Section 1: FUNDAMENTALS OF HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

Objective 2: Physical Components (Hardware) of Computer System

Input Devices
These devices are used to get data in
the computer for processing. Eg.
Mouse, keyboard, scanner and
joystick.
Output Devices
These devices are used to get
processing data (information) from
the computer. Eg. Printer, mouse
and speakers.

Hardware This is the name given to

the physical parts of a computer.
There are 5 general categories.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU is the brain of the
computer and it controls how the
rest of the computer operates. The
components of the CPU are:
Control Unit (CU)
The CU carries out instructions in
the software and directs the flow of
data through the computer.
Its functions include:
1. It controls the fetching of
instruction from memory.
2. Decodes the instructions
3. Executes the decoded
instructions
4. Controls the input and output
devices
5. Controls the passing of data to
the ALU

Memory
This enables a computer to
temporarily store instructions and
data. Eg. RAM, ROM
Storage
These allow the storage of
information for permanent and
future use. Eg. Floppy disk, hard
disk, magnetic tape.
Peripheral Devices
These are located outside the
system unit but are controlled by
the cpu. That is, they can be added
to a computer system. Input, Output
and Storage devices may be
peripheral devices.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

The ALU performs calculations and
performs logic operations. Typical
operations include (+, , /, *, OR,
NOT, AND) and comparisons such as
(=,<,<=,>,>,=,
Memory

Data
Input

Central Processing Unit

Control Unit
Arithmetic Logic
Unit

Storage

Information
Output