ORGANIZATION OF A COMPUTER

Definition of a COMPUTER A computer is a fast and accurate data manipulating device that accept and store input data, processes them and produces output or results under the directions of a stored set of instructions or programs. The concept of architecture and making these hardware components work in a harmonized manner in order to achieve a common objective in an environment is known as COMPUTER ORGANIZATION.

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF A COMPUTER

CONTROL UNIT

INPUT

PROCESSIN G

OUTPUT

FEEDBACK

FUNCTIONING OF A COMPUTER:The data is input into the system through the input unit with the help of several input devices. It then goes to the control section, as it directs the data for further operations. Else before being fed it goes to the input storage area. If required to be stored while being processed it goes to the working storage and then to the primary storage section for storage purpose. If further needed for any more operations, it goes to the control section and then it proceeds as per directed to the other units, again required for any calculations or comparisons it goes to the arithmetic and logical unit from the control section. Then the result goes to the working storage and remains there as long as the processing continues. After that the final information or result gets into the output storage. When demanded for any information by the user, it is obtained from the output devices else from the storage section through the control section by the help of output devices.

DEVICES USED:CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU):CPU is referred to as the brain of a computer system, which converts data (input) into meaningful information (output). A CPU controls all internal and external devices, performs arithmetic and logic operations, and operates only on binary data (1s and 0s). It provides processing power according to the Mp architecture; it decides what software languages can run. A CPU is made up of thin slices of silicon wafers. The silicon wafers are baked in ovens to change their electrical properties. Major Components of CPU are:1) ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) 2) CU (Control unit) 3) Registers (Accumulator, PC, Address register, instruction register, status register) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU):ALU contains the electronic circuitry that is responsible for performing actual computing and where all the arithmetic calculations, like +, -, *, / takes place. It enables the CPU to make logical operations based on the instructions provided to it. The unit can compare numbers, letters, or special characters and can then take action based on the result of the comparison. Control Unit (CU):-

CU contains circuitry that uses electrical signals to direct the entire computer system to carry out, or execute, stored program instructions. The CU controls the I/O devices and transfer of data to and from the primary storage. Registers:Registers are special purpose, high speed temporary memory units. These are temporary storage areas for holding various types of information such as data, instructions, addresses, and the intermediate result of calculations. Number of registers and size of each register helps determine the power and speed of the CPU. Accumulator:It is a unit which holds the results of the ALU computations. Data Registers:It is the register which holds data that is transferred to and from the primary memory. It is one of the general registers. Address Registers:It is a register which indicates the location of the data tp be stored or retrieved from the primary memory.

Program Counter:It is the register which holds the primary storage address of the next instruction to be executed. Instruction Registers:It holds the instruction that is about to be executed. Status Registers:The set of information which is executed and yet to b e executed are stored as flags or signals, and that is called as status registers.

MEMORY:Memory is that part of the computer that holds data and instructions for processing. Memory stores program instructions or data for only as long as the program they pertain to is in operation. Memory is necessary for the Mp to work. There are three types of memory:RAM, ROM and Special memories RAM:- RAM allows the computer to store data for immediate manipulation and to keep track of what is currently being processed. It is the place in a computer where the operating system, application programs, and data in current use are kept so that they can be accessed quickly by the computer's processor. Types of RAM Static RAM: This RAM retains its contents as long as power remains applied to the memory chips. SRAM does not need to be 'refreshed' (pulse of current through all the memory cells) periodically. Dynamic RAM: This RAM must be continually 'refreshed' in order to maintain the data. This is done by placing the memory on a refresh circuit that rewrites the data several hundred times per second.

READ ONLY MEMORY (ROM) A computer system needs special instructions (special boot programs) during a login operation. These instructions are stored in the special chips, which enables the computer system to perform start operations and transfer the control to the operating system. This special chip is called ROM (Read Only Memory). ROM chips are also used in electronic items like washing machine and microwave oven. Types of ROM Programmable ROM (PROM): Creating a ROM chip from scratch is time-consuming and expensive. Thus, developers created a type of ROM known as Programmable Read-only Memory (PROM), which can be programmed.

Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM): An EPROM can be erased by simply exposing the device to a strong source of ultraviolet light for a certain amount of time and programmed repeatedly. Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM): This type of ROM can be erased by an electrical charge and then written to by using slightly higher-than- normal voltage. EEPROM can be erased one byte at a time, rather than erasing the entire chip. SPECIAL MEMORIES:CACHE MEMORY- Cache is a very high speed, expensive piece of memory, which is used to speed up the memory retrieval process. The most frequently used data is stored in the cache. VIRTUAL MEMORY-Imaginary addresses in the primary memory are created during the execution of the program in the memory, only when the execution is on.

I/O DEVICES
INPUT DEVICES:- An input device is an electromechanical device that allows the user to feed information into the computer for analysis, storage, and to give commands to the computer. After processing the input data, the computer provides the results with the help of output devices. For exampleKEYBOARD- A Keyboard is the most common data entry device that allows the user to enter data into a computer by simply pressing keys. MOUSE- Mouse is a small hand-held pointing device, which is rectangular-shaped with a rubber ball embedded at its lower side and buttons on the top. Usually a mouse contains two or three buttons, which can be used to input commands or information. OUTPUT DEVICES:An output device converts machine-readable information into human-readable form. For ExVDU- It is similar to a T.V Screen. The results and information on the input made are displayed on the screen. PRINTER-It is used to produce text material and ordinary graphics. The output generated by a printer can be of single color or multi-color.