Computer and its components

The term computer is derived from the word “COMPUTE”. The word compute means “to calculate”. A computer is an electronic machine that accepts data from the user, processes the data by performing calculations and operations on it, and generates the desired output results.

PARTS OF COMPUTER

Computer comprises of LCD Monitor, CPU (Central processing unit), Mouse , keyboard, UPS (Uninterruptible power supply).

WHAT IS COMPUTER

Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and processes these data under the control of set of instructions ( called program) and gives the result (output) and saves the output for future use.

Primarily computer is divided in tow parts –

1. Hardware
2. Software

BLOCK DIAGRAM OF COMPUTER

 

What is Input Device

An input device is a hardware or peripheral device used to send data to a computer.

What is output device?

An output device is any hardware or peripheral device that receives data from a computer.

What is Memory?

Memory is a device that is used to store data or programs.

What is Control Unit?

The control unit fetches one or more instructions from memory, decodes them and dispatches them to the appropriate functional units to be executed.

Functions of Control Unit

1. The control unit directs the entire computer system to carry out stored program instructions.
2. The control unit must communicate with both the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and main memory.
3. The control unit instructs the arithmetic logic unit that which arithmetic or logical operation is to be performed.
4. The control unit coordinates the activities of the other two units as well as all peripherals and auxiliary storage devices linked to the computer.
5. Control unit never stores or processes the data.
6. It reads the instructions from memory and decodes it. This is the main function of control unit.

Subsections/Subparts of Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Arithmetic Logic unit has two subsections-

1. ARITHMETIC SECTION – This section is responsible for performing arithmetic/mathematical tasks such as Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division etc.
2. LOGIC SECTION – This section is responsible for tasks such as comparison, selecting, matching and merging etc.

Features of Computer

1. SPEED – Computer can perform lots of calculations in a second. At present, computer can perform calculations in nano seconds (10^-9). The clock speed of computer is calculated in Megahertz(MHz) or Gigahertz(GHz).
2. ACCURACY – Computer can solve a complex task with accuracy within seconds.
3. STORAGE CAPACITY – Lots of information can be stored in computer which can be used in future.
4. VERSATILE – Computer can be used to perform different types of tasks. In modern computers, multiple tasks can be performed at a single time.
5. SECRECY – We can maintain secrecy of data by using passwords in computer.
6. DILIGENCE- Computer can perform huge chunk of tasks without stopping or getting tired like humans.
7. AUTOMATIC – Once any program is uploaded, computer keep performing tasks on its own.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

1. What is the full form of LCD?