit and output unit. Central Processing unit further includes Arithmetic logic unit and control unit, as shown in the figure below.
Figure 1.3 Components of a Computer (www.ict4u.net/components/components.php)
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. Keyboard and mouse are two basic devices used for giving data or instruction to computer.
Memory Unit: The Memory Unit is the part of the computer that holds data and instructions for processing. Memory associated with the CPU is also called primary storage, primary memory, main storage, internal storage and main memory. Computer memory capacity is expressed in terms of Bytes. A group of 8 bits is called byte. A byte is the smallest unit which can represent a data item or a character.
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.