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Introduction to computer system

Computers :
Original objective was to create a fast calculating device. Today we understand by a computer a data processing device, which is capable of performing computations and making logical decisions at a very high speed. - Data can be either numerical, non-numerical, or a mixture of both. - Therefore, a computer is often referred to as a data processor.
Data (raw data) Computer (data processing) Output information

There are broadly four functions that a computer performs: Processing data Storing data Moving data between the computer and the outside world Controlling the operation of the above

Data is processed by a computer under the control of a set of instructions, called computer programs. A computer consists of a number of devices, such as the monitor, CPU, hard disk, key board, CDs etc., referred to as hardware. The programs that run on a computer are referred to as software.

Data movement apparatus

Control mechanism

Data storage facility

Data processing facility

A functional view of computer

Main computer hardware components


Central Processing Unit Input Device Output Device

Main Memory

Secondary Storage Devices

Central Processing Unit (CPU)


Referred to as the brain of the computer. It has two parts: 1. Control Unit: Retrieves and decodes the program instructions. Coordinates the operation of all other components. 2. Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU): Performs all calculations and comparison (decisionmaking) operations.

1. 2. 3.

The main role of CPU in running a program is to cycle through: To get the next program instruction from the memory. To interpret the instruction and generate a signal. Send the signal to the appropriate component to perform an operation.

Main Memory
Main memory stores both program instructions and data. It is rapid-access; has relatively low capacity. Retains information that has been entered through the input unit, so that it is immediately available when required for processing. It also stores the processed information until it is placed on the output device. Main memory is volatile it is erased when program terminates or computer is turned off.

Secondary Storage
Secondary storage is non-volatile - data is retained when program is not running or computer is turned off. Has relatively large capacity. Operates generally at speed far slower than that of primary storage (main memory). Comes in various forms: Magnetic: hard disk, floppy disk etc. Optical: CD, DVD Flash: flash drive

Input Devices
Used to send information to the computer from outside. An input device is an electromechanical device that accepts data from outside world and translate them into a form computer can interpret. There are various types of input devices: key board, mouse, microphone, scanner, digital camera

Output Devices
Used to send information from the computer to the outside world. An output device is an electromechanical device that accepts data from a computer and translates them into a form suitable for the user. There are various types of output devices: Monitor, printer, speakers, plotters, computer output microfilm, screen image projector

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