Functional Components of a Computer System

Computer systems are made up of a combination of hardware and software, both are integral parts to use computer systems. Based on the functions of computer such as input, output, processing, and storage, today in this session we are going to see the main hardware components which are also called as "functional components of a digital computer". These are as follows.

• Input unit
• The central processing unit (CPU)
• Control unit
• Arithmetic unit
• Registers
• Memory unit
• Output unit

Block diagram of a computer system

1. Input Unit:

Computers need to receive data and instructions to solve any problem. The input unit links the external world or environment to the computer system. It consists of one or more input devices. The keyboard and mouse are the most commonly used input devices. Apart from this some are the different input devices which you can see in next session link is provided below this post.

2. Central Processing Unit(CPU)

Once the data and instructions are received from the input device, they are to be processed in this unit. So it can be considered the heart or brain of the computer system. It consists of three major units: 

2.1 Control Unit

Control Unit controls and coordinates the activities of all computer system units. It acts as a supervisor to the computer system. It performs the following functions:
Fetching the data and instructions from the main memory.
Interpreting these instructions.
Controlling the transfer of data and instructions to and from the main memory.
Controlling input and output devices.
The overall supervision of the computer system. 

2.2 Arithmetic and Logic Unit :

All the arithmetic and logical calculations are carried out in the ALU. An ALU consists of electronic circuitry which performs arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It also consists of logical circuitry which performs logical operations like AND, OR, and NOT. And relational operations like not equal to, = greater than, and == equal to. 

2.3 Registers:

The CPU consists of several temporary storage units, which are used to store instructions & intermediate data which may be generated during processing.

3. Memory Unit:

The data and instructions required for processing have to be stored in the memory unit before actual processing starts. Similarly, the results generated have to be preserved before it is displayed. The memory unit thus provides space to store input data, intermediate results and final output generated. eg: hard disks, pen drives, floppy disks. 

4. Output Unit :

It is used to print or display the result obtained by the execution of a program. Whenever the user wants output from the computer, the control unit sends a signal to this unit to be ready to accept processed data from memory and display it. Eg. Monitor, Printer, Speakers, etc.

You might be like these articles:

1. Definition of computer

2. Generations of modern computer

3. Storage devices of a computer

4. Input Devices of a Computer

And if you want more posts on computer basics, don't forget to click here

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