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Computer System (Paragraph)

The computer system consists of four main functional units - the input unit, storage unit, processing unit, and output unit. The central processing unit (CPU) processes data and instructions from the storage unit by performing arithmetic and logical operations. Computer memory is classified as primary and secondary. Primary memory (RAM) is volatile and used for temporary storage, while secondary memory (hard disks, CDs, DVDs, etc.) provides permanent storage of programs and data.

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84 views

Computer System (Paragraph)

The computer system consists of four main functional units - the input unit, storage unit, processing unit, and output unit. The central processing unit (CPU) processes data and instructions from the storage unit by performing arithmetic and logical operations. Computer memory is classified as primary and secondary. Primary memory (RAM) is volatile and used for temporary storage, while secondary memory (hard disks, CDs, DVDs, etc.) provides permanent storage of programs and data.

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Mark Or Oak Tree The I Am Guest The Best
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The computer, its parts and the computer system

Read the following facts and paragraph.


Functional Units:

• Input Unit: This unit is used for entering data and programs into the
computer system by the user for processing.

• Storage Unit: The storage unit is used for storing data and instructions before
and after processing.
• Output Unit: The output unit is used for storing the result as output produced
by the computer after processing.
• Processing: The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical
operations is called processing. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data
and instructions from the storage unit and makes all sorts of calculations
based on the instructions given and the type of data provided. It is then sent
back to the storage unit. CPU includes Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and control
unit (CU)
a. Arithmetic Logic Unit: All calculations and comparisons, based on the
instructions provided, are carried out within the ALU. It performs
arithmetic functions like addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
and also logical operations like greater than, less than and equal to etc.
b. Control Unit: Controlling of all operations like input, processing and
output are performed by control unit. It takes care of step-by-step
processing of all operations inside the computer.
Memory
Computer’s memory can be classified into two types; primary memory(main memory)
and secondary memory
a. Primary Memory can be further classified as RAM and ROM.
• RAM or Random Access Memory is the unit in a computer system. It is the
place in a computer where the operating system, application programs and the
data in current use are kept temporarily so that they can be accessed by the
computer’s processor. It is said to be ‘volatile’ since its contents are accessible
only as long as the computer is on. The contents of RAM are no more available
once the computer is turned off.
• ROM or Read Only Memory is a special type of memory which can only be read
and contents of which are not lost even when the computer is switched off. It
typically contains manufacturer’s instructions. Among other things, ROM also
stores an initial program called the ‘bootstrap loader’ whose function is to start
the operation of computer system once the power is turned on.
b. Secondary Memory
RAM is volatile memory having a limited storage capacity. Secondary/auxiliary
memory is storage other than the RAM. These include devices that are peripheral and
are connected and controlled by the computer to enable permanent storage of
programs and data.
Secondary storage devices are of two types; magnetic and optical. Magnetic devices
include hard disks and optical storage devices are CDs, DVDs, Pen drive, Zip drive
etc.
• Hard disk - Hard disks are made up of rigid material and are usually a stack
of metal disks sealed in a box. The hard disk and the hard disk drive exist
together as a unit and is a permanent part of the computer where data and
programs are saved. These disks have storage capacities ranging from 1GB to
80 GB and more. Hard disks are rewritable.
• Compact Disk - Compact Disk (CD) is portable disk having data storage
capacity between 650-700 MB. It can hold large amount of information such as
music, full-motion videos, and text etc. CDs can be either read only or read
write type.
• Digital Video Disk - Digital Video Disk (DVD) is similar to a CD but has larger
storage capacity and enormous clarity. Depending upon the disk type it can
store several Gigabytes of data. DVDs are primarily used to store music or
movies and can be played back on your television or the computer too. These
are not rewritable.

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