Hardware Components

The terms input and output say if data flow into or out of the computer. The picture shows the major hardware components of a computer system. The arrows show the direction of data flow.

Processor

Processor is the hardware within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetical logical and input/output operations of the system.


Memory

In computing, memory refers to the physical devices used to store programs sequences of intrusion or data e.g. program state information on a temporary or permanent basis for use in a computer or other digital electronic device the term primary memory is used for the information in physical systems which function at high speed.



Random Access Memory

Ram is needed so you could have multiple windows open and so that you can switch between them, but if you have a lot of windows, documents and different applications running your computer will slow down because you’re RAM is full. Most computers are sold with 1-4 GB of Ram Installed on the computer.

 

Read Only Memory

ROM is a type of memory that retains its data even without power, so even when the computer is switched off it will not lose the data which is saved on it. This kind of memory is needed because the computer must be able to obtain instructions from the moment it is switched on. Because the data is ‘read only’ it can be read but not changed by the user.

CPU

The purpose of the CPU is to process data. It is where all the searching, sorting, calculating and decision making takes place in the computer. The CPU will issue instructions to other devices depending on the results of the processing. Whatever you are going to do on your computer it will be processed by the CPU even if your only looking at your own photos or checking your email CPU is included in all of them.

ALU

ALU is Arithmetic Logic Unit this is where the computer processes data either by manipulating it or acting upon it. It consists to parts. Arithmetic part does what you think it should do for example doing calculations 5+5=10. Logic part is when it works out the value of one is greater, less than or equal to another.