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Basic computer Architecture_50884273_2025_04_13_20_47

The document outlines the basic components of a computer system, including the Input Unit, Central Processing Unit (CPU), and Output Unit. It details the functions and types of memory, such as Primary Memory (RAM and ROM) and Secondary Memory (magnetic, optical, and flash storage), as well as Cache and Virtual Memory. Additionally, it describes the purpose of the Output Unit in providing processed information to external devices.

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Suraj Pandey
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12 views5 pages

Basic computer Architecture_50884273_2025_04_13_20_47

The document outlines the basic components of a computer system, including the Input Unit, Central Processing Unit (CPU), and Output Unit. It details the functions and types of memory, such as Primary Memory (RAM and ROM) and Secondary Memory (magnetic, optical, and flash storage), as well as Cache and Virtual Memory. Additionally, it describes the purpose of the Output Unit in providing processed information to external devices.

Uploaded by

Suraj Pandey
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Basic Computer Architecture and Data Processing Cycle

The basic components of a computer system include:


1. Input Unit
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
3. Output Unit

1. Input Unit
• Purpose: Used to provide instructions and data to the computer using input
devices.
• Function:
o Converts instructions and data into a computer-acceptable format.
o Supplies the converted data to the computer system for further processing.
• Examples of Input Devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone, etc.

2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)


• Definition: The CPU performs most of the processing inside a computer. It is often
constructed on a single integrated circuit called a microprocessor.
• Components of CPU:
1. Control Unit (CU):
▪ Manages the computer's components.
▪ Reads and interprets (decodes) program instructions.
▪ Converts instructions into control signals to activate other parts of the computer.
2. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU):
▪ Performs arithmetic operations (e.g., addition, subtraction).
▪ Performs logical operations (e.g., AND, OR, XOR, NOT).
▪ Useful for creating complex conditional statements.
3. Memory Unit:
▪ Stores data and instructions for processing.
▪ Divided into Primary Memory and Secondary Memory.

Primary Memory
• Definition: Holds data and instructions currently being used by the computer. It is
volatile and loses data when power is switched off.
• Types:
1. RAM (Random Access Memory):
▪ Internal memory for storing data, programs, and results.
▪ Read/write memory that stores data temporarily while the machine is working.
▪ Types of RAM:
▪ Dynamic RAM (DRAM): Requires constant refreshing; economical.
▪ Static RAM (SRAM): Faster, less volatile, but more expensive; does not need
refreshing.
▪ Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM): A type of DRAM that operates at higher clock
speeds.
2. ROM (Read Only Memory):
▪ Stores data permanently; non-volatile.
▪ Used for major input/output tasks and software instructions.
▪ Types of ROM:
▪ MROM (Masked ROM): Pre-programmed, inexpensive ROM.
▪ PROM (Programmable ROM): Can be programmed once by the user.
▪ EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM): Erased using UV light; used in BIOS chips.
▪ EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM): Can be erased and
reprogrammed electrically; used in modern BIOS chips.

Secondary Memory
• Definition: Stores data long-term and is non-volatile. Data must be copied to
primary memory for processing.
• Examples:
1. Magnetic Storage:
▪ Hard Drive (HDD): Non-removable storage with magnetic disks; stores data in
concentric circles.
▪ Floppy Disk: Thin, flexible magnetic disk in a plastic carrier; used for backups and
file transfers.
2. Optical Storage:
▪ Compact Disc (CD): Portable storage medium for digital data; prone to scratches.
▪ CD-ROM: Read-only storage device.
▪ Digital Video Disc (DVD): High-capacity storage for video, sound, and data (up to
17 GB for dual-layered DVDs).
▪ Blu-ray Disc (BD-ROM): Upgraded version of CDs/DVDs; capacity of 25 GB (single
layer) or 50 GB (dual layer).
▪ Holographic Versatile Disc (HVD): Holographic storage with a maximum capacity
of 3.9 TB.
3. Flash Storage:
▪ Flash Drives: Small, portable storage devices (e.g., pen drives, thumb drives);
capacity ranges from 8 GB to 64 GB.
▪ Memory Cards: Used in cameras, phones, etc.
4. Other Storage:
▪ Zip Disks: Advanced floppy disks with capacities of 100 MB, 250 MB, and 750 MB.

Cache Memory
• Definition: High-speed semiconductor memory that acts as a buffer between the
CPU and main memory.
• Purpose: Speeds up CPU operations by storing frequently used data.

Virtual Memory
• Definition: Allows software to use additional memory by utilizing the hard disk
drive (HDD) as temporary storage.

3. Output Unit
• Purpose: Provides processed information from the computer to an external
device.
• Function:
o Presents information in a readable format (soft copy or hard copy).
• Examples of Output Devices: Monitor, Printer, Speakers, etc.
Quick Revision Table
Type of Memory Examples
Semiconductor Memory RAM, ROM
Optical Memory CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD, HVD, Blu-ray Disc
Magnetic Memory Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Floppy Disk Drive (FDD)
Flash Memory Pen drive, Memory card (EEPROM-based devices)

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