Input
All the data received by the computer goes through the input unit. The input unit comprises different
devices like a mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc. In other words, each of these devices acts as a mediator
between the users and the computer.
The data that is to be processed is put through the input unit. The computer accepts the raw data in
binary form. It then processes the data and produces the desired output.
Major Func ons of the Input Unit
The 3 major func ons of the input unit are-
Take the data to be processed by the user.
Convert the given data into machine-readable form.
And then, transmit the converted data into the main memory of the computer. The sole purpose
is to connect the user and the computer. In addi on, this creates easy communica on between
them.
CPU – Central Processing Unit
Central Processing Unit or the CPU, is the brain of the computer. It works the same way a human brain
works. As the brain controls all human ac vi es, similarly the CPU controls all the tasks.
Moreover, the CPU conducts all the arithme cal and logical opera ons in the computer.
Now the CPU comprises of two units, namely – ALU (Arithme c Logic Unit) and CU (Control Unit). Both
of these units work in sync. The CPU processes the data as a whole.
Let us see what par cular tasks are assigned to both units.
ALU – Arithme c Logic Unit
The Arithme c Logic Unit is made of two terms, arithme c and logic. There are two primary func ons
that this unit performs.
1. Data is inserted through the input unit into the primary memory. Performs the basic arithme cal
opera ons on it, like addi on, subtrac on, mul plica on, and division. It performs all sorts of
calcula ons required on the data. Then, it sends back data to the storage.
2. The unit is also responsible for performing logical opera ons like AND, OR, Equal to, Less than,
etc. In addi on to this, it conducts merging, sor ng, and selec on of the given data.
CU – Control Unit
The control unit as the name suggests is the controller of all the ac vi es/tasks and opera ons. All this is
performed inside the computer.
The memory unit sends a set of instruc ons to the control unit. Then the control unit in turn converts
those instruc ons. A er that these instruc ons are converted to control signals.
These control signals help in priori zing and scheduling ac vi es. Thus, the control unit coordinates the
tasks inside the computer in sync with the input and output units.
Memory Unit
All the data that has to be processed or has been processed is stored in the memory unit. The memory
unit acts as a hub of all the data. It transmits it to the required part of the computer whenever
necessary.
The memory unit works in sync with the CPU. This helps in faster accessing and processing of the data.
Thus, making tasks easier and quicker.
Types of Computer Memory
There are two types of computer memory-
Primary Memory
This type of memory cannot store a vast amount of data. Therefore, it is only used to store recent data.
The data stored in this is temporary. It can get erased once the power is switched off. Therefore, is also
called temporary memory or main memory.
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is an example of primary memory. This memory is directly
accessible by the CPU. It is used for reading and wri ng purposes. For data to be processed, it has to be
first transferred to the RAM and then to the CPU.
Secondary Memory
As explained above, the primary memory stores temporary data. Thus it cannot be accessed in the
future. For permanent storage purposes, secondary memory is used. It is also called permanent memory
or auxiliary memory. The hard disk is an example of secondary memory. Even in a power failure data
does not get erased easily.
Output
There is nothing to be amazed by what the output unit is used for. All the informa on sent to the
computer once processed is received by the user through the output unit. Devices like printers,
monitors, projectors, etc. all come under the output unit.
The output unit displays the data either in the form of a so copy or a hard copy. The printer is for the
hard copy. The monitor is for the display. The output unit accepts the data in binary form from the
computer. It then converts it into a readable form for the user.
Types of So ware
What is firmware?
Firmware is programming that's wri en to a hardware device's non-vola le memory. Non-vola le
memory is a form of sta c random access memory where the content is saved when a hardware device
is turned off or loses its external power source.
Firmware is installed directly onto a piece of hardware during manufacturing. It is used to run user
programs on the device and can be thought of as the so ware that enables hardware to run.
Boot Process