Basic Components of Computer
First, understand what a computer is. The computer is a digital electronic device that performs complex operations, data storage, processing, and retrieving. A computer reduces human efforts to perform various tasks like complex calculations, long-distance communication, etc.
A computer comprises several components. We will discuss the three most essential components of the computer.
3 Basic Components of a Computer
A computer functions because of several components. Each computer component is essential for its proper functioning, but the three most basic components comprise the computer. These three components are,
- Central Processing Unit(CPU)
- Input Devices
- Output Devices
Here, we will discuss these components' structure, functions, and examples.
Central Processing Unit(CPU)
CPU, which stands for Central Processing Unit, is an essential computer component. It is termed as the brain of the computer. The reason is that it executes instructions, performs calculations, and manages the system's overall functioning. Today, we consider a computer to be intelligent and logical. This quality of the computer is attributed to the CPU.
The CPU is a vital component of the computer. With CPUs, the power of computers nowadays can be achieved. It performs several tasks like, processing data, performing calculations, and managing the flow of information between different components.
The CPU is composed of three units. These are the control unit, arithmetic, logical unit(ALU), and registers. The control unit is responsible for coordinating and managing the execution of instructions. ALU, the arithmetic, logical unit, performs all mathematical and logical operations. Registers serve as a temporary memory for the programs and the instructions during processing.
The CPU performs several tasks that are important for the computer. The CPU fetches programs and instructions from memory and decodes and executes them. The control unit controls the flow of the execution, registers temporarily stores instructions. The CPU also controls the timing and synchronization.
The Input Devices
Input devices are an essential part of interacting with computers. They allow us to communicate with the digital ecosystem of the computer. These devices serve as a bridge between the user and the computer. Using input devices, we enter data into the computer, navigate through the computer interface and control the overall operations. Here we will discuss some of the critical input devices.
A keyboard is a device with multiple keys, which is used to give character input and commands. Its layout is based on the typewriter. Generally, keyboards have 84 or 101/102 keys.
Mouse is a pointing device used to interact with the computer's monitor. It controls the navigation and provides cursor control and clicking functions. A mouse has two buttons, a left and right button, and a wheel between the two. A sensor is attached to the mouse, which sends a signal to the CPU as per the mouse's motion on the surface.
Joystick is a pointing device too. It controls the navigation with a spherical ball attached to the top of the device. The advantage of using a joystick is that it can be moved in all four directions. It is mainly used in Computer-Aided Design(CAD).
A light pen is also a pointing device. In looks, it is similar to a pen. It is used to draw pictures on the monitor. It operates by photocell sensors.
A Scanner is used to scan a piece of paper with information on it; the information from the paper is transferred to the computer's hard disk.
The Output Devices
“Output devices are essential components of the computer, as they are used to show the results of operations performed by the CPU and the input provided by the input devices to the users.”
Here we will discuss some of the essential output devices.
The monitor is also called the Visual Display Unit(VDU). This is the main output device of the computer. It forms visuals on the screen using tiny pixels. Monitors are of two types:
- Cathode-Ray Tube(CRT)
- Flat-Panel Display
A printer is another vital output device used to print information on paper. It simply gives you a hard copy of the information present on the hard disk of the computer. Printers are also of two types:
- Impact printers
- Non-Impact Printers
Conclusion
Every component is essential for the proper functioning of the computer. Here in this article, we have discussed three of them, which are so crucial for the computer. These were the CPU, the input devices, and the output devices.