THE COMPONENTS OF THE

CPU
1. The control unit- suprvises or
monitors the activities performed by
the entire computer system. It decodes
and intrerprets the instructions and
releases out signals that act as
commands for circuits to execute the
instruction.
2. The arithmetic logic unit- performs
arithmetical and logical operations. It is
where data is manipulated.
3. The primary storage, also called memory
or main storage, holds the instructions and
data before processing starts.
The primary Storage or Memory
The computer storage is compared to a
collection of P.O boxes. Each P.O box has its
own address and holds only one item. To direct
processing operations, the control unit of the
CPU must locate each instruction and data
items in storage. So, the primary storage is
organized as a series of locations or cells.
Each cell is assigned an address. With
specific addresses, data and instructions can
be located easily and picked up by the control
unit.
Another feature of the computer's memory is the
read-only memory or ROM. Unlike the RAM,
contents of the ROM cannot be altered or erased
even when the power is turned off because operating
systems are written permanently into the ROM by
those who designed and built the computer.
Input Devices
Data and instructions can be fed into the compter
via a keyboard-like device. When a number is typed,
the CPU does not work on it after an important key is
pressed. This key is labeled “Enter” or “execute” and
has a bent arrow on it. Pressing this key is the user's
way of telling the computer “your turn” or “back to
you”. There will be no meaning in anything you type
until this key is pressed.
OUPUT DEVICES
Each output device receives information from the
CPU and converts the electric pieces to an
appropriate form. The following are some output
devices.

1. Printer- prints processed data in a form people

can read.
2. Monitor or CRT (CATHODE Ray Tube) - a
television which like video screen supplies what
is known as soft copy, since it does not give you
a permanent record.
3. Speech Synthesizer- provides output in audio
form.
Secondary Memories
To reserve programs and data, secondary
storage media are used. Examples of these
auxiliary storage media are punched cards,
magnetic tapes and magnetic disks.
1. Punched Cards. Data are punched into the
cards following a code. The operator transcrives
data into the cards by pressing keys on the
keyboard. The machine automatically feeds,
positions and stacks the card. The card is
characterized by fragility and tendency to bend or
be lost.
2. Magnetic tapes. Programs and data are
recorded or stored as magnetized spots on the
surface of the tape. They are made of plastic
coatd with iron oxide, and can be magnetized
into spots to represent data.
3. Magnetic disk: The magnetic disk
resembles a record. The device used with
disks is called a disk drive. The disk and
disk drive work like a record and a
phonograph.
Software
All programs fall undeer the main heading of
software. Software controls harness and yields
the power of the computer.
The two types of programs are the application program
and the operating system.
1. Applcation Programs. The word processing progrm
turns the computer into a typewriter. You may delete,
insert, move words and other operations in it. A
spreadsheet program turns the computer into a large
spreadsheet, a tool very important to the accountant.
2. Operating System. The operating
system (OS) is the bridge between the
computer and the user because the OS
makes it possible for the user to
communicate with the computer.
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING
1. Define hardware; software.
2. Enumerate the different hardware.
3. Give examples of software
4. Explain the importance of software
and hardware in computer use.
DIRECTION: Choose the best answer. Write the letters only.
A B
1. The physical unit associated a. speech synthesizer
with computer b. hardware
2. The heart and brain of the c. control unit
computer d. central processing unit
3. Provides output in audio form e. primary storage
4. The memory or main storage
 Uses of
Computer.mp4