Components of a Computer

There are basically three important components of a computer:

1. Input Unit
2. Central Processing Unit(CPU)
3. Output Unit
1. Input Unit:
The input unit consists of input devices that are attached to the
computer. These devices take input and convert it into binary
language that the computer understands. Some of the common
input devices are keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner etc.
 The Input Unit is formed by attaching one or more input
devices to a computer.
 A user input data and instructions through input devices such
as a keyboard, mouse, etc.
 The input unit is used to provide data to the processor for
further processing.
2. Central Processing Unit:
Once the information is entered into the computer by the input
device, the processor processes it. The CPU is called the brain of
the computer because it is the control centre of the computer. It
first fetches instructions from memory and then interprets them
so as to know what is to be done. If required, data is fetched from
memory or input device. Thereafter CPU executes or performs the
required computation, and then either stores the output or
displays it on the output device. The CPU has three main
components, which are responsible for different functions:
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU) and Memory
registers
A. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): The ALU, as its name suggests
performs mathematical calculations and takes logical decisions.
Arithmetic calculations include addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division. Logical decisions involve the
comparison of two data items to see which one is larger or
smaller or equal.
 Arithmetic Logical Unit is the main component of the CPU
 It is the fundamental building block of the CPU.
 Arithmetic and Logical Unit is a digital circuit that is used to
perform arithmetic and logical operations.
B. Control Unit: The Control unit coordinates and controls the data
flow in and out of the CPU, and also controls all the operations of
ALU, memory registers and also input/output units. It is also
responsible for carrying out all the instructions stored in the
program. It decodes the fetched instruction, interprets it and
sends control signals to input/output devices until the required
operation is done properly by ALU and memory.
 The Control Unit is a component of the central processing unit
of a computer that directs the operation of the processor.
 It instructs the computer’s memory, arithmetic and logic unit,
and input and output devices on how to respond to the
processor’s instructions.
 In order to execute the instructions, the components of a
computer receive signals from the control unit.
 It is also called the central nervous system or brain of the
computer.
C. Memory Registers: A register is a temporary unit of memory in
the CPU. These are used to store the data, which is directly used
by the processor. Registers can be of different sizes(16 bit, 32 bit,
64 bit and so on) and each register inside the CPU has a specific
function, like storing data, storing an instruction, storing address
of a location in memory etc. The user registers can be used by an
assembly language programmer for storing operands,
intermediate results etc. Accumulator (ACC) is the main register
in the ALU and contains one of the operands of an operation to be
performed in the ALU.
Memory attached to the CPU is used for the storage of data and
instructions, and is called internal memory The internal memory
is divided into many storage locations, each of which can store
data or instructions. Each memory location is of the same size
and has an address. With the help of the address, the computer
can read any memory location easily without having to search the
entire memory. When a program is executed, its data is copied to
the internal memory and stored in the memory till the end of the
execution. The internal memory is also called the Primary
memory or Main memory. This memory is also called RAM, i.e.,
Random Access Memory. The time of access of data is
independent of its location in memory, therefore, this memory is
also called Random Access memory (RAM).
 Memory Unit is the primary storage of the computer.
 It stores both data and instructions.
 Data and instructions are stored permanently in this unit so
that they are available whenever required.
3. Output Unit :
The output unit consists of output devices that are attached to
the computer. It converts the binary data coming from the CPU to
human understandable form. The common output devices are
monitor, printer, plotter, etc.
 The output unit displays or prints the processed data in a user-
friendly format.
 The output unit is formed by attaching the output devices of a
computer.
 The output unit accepts the information from the CPU and
displays it in a user-readable form.
Characteristics of a Computer
1. Speed: Computers can perform millions of calculations per
second. The computation speed is extremely fast.
2. Accuracy: Because computers operate on pre-programmed
software, there is no space for human error.
3. Diligence: They can perform complex and long calculations at
the same time and with the same accuracy.
4. Versatile: Computers are designed to be versatile. They can
carry out multiple operations at the same time.
5. Storage: Computers can store a large amount of data/
instructions in its memory, which can be retrieved at any point
of time.
Conclusion
Computer have been there for many years and and its use have
been spread widely. Three important component of Computer are
Input Unit, CPU and Output Unit. But there are some other
components like Memory Unit, Control unit and Arithmetic and
Logical unit. Using this all components we can easily do complex
operations.
– FAQs
What is an input unit?
An input unit is a component of a computer system that allows
users to enter data and commands into the computer.
How does an input unit work?
Input units convert user actions or data into electrical signals that
the computer can process.
What is a CPU?
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the primary component of a
computer that performs most of the processing tasks by
executing instructions from programs.
What are the main parts of a CPU?
The main parts of a CPU are the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU),
Control Unit (CU), and registers.
How does the CPU process data?
The CPU processes data through a cycle of fetching instructions
from memory, decoding them, executing the instructions, and
then storing the results.