A computer basically performs five major operations or functions irrespective of
their size and make. These are 1) it accepts data or instructions by way of
input, 2) it stores data, 3) it can process data as required by the user, 4) it
gives results in the form of output, and 5) it controls all operations inside a
computer.
1.
Input:
This is the process
of entering data and programs in to the computer system. You should know that
computer is an electronic machine like any other machine which takes as inputs
raw data and performs some processing giving out processed data. Therefore, the
input unit takes data from us to the computer in an organized manner for
processing.
2.
Storage:
The process of saving data and instructions is known as storage. Data has to be fed into the system before the actual processing starts. It is because the processing speed of Central Processing Unit (CPU) is so fast that the data has to be provided to CPU with the same speed.
The process of saving data and instructions is known as storage. Data has to be fed into the system before the actual processing starts. It is because the processing speed of Central Processing Unit (CPU) is so fast that the data has to be provided to CPU with the same speed.
All data and
instructions are stored here before and after processing.
Intermediate results
of processing are also stored here.
3.
Processing:
The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical operations is called processing. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data and instructions from the storage unit and makes all sorts of calculations based on the instructions given and the type of data provided. It is then sent back to the storage unit.
The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical operations is called processing. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data and instructions from the storage unit and makes all sorts of calculations based on the instructions given and the type of data provided. It is then sent back to the storage unit.
4.
Output:
This is the process of producing results from the data for getting useful information. Similarly the output produced by the computer after processing must also be kept somewhere inside the computer before being given to you in human readable form. Again the output is also stored inside the computer for further processing.
This is the process of producing results from the data for getting useful information. Similarly the output produced by the computer after processing must also be kept somewhere inside the computer before being given to you in human readable form. Again the output is also stored inside the computer for further processing.
5.
Control:
The manner how instructions are executed and the above operations are performed. Controlling of all operations like input, processing and output are performed by control unit. It takes care of step by step processing of all operations in side the computer.
The manner how instructions are executed and the above operations are performed. Controlling of all operations like input, processing and output are performed by control unit. It takes care of step by step processing of all operations in side the computer.
Central
Processing Unit (CPU)
The ALU and the CU of
a computer system are jointly known as the central processing unit. You may
call CPU as the brain of any computer system. It is just like brain that takes
all major decisions, makes all sorts of calculations and directs different
parts of the computer functions by activating and controlling the operations.