Basic Organization

of a
Computer System
Introduction
• Over the several years the size, processing speed, cost

and reliability of computers has changed.

• But, the basic structure of computer is still the same as

was given by Von Neumann in the year 1945 has not

changed.
• According to Von Neumann architecture of computer

every digital computer with these components:

1. Input Unit

2. Output Unit

3. Storage Unit

4. Arithmetic Logic Unit

5. Control Unit
Input Unit...
• The input unit is responsible for taking in all the data that

is sent to the computer.

• It includes devices like the mouse, keyboard, and

scanner.

• These devices help users interact with the computer.

• The input unit collects the raw data that needs to be

processed.

• The computer receives this data in binary form (numbers

made of 0s and 1s).

• After the data is received, the computer processes it to

produce the needed result or output.

The major functions of the Input Unit are-

• The Input Unit takes the data to be processed by the

user.

• The data is then converted into machine-readable form.

• The Input Unit then transmits the converted data into the

main memory of the computer

Central Processing Unit (CPU)...
• The Central Processing Unit or CPU is known as the

brain of the computer.

• Just like the human brain controls all human activities,

the CPU also takes care of all the tasks.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)...
• The CPU is responsible for performing all the arithmetic

and logical operations within the computer.

• All the major calculations, operations, and comparisons

are performed inside the CPU.

CPU Operations
• Fetch: The processor usually gets instructions
from RAM.
• Decode: A decoder translates an instruction into signals
that the computer's other parts can use.
• Execute: Each component receives the now-decoded
instructions.
• Store: After the execute step the instructions are ready
to store in the memory.
Main functions of a CPU are-
• All the components of a computer system, software, and

data processing are controlled by the CPU.

• The Input devices provide data to the CPU which is then

executed and then the CPU sends the output to the

Output devices.

• All the operations including the arithmetical and logical

are processed by the CPU.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)...
• The Arithmetic Logic Unit is comprised of two terms.

1. Arithmetic Unit

2. Logic Unit
Arithmetic Unit
• Data is entered into the primary memory via the input

unit.

• Then, the ALU carries out essential arithmetic operations

on this data, including addition, subtraction,

multiplication, and division.

• After performing all sorts of calculations required on the

data, it sends back data to the storage.

Logic Unit
• The ALU also performs logical operations such as AND,

OR, Equal to, Less than, etc.

• In addition, it also handles tasks like merging, sorting,

and selecting the given data.

Control Unit (CU)...
• As the name suggests, the Control Unit (CU) is the

controller of all the activities, tasks, and operations.

• All these operations are performed inside the computer.

• The memory unit sends a set of instructions to the

control unit which is then converted by the CU.

• These instructions are then converted to control signals.

Control Unit (CU)...
• The purpose of these control signals is to help in

prioritizing and scheduling activities.

• So, the control unit ensures that all tasks inside the

computer work together smoothly, coordinating with the

input and output units.

Memory Unit...
• The Memory Unit stores all the data that has to be

processed or has been processed.

• The memory unit serves as a central hub for all the data.

• This data is then transmitted to the required part of the

computer whenever necessary.

• This unit works in sync with the Central Processing Unit

to help in faster accessing and processing of the data.

Computer Memory is of two types-

1. Primary memory

2. Secondary memory
Primary memory
• The primary memory cannot store a vast amount of data.

• Hence, it is only used to store recent data which is

temporary. Once the power is switched off, the data

stored can be erased.

• Hence it is also called temporary memory or main

memory.
Primary memory
• An example of primary memory is Random Access

Memory (RAM).

• This memory is directly accessible by the CPU and is

used for reading and writing purposes.

• The data has to be first transferred to the RAM and then

to the CPU for processing.

Secondary memory
• Since the primary memory stores temporary data it

cannot be accessed in the future.

• So, for permanent storage purposes, secondary memory

is used.
Secondary memory
• It is also known as permanent memory or auxiliary

memory.

• An example of secondary memory is the hard disk.

• The data does not get erased easily even in case of a

power failure.
Output Unit...
• Once the information sent to the computer is processed,

the user receives the results through the output unit.

• Examples of output units are devices such as printers,

monitors, projectors, etc.

Output Unit...
• The output unit presents the data either as a soft copy

(on the screen) or as a hard copy (on paper).

• The printer is for the hard copy and the monitor is for the

display.

• The output unit receives data in binary form from the

computer and converts it into a readable format for the

user.
PROCESSOR
What is..
• A processor, also known as a central processing unit

(CPU), is a computer's primary component that acts as

its "brain".

• It's a complex set of electronic circuitry that executes

instructions, performs calculations, and controls the

hardware and software of a computer

Processor speed
• Processor speed, also known as clock speed or CPU

speed, is a measure of how many cycles a CPU can

execute per second.

• It's typically measured in gigahertz (GHz).

• For example, a CPU with a clock speed of 3.0 GHz can

process 3 billion cycles per second.

Frequency