Basic Computer Organisation

- Ashita Saxena
PGT CS
Kendriya Vidyalaya No 1 Madurai
INTRODUCTION

A computer is an electronic device, under the control of instructions stored in its memory
that can accept data (input) , process the data according to specified rules (Programs),
produce information (output) and store the information for future use.

Different units in a computer work together as a single unit, that is why it is called
computer system.
Data Vs. Information
DATA INFORMATION

Meaning Data is raw, unorganized facts When data is processed,

that need to be processed. Data organized, structured or
can be something simple and presented in a given context so
seemingly random and useless as to make it useful, it is called
until it is organized. information.

Example Each student's test score is one The average score of a class or
piece of data. of the entire school is information
that can be derived from the
given data.
INPUT UNIT

The input unit is responsible for taking input and converting it into computer
understandable form.

The input unit is comprised of different input devices or components.

These components help users enter data and commands into a computer system.

The main function of input devices is to direct data and commands into computers for
processing of data.
Some examples of input devices

Keyboard -
A computer keyboard is one of the
primary input devices used with a
computer. Similar to an electric
typewriter, a keyboard is composed of
buttons that create letters, numbers, and
symbols, as well as perform other
functions.
Mouse -
A computer mouse is a handheld
hardware input device that controls a
cursor in a GUI(graphical user interface)
and can move and select text, icons, files,
and folders on your computer.
Scanner -
A scanner is a device that
captures images from
photographic prints, posters,
magazine pages etc. and sends it
to computer
Webcam -
A webcam is a small digital video
camera directly or indirectly
connected to a computer or a
computer network
Microphone -
A microphone is a device that
captures audio by converting
sound waves into electrical
signals.
Bar code reader -
A bar code reader (or bar code
scanner) is an electronic device
that can read and output printed
barcodes to a computer.
OUTPUT UNIT
The output coming from the CPU is in the form of electronic signals which needs
conversion in some form which can be easily understood by human beings. This
work is done by output unit.

The output unit is formed by the output devices attached to the computer.

A device through which results stored in the computer memory are made available
outside the computer system is called output device.
Examples of output devices

Computer monitor -
A computer monitor is an output
device that displays information
in pictorial form.
Printer -
Printers are Output devices that
produces information by means of
printed characters or images on
paper.
Speaker -
A computer speaker is an output
device that connects to a
computer to generate sound.
Home Work

1. Find out some more examples of input and output devices.

2. Find some devices that can act as both input and output devices.
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The CPU or Central Processing Unit is called the brain of the computer

It is the main control centre and processing unit.

It performs the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of a computer

system.

The CPU is basically made of two sub-components -

1. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

2. Control Unit (CU)
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
The ALU is the unit responsible for managing all the math-based operations occurring in
the CPU.

It performs all the arithmetic and logical operations.

When any arithmetic or logical operation needs to be performed on some data, the data is
sent from memory to ALU, where operations take place and the result is put back into
memory.
Control Unit (CU)
The control unit (CU) is a component of a computer's central processing unit (CPU)
that directs the operation of the processor.

It tells the computer's memory, arithmetic and logic unit and input and output
devices how to respond to the instructions that have been sent to the processor.

During use, the CU takes various instruction sets from available memory in the
computer, translates them for use and then executes them.
Memory (Main Memory/Primary Memory)
Memory of the computer is the part responsible for storing data and instructions.

The Main Memory or Primary Memory is a temporary memory, i.e., it cannot remember
anything after computer is switched off.

The memory is like a predefined working place, where it temporarily keeps information
and data. Each memory location has a unique memory address.

The memory of a computer can be thought of as ‘cells’. Each cell is further broken into
smaller parts called bits.
Bits
0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0
Cell 0

Cell 1
A bit means a binary digit i.e, either 0 or 1.

A number of bits together are used to store data instructions by their combination.

A bit is an elementary unit of the memory. Eight bits together form a byte.

Four bits together form a nibble.

Every higher memory unit is equal to 210 (=
1024) of its lower unit.
Types of primary memory
The main memory s divided into :

1. Random Access Memory (RAM)

2. Read Only Memory (ROM)

1. RAM -
It is a read/write memory as it is possible to both read from and write to location within
RAM.
It is used for primary storage in computers to hold active information of data and
information.
The RAM is a volatile memory as it loses its contents when the power is switched off or
interrupted.
 2. ROM -

It is a read-only memory, i.e., the data and instructions are placed in the ROM at the time
of its manufacturing and can’t be changed thereafter.

ROM is slower than RAM and is used to hold certain essential instructions to check basic
hardware components such as procedures to load operating system.
Difference between RAM and ROM
Secondary Memory
Secondary storage devices are used to store a large amount of data permanently, which is not
possible by using the primary or main memory.

The amount of data a disk can hold is defined as Disk Capacity, which is measured in terms of
bytes, kilobytes(KB), megabytes(MB) and so on.
Some common secondary storage devices -
Hard Disk -

A hard-disk is a non-volatile, high capacity storage device ranging from 1GB to several
terabytes. It consists of solid rounded disks, packed on one another, made up of a magnetic
material and sealed inside a case.

Data is stored on the disks/platters in tracks, sectors and cylinders to keep it organised and to
make it easier to find.
Track - Each platter is divided into
concentric rings called “tracks”. There
are thousands of tracks on each platter.

Sector - Each track is divided into

segments called sectors. A sector holds
512 bytes of data.

Cylinder - A cylinder consists of a set of

tracks described by all the heads (on
separate platters) at one time. Each
cylinder is equidistant from the centre
of the disk.
Compact Disk (CD)
It is a thin optical disk, which is commonly used to store audio and video data. The capacity
of standard 120mm CD is 700MB.
Magnetic Tapes

A magnetic tape drive is a storage device that makes use of magnetic tape as a medium for
storage. In this, magnetic coatings are stored as data on a thin tape.
DVD (Digital Versatile Disk / Digital Video Disk)
DVD is an optical disc storage device. It can be recorded single side or on double side. Its
capacity may range from 4.7GB to 8.5 GB.
USB Pen Drive
It is a small, portable memory which can be plugged into a computer with USB port. Its
capacity is less than that of a hard disk but much more than a CD.
Computer Battery
There are three computer batteries types used with computers. First, is the backup
battery, which is commonly referred to as the CMOS battery that holds your computer's
settings, such as the time and date. Without a CMOS battery you would have to reset the
time, date, and other system settings each time the computer starts.

Next, the main battery in portable computers is an alternate source of energy for when the
computer is not connected to a wall outlet.

Finally, the bridge battery is only found in portable computers as a temporary backup for
the main battery. A bridge battery allows you to remove the main battery and replace it
with a good battery without having to turn off the computer.
 CMOS Battery

Main Battery
Bridge battery
Power supply in a computer
The power supply unit is the piece of hardware that's used to convert the power provided
from the outlet into usable power for the many parts inside the computer case.

It converts the alternating current (AC) into a continuous form of power called direct current
(DC) that the computer components need in order to run normally. It also regulates
overheating by controlling voltage, which might change automatically or manually depending
on the power supply.

Unlike some hardware components used with a computer that isn't necessarily needed, like a
printer, the power supply is a crucial piece because, without it, the rest of the internal
hardware can't function.

In most computers, the power supply is located at the back of the

computer.