Any system is defined as a group of integrated parts which are designed to achieve a common objective. Thus, a system is made up of more than one element or part, where each element performs a specific function and where all the elements (parts) are logically related and are controlled in such a way that the goal (purpose) of the system is achieved.
A computer is made up of a number of integrated elements like
- The central processing unit,
- The input and output devices and
- The storage devices.
Each of these units performs a specific task. However, none of them can function independently on their own. They are logically related and controlled to achieve a specific goal. When they are thus integrated they form a fully fledged computer system
COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
A computer device is made up of various elements which help in its effective functioning and processing. There are five basic components of the computer which help in making this processing of data easier and convenient.
By definition, components of a computer system are the primary elements which make the functioning of an electronic device smooth and faster. There are five basic components which include:
- Input Unit
- Output Unit
- Memory Unit
- Control Unit
- Arithmetical and Logical Unit
Input Unit
A computer will only respond when a command is given to the device. These commands can be given using the input unit or the input devices.
For example: Using a keyboard we can type things on a Notepad and the computer processes the entered data and then displays the output of the same of the screen.
The data entered can be in the form of numbers, alphabet, images, etc. We enter the information using an input device, the processing units convert it into computer understandable languages and then the final output is received by a human-understandable language.
Thus the functions of the input unit are :
- accept information (data) and programs.
- Convert the data in a form which the computer can accept.
- Provide this converted data to the computer for further processing
Output Unit
When we command a computer to perform a task, it reverts for the action performed and gives us a result. This result is called output. There are various output devices connected to the computer. The most basic of which is a monitor. Whatever we write using a keyboard or click using a mouse, is all displayed on the monitor.
Thus, the output unit gives us the final result once the entire processing is done within the mechanism of a device.
For example: when we visit an ATM, we enter our details like language, pin, amount to be withdrawn, etc. and then the final money which the cash dispenser releases is our outcome. In this case, the cash dispenser acts as an output unit.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The Central Processing Unit is the core of any computer devices. It comprises three major components of the computer which have been discussed above:
- Memory Unit
- Control Unit
- Arithmetic and Logical Unit
Memory Unit
When we enter the data into the computer using an input device, the entered information immediately gets saved in the memory unit of the Central Processing Unit (CPU). Because of the presence of some existing programming, the Memory Unit transmits the data further to the other parts of the CPU.
Similarly, when the output of our command is processed by the computer, it is saved in the memory unit before giving the output to the user.
Control Unit
This is the core unit which manages the entire functioning of the computer device. It is one of the most essential components of the computer system.
The Control Unit collects the data entered using the input unit, leads it on for processing and once that is done, receives the output and presents it to the user. It can be said to the centre of all processing actions taking place inside a computer device.
Basically, the instructions taken, interpretation of entered data, issuing signals to execute the data and then finally retrieving the data is all done in the Control Unit.
Arithmetic & Logical Unit
As the name suggests, all the mathematical calculations or arithmetic operations are performed in the Arithmetic and Logical Unit of the CPU.
It can also perform actions like a comparison of data and decision-making actions. The ALU comprises circuits using which addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and other numerical based calculations can be performed