Computer Appreciations & Applications COMS-111

Computer - Components

1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

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.
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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 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.

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.

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

This unit consists of two subsections namely,

 Arithmetic Section
 Logic Section
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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.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the internal memory of the CPU for storing data,
program, and program result. It is a read/write memory which stores data until the
machine is working. As soon as the machine is switched off, data is erased.
RAM is also called volatile memory, i.e. data stored in it is lost when we switch off the
computer or if there is a power failure.
RAM is of two types −

 Static RAM (SRAM)

 Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

Static RAM (SRAM)

The word static indicates that the memory retains its contents as long as power is
being supplied. However, data is lost when the power gets down due to volatile
nature. SRAM is thus used as cache memory and has very fast access.
Characteristic of Static RAM
 Long life
 No need to refresh
 Faster
 Used as cache memory
 Large size
 Expensive
 High power consumption
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Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

DRAM, unlike SRAM, must be continually refreshed in order to maintain the data.
DRAM is used for most system memory as it is cheap and small. All DRAMs are made
up of memory cells, which are composed of one capacitor and one transistor.

Characteristics of Dynamic RAM

 Short data lifetime
 Needs to be refreshed continuously
 Slower as compared to SRAM
 Used as RAM
 Smaller in size
 Less expensive
 Less power consumption

ROM (Read Only Memory)

ROM stands for Read Only Memory. The memory from which we can only read but
cannot write on it. This type of memory is non-volatile. The information is stored
permanently in such memories during manufacture. A ROM stores such instructions
that are required to start a computer. This operation is referred to as bootstrap. ROM
chips are not only used in the computer but also in other electronic items like washing
machine and microwave oven. Following are the types of ROM:

PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory)

PROM is read-only memory that can be modified only once by a user. The user buys
a blank PROM and enters the desired contents using a PROM program. Inside the
PROM chip, there are small fuses which are burnt open during programming. It can
be programmed only once and is not erasable.

EPROM (Erasable and Programmable Read Only

Memory)
EPROM can be erased by exposing it to ultra-violet light for a duration of up to 40
minutes. Usually, an EPROM eraser achieves this function. During programming, an
electrical charge is trapped in an insulated gate region. The charge is retained for
more than 10 years because the charge has no leakage path.
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EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable

Read Only Memory)
EEPROM is programmed and erased electrically. It can be erased and
reprogrammed about ten thousand times. Both erasing and programming take about
4 to 10 ms (millisecond). In EEPROM, any location can be selectively erased and
programmed. EEPROMs can be erased one byte at a time, rather than erasing the
entire chip. Hence, the process of reprogramming is flexible but slow.

Flash Memory
Flash memory is a non-volatile memory chip used for storage and for transferring data
between a personal computer (PC) and digital devices. It has the ability to be
electronically reprogrammed and erased. It is often found in USB flash drives, MP3
players, digital cameras and solid-state drives.

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.

Advantages
The advantages of cache memory are as follows −

 Cache memory is faster than main memory.

 It consumes less access time as compared to main memory.
 It stores the program that can be executed within a short period of time.
 It stores data for temporary use.

Disadvantages
 Cache memory has limited capacity.
 It is very expensive.
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Computer - Output Devices

The output device displays the result of the processing of raw data that is entered in
the computer through an input device. There are a number of output devices that
display output in different ways such as text, images, hard copies, and audio or video.
Following are some of the important output devices used in a computer.

 Monitors
 Printer
 Plotter

Monitors
The monitor is the display unit or screen of the computer. It is the main output device
that displays the processed data or information as text, images, audio or video.

The types of monitors are given below.

Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor

CRT monitors are based on the cathode ray tubes. Cathode rays tube produces a
beam of electrons through electron guns that strike on the inner phosphorescent
surface of the screen to produce images on the screen. The monitor contains millions
of phosphorus dots of red, green and blue color. The CRT display is made up of small
picture elements called pixels. The smaller the pixels, the better the image clarity or
resolution.

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Monitor

The LCD monitor is a flat panel screen that is compact and light-weight as compared
to CRT monitors. It is based on liquid crystal display technology which is used in the
screens of laptops, tablets, smart phones, etc. LCD use optical effects to convert
sunlight or light from some other source into graphics patterns.

Liquid Emitting Diodes (LED) Monitor

The LED monitor is an improved version of an LCD monitor. It also has a flat panel
display and uses liquid crystal display technology like the LCD monitors. The
difference between them lies in the source of light to backlight the display. LED
convert electrical energy into light. Modern electronic devices such as mobile phones,
LED TVs, laptop and computer screens, etc., use a LED display as it not only
produces more brilliance and greater light intensity but also consumes less power.
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Printer
A printer produces hard copies of the processed data. It enables the user, to print
images, text or any other information onto the paper.

Based on the printing mechanism, the printers are of two types:

 Impact Printers
 Non-impact Printers.

Impact Printer
The impact printer uses a hammer or print head to print the character or images onto
the paper. The hammer or print head strikes or presses an ink ribbon against the paper
to print characters and images.

Impact printers are further divided into two types.

A. Character Printers (Dot Matrix Printer and Daisy Wheel Printer)

B. Line printers (Drum Printer and Chain Printer)

Characteristics of Impact Printers are:

 Very low consumable costs

 Very noisy
 Useful for bulk printing due to low cost
 There is physical contact with the paper to produce an image

Non-Impact Printers
Non-impact printers print the characters without using the ribbon. These printers print
a complete page at a time, thus they are also called as Page Printers.
These printers are of two types:

 Laser Printers
 Inkjet Printers
Characteristics of Non-impact Printers are:

 Faster than impact printers

 They are not noisy
 High quality
 Supports many fonts and different character size
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Plotters
Plotters are a special type of output device much like a printer that is used for
printing vector graphics. Instead of toner, plotters use a pen, pencil, marker, or another
writing tool to draw multiple, continuous lines. It is suitable for applications:

1. Architectural plan of the building.

2. CAD applications like the design of mechanical components of aircraft.
3. Many engineering applications.