Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
CS208
Major Components of a
Computer System
Processor (CPU)
Runs program instructions
Main Memory
Storage for running programs and current data
Secondary Storage
Long-term program & data storage (hard disk, CD, etc)
Input Devices
Communication from the user to the computer(e.g.
keyboard, mouse)
Output Devices
Communication from the computer to the user (e.g.
monitor, printer, speakers)
Parts of a PC
System Unit - the metal box that houses the
processor, main memory, and secondary
storage devices.
Input and output devices - attached to the
system unit via a device controller.
The terms "input" and "output" tell you if
data flow is into or out of the system unit.
Abbreviated to “I/O”
Computer Systems
System Unit
Output device
Output device
Output device
Input device
Input device
The Processor
The processor is the "brain" of the computer system.
Main processor is called the Central Processing Unit (CPU).
A particular computer will have a particular type of
processor, such as a Pentium or a SPARC chip.
Co-processors assist the CPU with some of the processing
functions. Examples:
Math co-processors handle heavy duty math processing
Graphics coprocessors speed up the display of graphics
onto the monitor
Component Interaction
The CPU controls all of the other resources within the system,
in order to accomplish a task.
The CPU
Performs calculations
Arithmetic / Logic Unit
and decisions
Coordinates
Control Unit processing steps
Small, fast
Registers storage areas for
instructions and
data
Registers
Registers are small, fast memory within the CPU
Applications
e.g. Word, Netscape, etc
Operating System –
- the user interface
Software that
controls the
hardware devices
How Programs Are Run
The operating system presents an interface to the user
(e.g. Windows Desktop)
The user double clicks on an icon to run a program (e.g.
Microsoft Word)
The operating system copies the program (or at least the first part
of it) from the hard disk into main memory
The CPU runs the instructions in the program, and presents the
initial Word screen
Within Word, the user uses the menu to open a document
The application software (Word) asks the Operating System to
open the file.
The Operating System communicates with the hardware to open
the file on the hard disk.