Basic Computer

Organization
Dr. Sheak Rashed Haider Noori
Associate Professor and Associate Head
Department of CSE
Daffodil International University
Learning Objectives
◼ In this lecture you will learn about:
✔ Basic operations performed by all types of computer systems
✔ Basic organization of a computer system
✔ Input unit and its functions
✔ Output unit and its functions
✔ Storage unit and its functions
✔ Types of storage used in a computer system
✔ Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
✔ Control Unit (CU)
✔ Central Processing Unit (CPU)
✔ Computer as a system
The Five Basic Operations of a
Computer System

◼ Inputting. The process of entering data and instructions into the computer
system

◼ Storing. Saving data and instructions to make them readily available for initial
or additional processing whenever required

◼ Processing. Performing arithmetic operations (add, subtract, multiply, divide,

etc.) or logical operations (comparisons like equal to, less than, greater than,
etc.) on data to convert them into useful information

◼ Outputting. The process of producing useful information or results for the user
such as a printed report or visual display

◼ Controlling. Directing the manner and sequence in which all of the above
operations are performed
Basic Organization of a Computer
System
 Input Unit

An input unit of a computer system performs the following functions:

1. It accepts (or reads) instructions and data from outside world

2. It converts these instructions and data in computer acceptable form

3. It supplies the converted instructions and data to the computer system for
further processing
 Output Unit

An output unit of a computer system performs the following functions:

1. It accepts the results produced by the computer, which are in coded form and
hence, cannot be easily understood by us

2. It converts these coded results to human acceptable (readable) form

3. It supplies the converted results to outside world

Storage Unit

◼ The storage unit of a computer system holds (or

stores) the following :
1. Data and instructions required for processing (received from
input devices)
2. Intermediate results of processing
3. Final results of processing, before they are released to an
output device
Two Types of Storage

1. Primary storage
◼ Used to hold running program instructions
◼ Used to hold data, intermediate results, and results
of ongoing processing of job(s)
◼ Fast in operation
◼ Small Capacity
◼ Expensive
◼ Volatile (looses data on power dissipation)
Two Types of Storage

2. Secondary storage
◼ Used to hold stored program instructions
◼ Used to hold data and information of stored jobs
◼ Slower than primary storage
◼ Large Capacity
◼ Lot cheaper than primary storage
◼ Retains data even without power
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

◼ Arithmetic Logic Unit of a computer system is the

place where the actual executions of instructions takes
place during processing operation
Control Unit (CU)
◼ Control Unit of a computer system manages and coordinates the operations of
all other components of the computer system

◼ The control unit is a component of a computer's central processing unit (CPU)

that directs operation of the processor. It controls communication and
co-ordination between input/output devices. It reads and interprets
instructions and determines the sequence for processing the data.

◼ It directs the operation of the other units by providing timing and control
signals.

◼ All computer resources are managed by the CU (Control Unit).

◼ It directs the flow of data between the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and the
other devices.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)

◼ It is the brain of a computer system

◼ It is responsible for controlling the operations of all
other units of a computer system
The System Concept
◼ A system has following three characteristics:
1. A system has more than one element
2. All elements of a system are logically related
3. All elements of a system are controlled in a manner to achieve the
system goal

◼ A computer is a system as it comprises of integrated components

(input unit, output unit, storage unit, and CPU) that work together
to perform the steps called for in the executing program
Key Words/Phrases
◼ Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) ◼ Controlling

◼ Output interface ◼ Secondary storage

◼ Auxiliary storage ◼ Input interface

◼ Output unit ◼ Storage unit

◼ Central Processing Unit (CPU) ◼ Input unit

◼ Outputting ◼ Storing

◼ Computer system ◼ Inputting

◼ Primate storage ◼ System

◼ Control Unit (CU) ◼ Main memory

◼ Processing