Working of Basic Computer

Hardware :

 PROCESSOR
A processor is an integrated electronic circuit that performs the
calculations that run a computer. A processor performs arithmetical,
logical, input/output and other basic instructions that are passed
from an operating system . Most other processes are dependent on
the operations of a processor.

The terms processor, central processing unit and microprocessor

are commonly linked as synonyms. Most people use the word
“processor” interchangeably with the term “CPU” nowadays, it is
technically not correct since the CPU is just one of the processors
inside a personal computer.

Processor is called CPU “Central Processing Unit” .

Processor is the main component of the computer that performs
arithmetic and logical operations. Arithmetic operations include
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division while logical
operations include comparison of different values and decision
making.
Processor performs the four main operations Fetch, Decode, Execute
and Store.

Memory
Memory is the most essential element of a computing system because
without it computer can’t perform simple tasks. Computer memory is
of two basic types i.e RAM and ROM. Random Access Memory
(RAM) is primary-volatile memory and Read Only Memory (ROM)
is primary-non-volatile memory. In computing memory refers to the
physical devices used to store programs (sequence of instructions) or
data on temporary or permanent basis for use in a computer or other
digital/computing device. Memory that communicates with the CPU
is called Primary Memory. A computer memory is physical device
that stores the information temporarily like RAM or permanent like
ROM.

 RAM
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is usually known as
READ/WRITE memory. It is used in computers for the storage active
programs and data. The contents of RAM change as the computer
executes a program. RAM plays a very important role in processing
speed of the computer. Large RAM capacity provides large amount of
information to computer for processing and also increases the
processing and hence increases the processing speed. The major
disadvantage of RAM is that it is a volatile and will lose all stored
information if power is turned off.

ROM
ROM stands for Read Only Memory. The process of entering data in
ROM is called Programming the ROM. Some ROMs cannot have
their data changed once they have been programmed; Others can be
erased and reprogrammed as often as required by the manufactures.
ROM are used to store programs that are frequently required and are
not to change during operations of computer. All ROMs are non-
volatile because programs stored in them are not lost when the
computer is turned off.

 Input/output
Input Devices
The input devices are used to communicate with the computer. They
consist of devices that accept data and convert it into machine
relatable form. These devices are often referred as peripherals because
they are physically separated from system unit.

 Keyboard:
Keyboard is the primary input device for the input of data
to computer, it operates by converting electronic signals in
digital form. Keyboard has the standard character keys
together with the numeric keys and specials keys.

 Mouse:
Mouse is a hand held pointing input device that detects
multidimensional motion relative to surface. This motion
is typically translated into motion of a pointer on a display
 screen, which allows a smooth control of the objects on the
screen. Old mouse uses the rolling ball on the surface to
detect the motion but latest mouse uses the reflection of
light to detect the motion of mouse, mouse has 2 buttons
and one scroll wheel used to scroll down pages. Mouse is
the important part of the computer system to run and use
windows and other applications software.

 Microphone:
Microphone is used to convert the spoken words into
a digital signals for the computer input. It converts
audio signals to electrical waves and these are
converted by electronic circuit in the computer to
digital form.

 Scanners:
Scanner is the input device that scans the printed or
handwritten text and images and stores them in computer
in digital form. Scanners are mostly used to get drawings,
diagrams, photographs into computer system for the
making of documents, books.
  Digital Camera:
It is a camera that captures pictures and stores them
in digital form. Pictures taken by the digital camera
can be downloaded to a computer for viewing and
editing. Digital cameras have LCD for viewing
images.

Output Devices
Output devices consist of computer components such as monitor,
printer, speaker and plotter that transfers information from computer
memory to outside world. They display or print text, graphics or
pictures. There are two types of output Softcopy and hardcopy,
Softcopy is displayed on monitor screen whereas, Hardcopy is in
printed form on paper from printer.
 Monitors:
A monitor sometimes called a VDU (Visual Display Unit),
it is an electronic output device for computers. It displays
the results of the user activities. The output proceed by the
monitor is called the softcopy output. There are different
types of monitors:
1. Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) monitors

2. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitors

3. Light Emitting Diodes (LED) monitors

 Printers:
A Printer is an external device that takes the electronic
data from computer and print it on paper. Printers are used
to produce hardcopy of output. Old Printers are connected
to computers through Parallel port, but latest printers are
connected to computer through USB port.
Types of printers:
1. Impact Printers:
Impact printers are those printers which like
typewriters. Impact printers use electromechanical,
mechanism, which causes the character to strike the
paper to leave the text or image on it. Impact printers
are outdated nowadays.

2. Non-Impact printers:
Non-Impact printers produce the image or text
without staking the paper. The printing quality and
the speed of nonimpact printer are faster than the
impact printers. These printers produce very little
noise while printing.
Commonly used non-impact printers are Inkjet and
Laser printers. Inkjet printers form images by spraying
small drops of ink on the paper. Inkjet printers are
 cheap, quiet and can print multicolor printing. Laser
printer are more fast then inkjet printers they can print
entire page at a time the print quality of laser printer is
high then inkjet printers. Impact printers are latest and
used nowadays.

 Speakers:
Speakers are audio output devices that are attached to the
sound card on the motherboard. Speakers produce
softcopy output in the form of voice only. Speakers are
available in different shapes and sizes.

 Projectors:
Projector is an output device that takes data from computer and
reproduce them projecting on the screen, wall. Projector can
produce images and as well as videos. Projector is often used in
universities for educational purpose and also used in cinemas.
 Storage
Magnetic Storage
One of the most widely used types of digital data storage is magnetic
memory/storage. This refers to any type of data storage using a
magnetized medium. Magnetic tapes and disks are examples or
magnetic memory devices. A thin layer of magnetic material is
coated on the surface of magnetic tape and magnetic disks. Binary
information is stored in the form of tiny Magnetized and Non-
Magnetized spots on the surface of magnetic tape or disk. A
magnetized spot represents a binary ‘1’ and non-magnetized spot
represent binary ‘0’. A read and write head moves very close to the
magnetic surface. The head is able to detect and modify the
magnetization of the material. Magnetic storage is widely used
because it is relatively cheapo in comparison with other storage
technologies. The storage capacity is also very large, making it
attractive for storing very large amounts of data.
Types of magnetic memory devices:
 Hard Disk
  Floppy Disk
 Magnetic tape

Optical Storage
In optical storage technology a laser beam is used to read or write the
data on the optical disk in the form of tiny Pits and Lands arranged in
concentric tracks on the disk surface. Low power laser scanner is used
to read data and information from these pits and lands, and convert it
into a digital form. Optical storage provides cheaper and greater
memory capacity than magnetic storage, the size of optical storage is
12cm (4.72 inch).
Types of Optical storage devices:
 CD
 DVD
 Blu Ray Disk