knowing a computer

knowing a computer

1. Main Components

   • Motherboard
     • Where there are slots for the connection of all elements Status of operation of the computer
   • CPU
     • The processor, also called the CPU, or central processing unit. This is built into a single chip which executes program instructions and coordinates the activities that take place within the computer system.
       • The processor consists of three main parts:
         • The control unit examines the instructions in the user's program, interprets each instruction and causes the circuits and the rest of the components to execute the functions specified
         • The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) performs mathematical calculations (+,-,etc) and logical operations(AND,OR,NOT)
         • The register are high-speed units of memory used to store and control data. One of the registers (the program counter, or PC) keeps track of the next instruction to be performed in the main memory.
   • RAM and ROM
     • RAM (random access memory) is volatile - that is, its information is lost when the computer is turned off. The programs and data which pass through the processor must be loaded into the main memory in order to be processed.
     • ROM(read only memory) is non-volatile, containing instructions and routines for the basic operations of the CPU. The BIOS (basic input/output system) uses ROM to control communication with peripherals