Definition
Computer is an electronic device which
takes some inputs, process its and gives us
meaningful information.
INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT
Input:- Data (Raw Materials)
Data:- Data is collection of facts and
figures(Records).
Data can be defined as a representation of facts,
concepts or instructions in a formalized manner
which should be suitable for communication,
interpretation, or processing by human or
electronic machine.
Data is represented with the help of characters
like alphabets (A-Z,a-z), digits (0-9) or special
characters(+,-,/,*,<,>,= etc.).
Process:- Any work done on Data.
Output:- Processed Data
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COMPUTER SYSTEMS
1. VDU
2. CPU
3. Keyboard
4. Mouse
5. Printer
6. Speaker
7. UPS
FIG- Computer System
COMPUTER SYSTEMS
1. VDU:- VISUAL DISPLAY UNIT.
Two Types of VDU:-
1. MONOCHROME(BLACK & WHITE)
2. COLORED
There are variety of monitor available in the market such
as, CRT(Cathode Ray Tube) Monitor, LCD( Liquid
Crystal Display) Monitor, Touch Screen Monitor, TFT
(Thin Film Transistor) Monitor, LED(Light Emitting
Diode) Monitor etc.
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
computer.
Fig 1- CPU
CPU itself has following three components.
A). Memory or Storage Unit
B). Control Unit
C). ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)
A). Memory or Storage Unit
A memory is just like a human brain. It is used to store
data and instructions. Computer memory is the storage
space in computer where data is to be processed and
instructions required for processing are stored.
The memory is divided into large number of small
parts called cells. Each location or cell has a unique
address which varies from zero to memory size
minus one.
For example if computer has 64k words, then this
memory unit has 64 * 1024=65536 memory
locations. The address of these locations varies
from 0 to 65535.
Memory is primarily of three types:-
i). Cache Memory
ii). Primary Memory/Main Memory
iii). Secondary Memory
i). Cache Memory
Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor
memory which can speed up CPU.
Fig- Cache Memory
It acts as a buffer between the CPU and main memory. It
is used to hold those parts of data and program which are
most frequently used by CPU. The parts of data and
programs are transferred from disk to cache memory by
operating system, from where 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
The disadvantages of cache memory are as follows:
Cache memory has limited capacity.
It is very expensive.
ii). Primary Memory OR (Main Memory)
Primary memory holds only those data and instructions
on which computer is currently working. It has limited
capacity and data is lost when power is switched off. It is
generally made up of semiconductor device. These
memories are not as fast as resistors. The data and
instruction required to be processed reside in main
memory.
It is divided into two subcategories
a). RAM
b). ROM.
a). RAM(Random Access is the
Memory)
internal memory of the CPU for
storing data, program and program
result. It is read/write memory which
stores data until the machine is
working. As soon as the machine is
switched off, data is erased.
RAM is volatile, 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-
1. Static RAM (SRAM)
2. Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
iii). Secondary Memory
This type of memory is also
known as external memory or non-
volatile. It is slower than main
memory. These are used for storing
data/Information permanently.
Characteristic of Secondary Memory
•These are magnetic and optical memories
•It is known as backup memory.
•It is non-volatile memory.
•Data is permanently stored even if power is
switched off.
•It is used for storage of data in a computer.
•Computer may run without secondary
memory.
•Slower than primary memories.
For Example:-
CD - (COMPACT DISC),
DVD - (DIGITAL VERSATILE DISC),
HD - (HARD DISC),
PD - (PENDRIVE) etc.
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B).Control Unit
This unit controls the operations of all
parts of 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 communicates with Input/Output devices for
transfer of data or results from storage.
•It obtains the instructions from the memory,
interprets them, and directs the operation of the
computer.
• It does not process or store data.
C). ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)
This unit consists of two subsections namely
1. Arithmetic Section (+,-,x,/)
2. Logic Section (<,>,=,<=,>=,==)
1. 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 above operations.
2. Logic Section
Function of logic section is to perform
logic operations such as comparing, selecting, matching
and merging of data.
3. Keyboard
Keyboard is the most common and very
popular input device which helps in inputting
data to the computer. The layout of the keyboard
is like that of traditional typewriter, although
there are some additional keys provided for
performing additional functions.
Keyboards are of two sizes 84 keys or
101/102 keys, but now keyboards with 104 keys
or 108 keys are also available for Windows and
Internet.
The keys on the keyboard are as follows:-
Sr.N
Keys Description
o
These keys include the letter keys (A-Z) and
Typing
1 digit keys (0-9) which generally give same
Keys
layout as that of typewriters.
It is used to enter numeric data or cursor
movement. Generally, it consists of a set of
Numeric
2 17 keys that are laid out in the same
Keypad
configuration used by most adding machines
and calculators.
The twelve function keys are present on the
Function keyboard which are arranged in a row at the top of
3
Keys the keyboard. Each function key has unique
meaning and is used for some specific purpose.
These keys provide cursor and screen control. It
includes four directional arrow keys. Control keys
4 Control keys also include Home, End, Insert, Delete, Page Up,
Page Down, Control(Ctrl), Alternate(Alt),
Escape(Esc).
Special Keyboard also contains some special purpose keys
5 Purpose such as Enter, Shift, Caps Lock, Num Lock, Space
Keys bar, Tab, and Print Screen.
4. Mouse
Mouse is most popular pointing
device. It is a very famous cursor
- Control device having a small
palm size box with a round ball
at its base which senses the
movement of mouse and sends
corresponding signals to CPU when the mouse buttons
are pressed.
Generally it has two buttons called left and right button
and a wheel is present between the buttons.
Mouse can be used to control the position of
cursor on screen, but it cannot be used to enter
text into the computer.
Advantages
•Easy to use
•Not very expensive
•Moves the cursor faster than the arrow keys
of keyboard.
5. PRINTER
Printer is a device that accepts text and graphic
output from a computer and transfers the information to
paper, usually to standard size sheets of paper. Printers
vary in size, speed, sophistication, and cost. In general,
more expensive printers are used for higher-resolution
color printing.
Two Types of Printer:-
1. Impact Printer (Dot –Matrix , Daisy –
Wheel Printers, Line Printers)
2. Non-Impact Printer (Laser,Inkjet
Printer)
6. SPEAKER
Speakers are one of the most common output
devices with computer systems.
7. UPS
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a
device that allows a computer to keep running for at least
a short time when the primary power source is lost. It
also provides protection from power surges.
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