CABAJAR, Rachel A.

Assignment # 1
IT 34 / BSIT II-B 29June’09
Engr. Gilbert Soriano
COMPUTER ORGANIZATION

Regardless of differences in physical appearance, virtually every computer may be

envisioned as being divided into six logical units or sections. These are:
1. Input Unit – the “receiving” section of the computer. It obtains information (data and
computer programs) from various input devices and places this information at the
disposal of the other units so that the information may be processed.
2. Output Unit – the “shipping” section of the computer. It takes information that has
been processed by the computer and places it on various output devices to make the
information available for use outside the computer.
3. Memory Unit – this is the rapid access, relatively low-capacity “warehouse” section of
the computer. It retains information that has been entered through the input unit so
that the information may be made immediately available for processing when it is
needed.
4. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) – the “manufacturing” section of the computer. It is
responsible for performing calculations. It contains the decision mechanisms that allow
the computer, for example, to compare two items from the memory unit to determine
whether or not they are equal.
5. Central Processing Unit (CPU) – the “administrative” section of the computer. It is
computer’s coordinator and is responsible for supervising the operation of the other
sections.
6. Secondary Storage Unit – this is the long-term, high-capacity “warehousing” section of
the computer. Program or data not actively being used by other units are normally
placed on secondary storage devices (such as disks) until they are again needed, possibly
hours, days, months, or even years later.

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