Chapter 3, Problem 14DQ

Program Plan Intro

Components of computer:

Computer has four major components, they are:

• Central processing unit (CPU)
• Memory unit
• Input devices
• Output devices

Central Processing Unit (CPU):

• CPU plays the key role in a computer by carrying out instructions of a computer program.
• It performs all the basic logic, arithmetic, controlling and input/output operations that are specified by the instructions.
• The CPU comprises of two units, Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and control unit (CU).

Memory unit:

• Once computer program instructions set are transformed into machine code by CPU, the machine code is stored in memory.
• Then the CPU fetches the required data and instructions from memory, perform the required operations and then sends the result and next set of instructions back to memory.

Input devices:

• The devices used by the user to feed information to computer, such as a hard drive, keyboard, or a networking card.
• These devices get the data from outside world into computer in the way that human eyes and ears bring the data to brain.

Output devices:

• Output devices are used by computer to deliver the information to the user, such as a monitor, printer, and speaker.
• The CPU takes the machine code present in memory and converts it into a format that is required by monitor’s hardware.
• Then the monitor’s hardware alters that information into different light intensities such that words or pictures are seen.