1.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Definition:

• The CPU is the brain of the computer. It executes instructions from programs, performs
calculations, and manages data flow within the system.

Components of the CPU:

• Control Unit (CU): Directs the operations of the computer by managing the flow of data
between memory and input/output devices.

• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Handles mathematical operations and logical operations.

• Registers: Small, high-speed storage locations inside the CPU used for holding data that is being
processed.

2. Control Unit (CU)

Definition:

• The Control Unit coordinates the activities of all parts of the computer system. It sends control
signals to other components to execute instructions.

Functions:

• Fetch: Retrieves instructions from memory.

• Decode: Interprets the instruction to determine which operation to perform.

• Execute: Carries out the operation (e.g., arithmetic, logic, data transfer).

• Control Signals: It generates control signals that direct the ALU, registers, and other components
to perform tasks.

Example:

The CU controls how data moves between the processor, memory, and input/output devices, ensuring
each instruction is processed correctly.

3. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Definition:

• The ALU is the part of the CPU responsible for performing arithmetic and logic operations.

Functions:

• Arithmetic Operations: Adds, subtracts, multiplies, divides numbers.

• Logical Operations: Performs comparisons, such as AND, OR, NOT, and equal checks.
 • Shifting: Performs operations like shifting bits left or right.

Example:

For a command like "add 5 and 7", the ALU will compute the result of 5 + 7.

4. Random Access Memory (RAM)

Definition:

• RAM is a temporary storage area used by the CPU to store data and instructions that are
currently in use or being processed.

Characteristics:

• Volatile: Data is lost when the computer is turned off.

• High Speed: Faster than secondary storage devices like hard drives.

• Temporary Storage: Holds programs and data that the CPU needs quick access to while
performing tasks.

Types of RAM:

• DRAM (Dynamic RAM): Slower and needs refreshing regularly.

• SRAM (Static RAM): Faster and doesn’t need refreshing.

5. Secondary Storage

Definition:

• Secondary storage refers to long-term data storage devices where data is saved permanently or
semi-permanently, unlike RAM.

Types of Secondary Storage:

• Hard Disk Drives (HDDs): Traditional storage with spinning disks. Slower than SSDs but often
larger in capacity.

• Solid-State Drives (SSDs): Faster than HDDs and use flash memory to store data, with no moving
parts.

• Optical Discs (CDs, DVDs): Used for storing media, software, and other data but are less
commonly used for general storage today.

• USB Flash Drives: Portable storage devices using flash memory, typically for transferring data.

Advantages:

• Large Capacity: Can store much more data than RAM.

6. Logic (Logic Gates and Operations)

Definition:

• Logic in computing refers to operations and circuits that control how data is processed based on
logical principles.

Logic Gates:

• AND Gate: Outputs 1 only when both inputs are 1.

• OR Gate: Outputs 1 when at least one input is 1.

• NOT Gate: Inverts the input (outputs 1 if input is 0, and 0 if input is 1).

• XOR Gate: Outputs 1 only when inputs are different (one is 0, the other is 1).

Applications:

• Logic gates form the foundation of computing, used in everything from simple circuits to
complex processors.

7. Cache Memory

Definition:

• Cache Memory is a small, high-speed storage area inside or near the CPU that stores frequently
accessed data or instructions to speed up processing.

Types of Cache:

• L1 Cache: Located closest to the CPU cores and very fast.

• L2 Cache: Slightly larger and slower than L1, but still fast compared to RAM.

• L3 Cache: Shared between CPU cores and larger, but slower than L1 and L2.

Purpose:

• Reduce Latency: Minimizes the time it takes to access frequently used data or instructions.

8. System Bus

Definition:

• The system bus is a communication pathway used to transfer data between the CPU, memory,
and other components.
Components:

• Data Bus: Carries the actual data being transferred.

• Address Bus: Carries addresses where data is to be read or written.

• Control Bus: Carries control signals that direct the operation of the system.

9. Input/Output (I/O) Devices

Definition:

• I/O devices are external hardware components used to interact with the computer, either to
input data or to display output.

Types of I/O Devices:

• Input Devices: Keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner.

• Output Devices: Monitor, printer, speakers.

Summary of Key Terms:

• CPU: The core component responsible for executing instructions.

• Control Unit (CU): Directs operations in the computer by managing data flow and executing
instructions.

• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic and logical operations.

• RAM: Temporary storage for active data and instructions.

• Secondary Storage: Long-term storage for data and files.

• Cache Memory: A fast, small memory that stores frequently accessed data.

• Logic Gates: Basic building blocks of digital circuits, implementing operations like AND, OR, and
NOT.

• System Bus: A collection of communication lines connecting various parts of the computer.

These components work together to ensure the computer functions efficiently, with the CPU
orchestrating operations, RAM storing data, and secondary storage providing long-term data retention.