Functions of major hardware components of a computer system

1. Functions of major hardware components of a computer system

2. Objective • At the end of the lesson, students should be able to: • Explain the functions of the major hardware components of a computer system.

3. Central Processing Unit (CPU) • Handles the processing of the computer. • Controls the transfer of data between memory and other devices. • Consists of two (2) smaller units – Control Unit (CU) and Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

4. Control Unit • This unit controls the overall operations of the CPU. • Directs the operation of components that process the data. • Controls the flow of programs and data in and out of primary memory (main memory) • Read and interpret program instructions • Control the flow of information to and from all components of the computer.

5. Arithmetic Logic Unit • Performs arithmetic operations. These operations include: addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, etc. • Performs logical operations. These operations include: reasoning and performing the comparisons necessary to make decisions.

6. Primary storage • Also referred to as main memory/ immediate access storage. • Is directly accessible to the CPU • Holds data and instructions that are currently being processed (temporary). • There are two (2) types of primary storage (both use chips): • Random Access Memory (RAM) • Read Only Memory (ROM)

7. Random Access Memory • Contents are temporary and are volatile ( lost when the computer is turned off) • Stores the instructions and data for currently running programs and the operating system • Computer can access data held in RAM immediately

8. Read Only Memory • Contents are permanent and non-volatile (not lost when the computer is turned off). • Used to store commands such as those used to boot up the computer. • These instructions are read, cannot be changed and are available every time the computer boots up. • These instructions are programmed into the ROM chips by the manufacturer.

9. Secondary Storage • Also referred to as backing storage or auxilliary storage. • Refers to media and methods used to keep programs, data and information available for later retrieval. • Not built on chips. Some examples are: • Hard disks Magnetic tape • Floppy disks Microflim • CD’s / DVD’s

10. Input Devices • These devices are used to enter commands and data into the computer. • Several devices are available each with its own applications, advantages and disadvantages.

11. Output Devices • These devices are used to display information that has been processed to the users. • There are two types of output devices: • Hardcopy (permanent) – it is tangible. E.g. Data printed on paper • Softcopy (temporary) – such as displays on a screen or speech from a speech synthesizer

12. Peripheral devices • These are devices that make up the computer system apart from the motherboard, its associated electronics and main memory.

13. Peripheral devices • E.g • Input Devices – keyboard, mouse, joystick, OMR (Optical Mark Reader), OCR (Optical Character Reader), MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Reader). • Storage Devices – magnetic tape drive, hard drive, floppy drive. • Output Devices – printers, VDU (Visual Display Unit), speakers.

14. References • Oxford Information Technology for CXC CSEC by Glenda Gay, Ronald Blades • CXC Information Technology by Kelvin Skeete