Elementary Computer

Programming
 Outline

• What is Computer?
• Computer Organization
– Input unit
– Output unit
– Memory unit
– Central processing unit (CPU)
– Secondary storage unit
• Computer Hardware
• Computer Software
 What is Computer ?

• A computer is an electronic device that

accepts data and information, processes it and
produces output.

Output
Input / Processing
Computation

Storage
Computer Organization
 Computer Organization

1. Input unit
2. Output unit
3. Memory unit
4. Central processing unit (CPU)
5. Secondary storage unit
 1. Input Unit

• Obtains information from input devices

– Keyboard
– Mouse
– Scanner
– Digital camera
 2. Output Unit

• Outputs information (from computer to

outside world)
– Monitor
– Printer
– Speakers etc…
 3. Memory Unit

• Also called Primary storage or memory

– Where the data and program that are currently in
operation or being accessed are stored during use.
– Relatively fast and expensive.
– Programs and data can be stored temporarily
– Volatile: All information will be lost once the
computer’s power is turned off.
4. The Central Processing Unit

• The Central Processing Unit ( CPU)

– Often referred to as the “brain” of the
computer.
– Responsible for controlling overall activities of
the computer system.
 4. The Central Processing Unit…

– The 2 major components of the CPU are:

1. Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU)
Performs arithmetic calculations (addition,
subtraction...) and logical decisions (>, <, =, ...)
2. Control Unit (CU)
Decodes each instruction and sends signal to
the other components for carrying out the
instruction.
 5. Secondary Storage

• High capacity (in terms of space)

• Permanent memory
• Usually holds data/programs that are not
actively being used by other units
• Takes longer time to access data in secondary
memory
• Cost per unit < cost per unit of primary
memory
 Computer Hardware

• Physical components of a computer system (objects

that we can actually touch)

• Various devices comprising a computer:

• Keyboard, monitor mouse, disks, memory, CD-
ROM, and processing units
 Computer software

• Software is a program or set of instructions that

causes the Hardware to function in a desired way
• Two basic types
– System software
Designed to operate the computer hardware to provide
basic functionality e.g. device drivers, operating system etc.
– Application software
e.g. accounting software, office software, graphics
software media players
 Activity

1. Categorize each of the following as either

hardware or software?
a) CPU
b) MS. Word
c) Input unit
d) Windows
 Activity

2. Which logical unit of computer performs

calculations? ________.

3. Which unit of computer makes logical

decisions? ______.

4. RAM stores data permanently (T/F)