Chapter 3, Problem 2WE

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 and performs the required operations and then sends the result and next instructions set back to memory.

Input devices:

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

Output devices:

• • Output devices are used by computer to deliver information to 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 mandatory by monitor’s hardware.
• • Then the monitor’s hardware converts that information into different light intensities so that you see words or pictures.