Chapter 3

Computer Hard ware

Mathematics Department 1
 A computer performs basically five
major operations :
1. it accepts data or instructions by any way of
input,
2. it stores data,
3. it can process data as required by the user,
4. it gives results in the form of output, and
5. it controls all operations inside a computer

Mathematics Department 2
• Refers to the physical components
• Not one device but a system of many
devices
• Major types of components include:
– Central Processing Unit
– Main memory
– Secondary storage devices
– Input devices
– Output devices

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1- 3
 Central
Processing
Unit
Input Output
Device Device
Main
Memory

Secondary
Storage

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1- 4
• Fetches instructions from main memory
• Carries out the operations commanded by
the instructions
• Each instruction produces some outcome
• A program is an entire sequence of
instructions
• Instructions are stored as binary numbers
• Binary number - a sequence of 1’s and 0’s

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1- 5
 Commonly known as random access
memory, or just RAM
 Holds instructions and data needed for
programs that are currently running
 RAM is usually a volatile type of memory
 Contents of RAM are lost when power is
turned off

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 A nonvolatile storage medium
 Contents retained while power is off
 Hard disk drives are most common
› Records data magnetically on a circular disk
› Provides fast access to large amounts of data
 Optical devices store data on CD’s as pits
 USB flash memory devices
› High capacity device plugs into USB port
› Portable, reliable, and fits easily in a pocket

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 Any type of device that provides data to
a computer from the outside world
 For example:
› Keyboard
› Mouse
› Scanner

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• Any type of device that provides data
from a computer to the outside world
• Examples of output data:
– A printed report
– An image such as a picture
– A sound
• Common output devices include:
– Monitor (display screen)
– Printer
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1- 9
 Two typical components of a CPU are:
 The arithmetic logic unit (ALU), which performs
arithmetic and logical operations.
 The control unit (CU), which extracts
instructions from memory and decodes and
executes them, calling on the ALU when
necessary.

Mathematics Department 10
 The actual processing of the data and
instruction are performed by Arithmetic
Logical Unit
 The major operations performed by the
ALU are addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division, logic and
comparison.
 Data is transferred to ALU from storage
unit when required

Mathematics Department 11
 The Control Unit acts like the supervisor
 It extracts instructions from memory and decodes and
executes them, and sends the necessary signals to the
ALU to perform the operation needed.
 The control unit determines the sequence in which
computer programs and instructions are executed.
 Processing of programs stored in the main memory,
interpretation of the instructions and issuing of
signals for other units of the computer to execute
them.
Mathematics Department 12
 There are two kinds of computer memory: primary and
secondary.
 Primary memory is accessible directly by the
processing unit.
 RAM (Random access memory) is an example of
primary memory
 As soon as the computer is switched off the contents of
RAM is lost.
 You can store and retrieve data much faster with
primary memory compared to secondary memory
Mathematics Department 13
 Secondary memory such as floppy
disks ,hard magnetic disk, etc., is
located inside and outside the
computer.
 Primary memory is more expensive
than secondary memory.
 The size of primary memory is less
than that of secondary memory.
 Primary memory is faster than
secondary memory.

Mathematics Department 14
 There is another memory in computer, which is
called Read Only Memory (ROM).
 The storage of program and data in the ROM is
permanent.
 The ROM stores some standard processing
programs supplied by the manufacturers to operate
the computer.
 The ROM can only be read by the CPU but it cannot
be changed.

Mathematics Department 15
 PROM is another type of primary memory in
computer, which is called Programmable Read Only
Memory (PROM).
 You know that it is not possible to modify or erase
programs stored in ROM, but it is possible for you
to store your program in PROM chip. Once the
programmes are written it cannot be changed and
remain intact even if power is switched off.
 Programs or instructions written in PROM or ROM
cannot be erased or changed.

Mathematics Department 16
 EPROM: Erasable Programmable Read Only
Memory, which over come the problem of PROM
& ROM.

 EPROM chip can be programmed time and again

by erasing the information stored earlier in it.

 When the EPROM is in use information can only

be read.

Mathematics Department 17