BASIC COMPUTER ORGANIZATION
1. Introduction to Basic Computer Organization
Computer organization refers to the “internal structure and functional components” of a computer
system.
Every computer system performs the basic operations:
Input
Processing
Output
Storage
To perform these tasks, a computer consists of various units such as:
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Memory Unit
Input Unit
Output Unit
2. CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)
The “Central Processing Unit” is often called the “brain of the computer”.
It is responsible for:
Executing instructions
Performing calculations
Controlling other components
Managing data flow
The CPU has three main components:
2.1 Control Unit (CU)
Directs the operation of the processor
Controls data flow between memory and ALU
Interprets instructions from programs
Tells input/output devices how to respond
Acts like the computer’s “traffic controller”
2.2 Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
Performs all “arithmetic operations”
Addition
Subtraction
Multiplication
Division
Performs “logical operations”
Comparisons (>, <, =)
Decision making (true/false)
2.3 Registers
Small, high-speed temporary storage areas inside the CPU
Hold data, instructions, or addresses currently being used
Faster than main memory
3. PROCESSOR SPEED
Processor speed indicates “how fast the CPU can execute instructions”.
It is measured in:
Hertz (Hz) – number of cycles per second
Kilohertz (KHz) – thousands of cycles
Megahertz (MHz) – millions of cycles
Gigahertz (GHz) – billions of cycles
Factors affecting processor speed:
Clock Speed: Higher clock speed → faster CPU
Number of Cores: Dual-core, quad-core, octa-core
Cache Memory: More cache → faster access
Architecture: 32-bit or 64-bit
Instruction set: Optimized instructions improve speed
4. ARITHMETIC AND LOGIC UNIT (ALU)
The ALU is a major component of the CPU responsible for performing:
4.1 Arithmetic Operations
Addition
Subtraction
Multiplication
Division
Increment/Decrement
4.2 Logical Operations
AND, OR, NOT
Comparisons (greater than, less than, equal to)
Decision-based operations
4.3 Functions of ALU
Receives data from registers
Performs required arithmetic/logical operations
Sends results back to registers or memory
Works under instructions of the Control Unit
5. MEMORY UNIT
The “Memory Unit” stores data and instructions.
It is divided into:
5.1 Primary Memory (Main Memory)
5.1.1 RAM (Random Access Memory)
Temporary/volatile memory
Stores data and instructions during execution
Contents erased when the computer is switched off
5.1.2 ROM (Read Only Memory)
Permanent/non-volatile memory
Contains system instructions (e.g., BIOS)
Cannot be easily modified
5.2 Secondary Memory (Auxiliary Memory)
Used for long-term data storage.
Examples:
Hard Disk
SSD (Solid State Drive)
Pen Drive
CD/DVD
Memory Cards
Characteristics:
Non-volatile
Stores large amount of data
Slower than primary memory
6. INPUT UNIT
The “Input Unit” allows users to enter data and instructions into the computer.
Functions of Input Unit
Accepts data from the user
Converts data into machine-understandable form
Sends data to memory or CPU for processing
Examples of Input Devices
Keyboard
Mouse
Scanner
Microphone
Touchscreen
Webcam
7. OUTPUT UNIT
The “Output Unit” displays or provides the results of processing.
Functions of Output Unit
Converts machine-coded results into human-readable form
Sends processed information to output devices
Examples of Output Devices
Monitor
Printer
Speaker
Projector
Plotter