Chapter 3, Problem 2RQ

Program Plan Intro

Components of computer:

Computer has four major components as follows:

• Central processing unit (CPU):
  • CPU plays the key role in a computer by carrying out instructions of a computer program.
  • It is basically known as the brain of the computer.
  • It performs all the basic logic, arithmetic, controlling, and input/output operations that are specified by the instructions.
• Memory unit:
  • Once computer program instructions set are transformed into machine code by CPU, then 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 the memory.
• Input devices:
  • Input devices are 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 as words or pictures are seen.