the central processing unit- the CPU

the central processing unit- the CPU

1. ram-Stores data while powered

2. cpu-proccesses data

3. fetch-decode-execute cycle

   • fetch- the instruction is moved to the cpu
     • decode-the instruction is understood by the cpu
       • execute- the instruction is carried out by the cpu

4. motherboard-Connects all components

5. power supply-Supplies power to the components

6. fan-Cools the components that may get hot

   • floppy drive- Reads and writes information from floppy disks
     • hard drive- Reads and writes data onto metal platters
       • The ALU (arithmetic logic unit)- performs calculations and makes logical decisions.

7. optical drive- Reads and writes data stored on compact discs

8. RAM-stands for random access memory.

   • the differences
     • ROM is permanent storage while RAM is a form of temporary storage
     • ROM is non-volatile memory while RAM is volatile memory
     • ROM can hold data without electricity while RAM needs electricity to hold data
     • hard disk drive
     • the difference between ROM and the hard disk drive is that ROM is read only memory. the hard disk drive however, is read and write memory.
     • the difference between RAM and the hard disk drive is that RAM is a temporary storage while the hard disk drive is a permanent storage.
   • RAM is a volatile memory as it only stores data when powered.

9. ROM- stands for read only memory