TOPIC 4: COMPUTER HARDWARE

These are physical and tangible parts of a computer.

Or
These are the physical parts of the computer which can be seen, touched and picked up.
Examples of computer hardware include:
 keyboard,  hard disk,  projector,
 mouse,  printer,  digital camera,
 monitor,  scanner,  Microphone, etc.
Categories of Computer hardware.
 Input devices  Storage devices
 Output devices  Processing devices

INPUT DEVICES
These are devices used to enter/feed data and instructions or commands into the computer.
Input refers to data or commands entered into the memory of a computer.
According to the type of data they input, these devices can be grouped into the following;
Keyboards, pointing input devices, imaging devices, audio input devices and biometric input
devices.
1. Keyboard is an input device, consisting of a set of keys (buttons) used to operate a
computer. It is the basic input device with very many keys that perform different
functions. The QWERTY is referred to as the "Universal" keyboard. The name
"QWERTY" comes from the first six letters in the top alphabet row (the one just
below the numbers). There are other setups also available such as Dvorak, ABCDE,
GKOS, QWERTZ and AZERTY Keypads, Keyers and chorded keyboards have fewer
keys, specially designed for devices such a pocket sized computers.
Advantages of using a keyboard
 It is a reliable method of data input for text, numbers, etc.
 For skilled typists, it saves time
 It is attached to every computer.
Disadvantages
 It is very easy to make mistakes when typing
 It is a slow method for entering data especially for experienced typists
 It causes repetitive strain injury.
Functions of some keys on the keyboard
Delete- it erases one character to the right of the cursor. It erases a block of selected text or
graphics.
Backspace- it erases one character to the left of the cursor.
Arrow keys- are directional keys that move the cursor to the right, left, top and down
Enter- it confirms a command. In MS word, it creates a paragraph.
Shift- allows the user to issue the second command on a key which has 2 functions.
Space bar- creates space when typing. Used for pausing and playing games, audio and video
music.
Num lock- activates and deactivates the numeric keypad.
2. Pointing input devices
 Mouse- is a pointing input device that is used to control the pointer in a graphical user
 interface (GUI). Most mice have three buttons, i.e. left button, scroll wheel and right
button.
Activities performed using a mouse include; click, double click, right click, point, drag and
drop.
 Touch screen- is an electronic visual display that can detect the presence and location
of the touch within the display area. Touchscreens are common in devices such as
personal computers, tablet, I Pad, printer, scanners, ATM and smartphones.
 Stylus and digitizing tablet/graphics tablet- a stylus pen is a pen-like pointing input
device which uses pressure to write text and draw lines on a graphics tablet. A
graphic tablet is a flat, rectangular, electronic plastic board on which a stylus writes
and draws.
Stylus and graphics tablet are mainly used for computer aided design by architects, map
makers, artists and designers.
 Light pen- is a pointing input device that can detect presence of light. Light pen
requires special monitors to work with. Light pens are used by designers and
healthcare professional.
 Track ball- this stationary pointing input device with a ball on its top. The user does
not have to move the entire device when moving the pointer on the desktop. The user
rolls the ball on top to move the pointer. It works on the same principle as the mouse.
 Touch pad- it is a small rectangular device with a flat surface that is sensitive to
pressure and motion. It also provides a set of buttons that function like mouse buttons
for clicking, right clicking, etc. Touchpad is often found on laptop computers.
 Joystick- this is a pointing input device with a vertical lever mounted on its base. The
lever has buttons called triggers which activate certain events when pressed.
Joysticks are mainly used for video games and ultra sound scanners in hospitals.
 Gamepad- controls the movement and actions of players or objects in video games or
computer games. Users press buttons in various directions to trigger events.
Gamepads communicate with a game console or a personal computer through wired
or wireless technology.
Note: Joystick and gamepad are also known as gaming input devices.
3. Imaging devices: Devices that input images such as still photos, motion pictures,
graphics, videos, etc. into the computer for processing or storage. Common imaging
devices include;
 Scanner- this is a light sensing device used to change a hardcopy output (printed text)
into softcopy (digital form) that can be processed or stored in the computer. It
converts printed text and pictures on paper into an electronic version the computer
understands. Popular scanners include; Flat bed scanner, Sheet feed scanner, and
Hand held scanner.
 Digital camera- this takes photographs and stores them digitally in its memory. The
images are later copied to the computer for processing or printing. In most case the
camera uses a memory card for storage.
 Digital Video camera-Records videos as digital signals which can later be transferred
to computer hard disk by connecting the camera cable to a port on the system unit.
 Camcorder- Is a light weight video camera that records data in a digital form onto a
storage medium such as video tape
 Webcam-It is also known as a pc video camera. It is a type of digital video camera
that usually sits on top of the monitor. Webcams enable users to capture video and
still images and make video telephone calls.
  Optical character recognition (OCR) reader– A device that reads computer printed
or handwritten characters from ordinary documents and translates the images into a
form a computer understands
 Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) reader - A device that reads hand drawn marks
such as small circles or rectangles placed in a form such as survey, answer sheet or
questionnaire
 Magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) reader - A device used to read text
printed with magnetized ink. MICR is mainly used by the banking industry to process
cheques.
 Magnetic strip card reader. Reads information contained in the magnetic strip on
the back of credit cards, ATM cards, National IDs and other similar cards.
 Bar code reader. This is an optical reader that uses laser beams to read barcodes
written on items. There are mostly used in supermarkets, Departmental stores,
Libraries, etc. For reading serial numbers on packed products and equipment.
 CCTV camera (Closed Circuit Television camera). Records images or videos for
surveillance purposes. CCTV camera can either be video or digital still cameras.
CCTV cameras are installed on buildings in strategic location to; they are mainly used
for security purposes (surveillance) in supermarkets, stores, factory, schools, bank,
offices etc.

4. Audio input devices. These are used for entering any sound into the computer such
as speech, music or sound effects. To enter sound into a computer, it must have a
sound card. Audio input devices are plugged into a port on the sound card.
Examples include;
 Microphones: This is a device for converting sound waves into electrical energy
variations which are then input into the computer for processing, recording or for
audio playback. Microphones are connected to the sound card on the system unit.
 MIDI devices; MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is the standard that
defines how digital musical devices represent sound electronically: Examples of MIDI
devices include; Electronic piano, Electronic guitars etc.
 Voice Recognition Equipment (VRE); Are devices used to capture and input
speech/sound into the computer. Music producers use multimedia computers to
capture, edit and record computerized musical tracks. They give a computer ability to
listen, understand and distinguish between the spoken words.
Advantages of using VRE
 When used correctly, entry of the text is relatively faster than when using a keyboard.
 The visually impaired and those with no arms can benefit from VRE
Disadvantages
 Error rate is high depending on the user’s accent
 Words with the same pronunciation may not be easily distinguished
 Speech recognition cannot work best in noisy environment.
 Requires the user to have training before use
 Requires the user to speak in writing style, i.e. dictate even symbols
5. Biometric input Devices-these are devices used to translate biological characteristics
into digital code that is stored or compared with digital code stored in a computer.
Common Biometric devices include;
 Finger print scanner; Used to scan or read human finger prints and enter them into
the computer.
 Face recognition system; Captures a live face image and compares it with stored
image to determine if the face is the legitimate user.
 Signature verification device; Recognizes the shape of the user’s handwriting,
signature, measures the pressure exerted and the motion used to write the signature.
 Iris Recognition System; this reads patterns in the iris of the eye. This pattern is as
unique as a finger print.
6. Specialized input Devices
 Remote control; emits a beam of infra-red light, which carries data signals. Remote
control is commonly used with TVs and some modern laptops.
 Sensors; Convert the chemical responses to electronic signals and input them into the
computer for processing.
OUTPUT DEVICES
These are hardware components that can enable a user to display information or to
communicate the results of data processing by the CPU to the user. An output is the data that
has been processed into useful form called information.
An output device displays information on a screen, creates printed copies or generates sound.
Generally, output is of three forms, i.e.
 Softcopy
 Hardcopy
 Audio output
Softcopy is a file that exists and can be transmitted in digital and electronic form.
Or
It is the unprinted digital document file.
A softcopy output is the output received on the display screen or in the video or audio form.
This kind of output is not tangible.
Advantages of using softcopy output
 Can easily be password protected to prevent access by unauthorized persons.
 Occupies small space of the computer memory compared to when it is on paper.
 It is easily transferable e.g. through emails, Bluetooth, Facebook, etc.
 May easily be backed up on permanent storage media for future reference.
 Can easily be edited, formatted and updated.
 It is easy to access from database using search tools.
 It is free from external weather effects such as dust and mud, therefore it is neat.
Disadvantages
 Can easily be forged
 Can only be accessed in the presence of power.
 In case of attack by computer viruses, a big loss of data may occur.
 Requires the user to have some ICT skills to work with soft copy
Hardcopy is the output that physically exists on a print medium.
Or
A hard copy is a permanent reproducible or copy in the form of tangible object of any media
suitable for direct use by a person.
Devices that produce hard copy include: printers, fax machines, plotters, etc.
Advantages of using hardcopy
 Usually accessible even in absence of power
 Hardcopy is free from computer viruses
 Cannot be easily forged unlike softcopy
 Requires no special computer skills
Disadvantages
 Occupies bigger storage space in the room or office.
 It is not easily transferable
 Not easy to store. Hardcopies can be eaten up by rodents.
 Dust usually accumulates on hardcopies especially those stored in bigger offices.
 Hardcopies are not easy to access from bigger heaps of files.
Types of output devices
According to the type of data they output, these devices can be grouped into the following;
 Display devices e.g. monitors and projectors
 Printers, e.g. Dot matrix printers, laser jet printers, braille printers, thermal printers,
etc.
 Audio output device, e.g. speakers, headphones and woofers.

1. Display Devices
These are devices which visually convey text, graphics and video information. Information
shown on the screen is called softcopy because it exists electronically. Examples include:
monitors and projectors.
o Monitors
Convert information generated by the computer into visual information. This makes it one of
the common links between the users and the computer allowing the user to view data the way
they understand it. Monitors display a wide variety of information including text, icons,
photographs, video and animations. A monitor is also known as a Visual Display Unit
(VDU).
Types of monitors
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitors
CRT Monitors
A CRT monitor has a glass tube that is narrow at one end and opens to a flat screen at the
other end.
Advantages of using CRT monitors
 They provide a wide angle of view (3D)
 They have a good quality display
 They are cheap to buy
 They are strong and durable
Disadvantages
 They occupy a bigger office space
 They produce more electromagnetic rays to the user’s eyes, hence causing eye- strain
 They are bulky /heavy to carry from one place to another
 They have a relatively higher power consumption rate
 During disposal, they pollute the environment
LCD Monitors
This is also known as flat panels. These are light weight display devices with a shallow depth
and flat screen that usually uses liquid crystals to generate the output.
Advantages of using LCD monitors
 They are relatively lighter and portable
 They are relatively smaller and hence occupy a small space on the table
 They have a relatively lower power consumption rate
 Produce relatively lower radiation and hence friendly to the user’s eye
 Have relatively higher resolution and hence produce better graphics (images).
Disadvantages
 They are expensive to buy
 They provide a narrow angle of view
 They are delicate, i.e. easily break
 LCD colour output is usually slow and poor
 LCD monitors can only be viewed from a very narrow angle.
Factors to consider when buying a monitor
 The cost of the monitor
 The size and portability of the monitor
 Power consumption rate of the monitor
 Resolution of the monitor
o Projector
This is an output device that provides a wide display of information on a white surface for a
big audience to see.
Or
This is an output device that takes images displayed on a computer screen and projects it onto
a larger screen so that it is magnified and clear.
Projectors may be used in the following situation;
 When conducting meetings
 In schools for class room teaching
 For entertainment in schools, video halls, stadia, etc.
 In churches to display song lyrics, order of service and scriptures
 Advertisement of goods and services on electronic displays boards
Common Terms
Pixel-is a single point in an electronic image
Resolution-is the number of horizontal and vertical pixels in a display device. A higher
resolution requires a greater number of pixels and provides a smoother, sharper and clearer
image. Resolution is measured in dot per inch
Dot pitch-is the distance in mm between pixels on a display device.
2. Audio output devices
These are devices specially designed to produce sound for the user. They are usually
connected to the sound card on the computer. Examples include; speakers, headphones,
earphones, woofers, etc.

3. Printers
A printer is a device which produces hardcopy output such as text and graphics on a physical
medium like papers, clothes, plastic cards, rubber, etc.
Types of printers
 Impact printers
 Non-impact printers
 Impact printers
These are printers that use their print heads to strike on the print medium to form characters
and graphics. Examples include; Dot matrix printers, Braille printers and daisy wheel
printers.
Dot matrix printers
These have closely spaced pins and ribbon to print characters on paper. They mostly use
continuous form paper in which several sheets of paper are connected end to end. The papers
have holes along the sides to help feed the papers through the printer.
Daisy wheel printers
These have characters arranged on the ends of the spokes of the wheel. The wheel is rotated
to select characters to print and then an electronically operated hammer bends the selected
spoke forward slightly squeezing an ink ribbon between the character and the paper.
Braille printers
These are printers specially made to make text as tangible dot cells which are felt and read by
the blind. They need special braille papers which is thicker and more expensive than normal
paper.
Advantages of impact printers
 They are relatively cheap to buy
 They are cheap to maintain since their print heads require less periodic cleaning
 They are able to print various font styles and heavy graphics
 They are mainly used for commercial printing because they are reliable
 They can work in dusty environments with less harm
Disadvantages
 They generate heat during their operation as their print heads touch the print medium
 They don’t print colored output
 Their print heads over heat during printing hence they may require breaks during
operation
 They are noisy in their operation

 Non-Impact Printers
These form characters or graphics on papers by either spraying ink or by scanning
technology. They form characters or graphics on paper without actually striking the paper.
Examples of non-impact printers include; ink jet printers, laser jet printers and thermal
printers.
Ink jet printers; these form characters on paper by spraying tinny drops of liquid ink. Their
print head mechanism contains ink filled cartridges. Each cartridge has very small ink holes.
The ink propels through a combination of holes to form characters or graphics on paper.
Laser jet printers; these create characters on paper using a laser beam and powdered ink
known as toner which is packaged in a cartridge. When printing a document, laser jet printers
process and store the entire page before they prints it. They have special inbuilt memory
known as buffer.

NB: Toner is powder used in laser jet printer and photocopier to form characters on paper.
Thermal printers
These produce characters and images by pushing heated pins against a chemically coated heat
sensitive paper. The coating turns black in the areas where it is heated producing an image.
They are usually used to print receipts in supermarkets and ATMs
General characteristics of non-impact printers
 They form characters on paper without striking the paper
 They are less noisy/silent during their operation
 Their print quality is better than that of impact printers
 They are speedy during their operation i.e. can process and print one page at a time
 They are more expensive to buy and maintain compared to impact printers
Other examples of printing Devices
Plotters These are special printers used to produce large, high quality vector graphics and
drawings such as posters, signs, buildings plans, etc. They use ink jet technology to produce
the output.
Mobile printers these are small light weight, battery powered printers that allow a mobile
user to print from a laptop, tablet, smart phone or other personal devices while travelling.
They mainly use ink jet technology.
Fax Machine These transmit and receive typed or handwritten document over a telephone
line. One fax machine scans the original document, converts the image into digital data and
then transmits it over a telephone line. A fax machine at the receiving end reads the incoming
data, converts it into an image and then prints out or stores the copy of the original image.
Multifunction device a device that performs several functions that would otherwise be
carried out by several separate peripherals, e.g. multi-function printers may contain a scanner,
photocopier, fax machine and printer.

Use of light emitting diodes on a printer

 To report errors in a device e.g. paper jam
 Indicates activity hardware is carrying out
 To show whether the device is ready
 To show whether the device is idle
 To show whether the trays of the printer are out of paper
 To show whether the device is working/is on

Factors to consider before buying a printer.

 Cost of the printer.
 Power consumption rate.
 Kind of quality produced, i.e. colored/Black and white
 Noise level when printing
 Size of the papers the printer uses
 Type of ink/toner used
Causes of printer failure
 Absence of printer drivers
 Paper jam
 Absence of the toner/ink in the cartridge
 Failure of the printer cable or power cable
 Damaged components, e.g. Rollers, drum, etc.
 Wrong printer name selected
 Absence of paper in tray
STORAGE DEVICES
A Storage device is a hardware component that writes and reads to and from storage media.
Computer storage holds data, instruction and information for future use. For example, all
types of users store digital photos, appointments, audio music, videos, etc.
Common Terms
Storage device is the computer hardware that records to and retrieves items from a storage
medium, e.g. Floppy disk drive, hard disk drive, CD-RW drive, DVD-RW drive, etc.
Storage medium is the physical material on which a computer keeps data, instructions and
information permanently, e.g. hard disks, memory cards, flash disks, floppy disks, CD-R,
CD- RW.
Writing is the process of coping information from RAM to a storage medium
Reading is the process of copying information from a storage medium to RAM.
Volatile memory; it is type of memory that holds contents only when the computer is on, e.g.
RAM.
Nonvolatile memory; is type of memory that is designed to hold contents permanently, i.e.
holds contents even when the computer is off, e.g. ROM, flash disk, memory card, floppy
disk, hard disk.
Storage capacity is the maximum amount of data a storage medium is able to store.
Transfer rate; is the time required to copy data from RAM to a storage medium or vice
versa.
Access time; is the time a storage device takes to locate an item on a storage medium and
make it available to the computer.
Formatting a storage medium; is the process of preparing a storage medium for
recording/writing data. This cleanses all the sectors of the disc deleting all content on the
disc.
Categories of computer storage
 Primary storage
 Secondary storage
1. Primary Storage
This provides storage area for data and instructions required by the CPU during processing.
Examples of primary storage include; RAM and ROM.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
This refers to the type of memory that holds data and instructions temporarily only when the
computer is on. i.e. volatile memory. RAM is also known as main memory or working
memory.
Types of RAM include; Static RAM (SRAM) – is a type of memory that enables data to be
stored as long as power supply continues and Dynamic RAM (DRAM) – is a type of memory
where data is lost even when power supply continues.
Characteristics of RAM
 It holds contents only when the computer is on (volatile)
 It can be increased or upgraded
 It occupies the biggest percentage of a primary memory.
 It facilitates the working speed of the computer.
 It is the memory chip fixed in the RAM slots on the motherboard.
 The contents are user defined.
 It supports read and write.
  It facilitates the booting of the computer by holding the O.S.
 It serves as working memory, i.e. holds data and instructions during processing.
 Access to contents of RAM is random
ROM (Read Only Memory)
This refers to memory chip that stores permanent data and instructions. Contents of ROM are
referred to as firmware. It is often recorded when the chip is manufactured. ROM is non-
volatile.
Types of ROM include; PROM (Programmable ROM) – a type of ROM chip on which
permanent data can be written to, EPROM (Electrically Programmable ROM) – is just like
PROM except that you can erase the contents of the chip partly or fully by electrical method,
and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) – this can be modified by the
user fully through the use of specialized software program such as Flash BIOS.
Characteristics of ROM
 It holds content permanently even when the computer is off (non-volatile)
 It supports read only.
 It can’t be increased or upgraded
 Contents of ROM are recorded at the factory when the chip is manufactured
 It is inbuilt in the motherboard.
Other kinds of memory chips
Cache memory; this refers to memory space that stores the most frequently accessed
programs and data by the CPU. This reduces access time i.e. the time the CPU takes to fetch
the required programs and data from main memory for processing.
Buffer this is a region of memory that is used to temporarily hold data while it is being
moved from place to place
Or this is a special memory where instructions and data are temporarily stored while waiting
for a receiving device to be free.
CMOS. (Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-Conductor) this is a memory chip on
motherboard that stores BIOS setting. e.g. time and date as well as hardware settings.
BIOS (Basic Input/output System) firmware which controls input and output operations.
Firmware is permanent software programmed into read only memory. BIOS perform POST
during booting and use bootstrap loader to locate the O.S and pass control to it the O.S.
Flash memory (Flash ROM or Flash RAM); is a kind of nonvolatile memory that can be
erased electronically and reprogrammed.
Or is a nonvolatile memory that has the ability keep data even when power is off. Flash
memory chips store data and programs in smartphones, digital cameras, printers, etc.
Differences between RAM and ROM
 RAM is volatile while ROM is non-volatile
 RAM is read and write while ROM is read only
 RAM is temporal while ROM is permanent
 RAM can be increased while ROM is not normally increased
 2. Secondary Storage /Auxiliary Storage devices
Secondary storage media are designed to retain data and programs in a relatively more
permanent form. They are nonvolatile in nature.
Types of secondary storage media
 Magnetic storage media
 Optical storage media
 Solid state storage
Magnetic storage media
These use a magnetic head to write data to and from a magnetic medium. These represent
data as magnetic spots.
Examples includes; hard disks – is a permanently fitted storage device in the computer,
floppy disks – is a thin, circular, flexible plastic disk with a magnetic coating enclosed in a
square-shaped plastic shell, and magnetic tapes – is a magnetically coated ribbon of plastic
capable of storing large amounts of data and information.
Advantages of using hard disk
 It has a relatively large storage capacity, ideal for storage of data and programs.
 The data access rate is relatively fast and random
 Data on a hard disk is highly resistant to virus attack.
 It is relatively cheaper to buy a hard disk rather than other several storage media.
 It cannot be misplaced because of its physical size and being fixed inside the system
unit.
 It stores programs necessary for starting the computer and performing specific tasks.
Disadvantages
 The initial cost of buying is high
 It can easily de damaged by power surge if not protected.
 It is bulky and therefore not good for mobile users.
 Once the hard disk stops working, the whole computer also stops.
Disadvantages of using floppy disks.
 They have a small storage capacity, i.e. 1.44MB
 They are highly prone to computer viruses.
 They are easily broken since they are plastic in nature.
 Their data access rate is slow, i.e. sequential.
Optical storage media
These are electro-mechanical units coated with a highly reflective material. Data is written to
the surface of the spinning disc by focusing a high power laser beam on the surface.
Examples of optical storage media include; CD- ROM, CD-RW, CD-R, DVD- ROM, DVD-
R, etc.
CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) – this is a compact disk which can be
written to only once and can be read many times. Contents on a CD-ROM are written by the
manufacturer and cannot be modified or erased. The user cannot add more content.
CD-R (Compact Disk Recordable) – is blank when new, once contents are written to a CD-
R, it cannot be modified or deleted. However more content may be added.
CD-RW (Compact Disk Re-Writable) – is an erasable multisession disc that can be written
on and erased multiple times.
N.B: The storage capacity of CD-R and CD-RW is 700MB. DVD-R and DVD-RW is 4.7GB
DVD-R or DVD-ROM (Digital Video Disk Read Only Memory) – this is an extremely
high capacity compact disk which can be written to once and read many times.
DVD –RW (Digital Video Disk Re-Writable) – this is a recordable and writable version of
DVD-ROM which can be written to and read many times.

Advantages of using optical storage media

 Relatively cheap to buy.
 They have a high data life
 The data access rate is random hence faster
 They are commonly available
 They are compatible with many ICT devices like computers, DVD players, radio
cassettes, etc.
 Data on optical storage media is highly resistant to virus attacks.
 They are relatively portable
Disadvantages
 They are destroyed when exposed to sunlight, water or dirt.
 They can easily break leading to loss of data
 Simple scratches on the disc may render it useless.
 Optical media like CD-ROM/DVD-ROM do not allow the user to edit, delete or add
more content

Solid state storage

These are storage media made from silicon microchips. They store data electronically.
Examples include; flash disks and memory cards.
Advantages of using solid state storage
 They are relatively portable hence facilitating easy means of transferring data.
 The initial cost of buying them is relatively cheaper than for a hard disk
 They are compatible with many ICT devices like computers, DVD players, radios,
TVs, woofers.
 Their data access rate is relatively high
 They support editing of the content unlike CD-R and DVD-R.
 They store large volumes of data.
Disadvantages
 They easily get misplaced because of their physical size
 Data on a flash disk or memory card has relatively shorter life span
 They are relatively expensive to buy.
 Data on a flash or memory card is less resistant to virus attacks
Units of measuring computer memory
Bit- is the basic/smallest unit of measuring computer memory. Bit=binary digit, i.e. 0 or 1
Byte- is the standard unit of measuring computer memory. 1Byte=8bits
1 character: 1 Byte= 8 bits
1 KB=210 Bytes ≈1,000 Bytes 1MB=220 Bytes ≈ 1,000,000 Bytes
1GB= 230Bytes ≈1,000,000,000 Bytes
1TB=240Bytes ≈ 1,000,000,000,000 Bytes
PROCESSING DEVICES
The computer control center is made up of processing and main memory devices which are
housed in the system unit. The principal processing device in the computer is the CPU
1. Central processing unit (CPU)
CPU is a chip that manages most operations of the computer. It is also is known as processor
or microprocessor. It is considered to be the brain of the computer.
Parts of the CPU
 Register
 Arithmetic and logics unit (ALU)
 Control unit
Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU)
It is in charge of performing calculations within the CPU as follows:-
ALU performs arithmetic operations involving addition, subtraction, division and
multiplication
ALU performs comparison operations, i.e. to test whether one variable is less than, greater
than, or equal to the second one.
ALU performs logic operations, i.e. AND, OR and NOT
Registers
These are high speed storage areas that temporarily hold data and instructions in the CPU
during processing. Examples of registers include the following
Instruction register; contains the instruction being executed
Address register; keeps track of where a given instruction or data is stored in RAM
Storage register; temporarily holds data taken from or about to be sent to RAM
Accumulator; stores results of computations
General purpose register; Used for several functions as assigned by the control unit.
Control unit (CU)
This is a component of the CPU that manages all the operations in the CPU. The control unit
determines which instruction the CPU will execute next. It also manages the machine cycle.

Machine cycle
Refers to the stages the CPU goes through while performing a given task. The stages of the
machine cycle include the following;
Fetching; collecting of data and instructions from the main memory to the CPU.
Decoding; translating data and instructions into a form the computer can understands and
process, i.e. binary format.
Execution; is the process of implementing the commands.
Storage; writing the processed results into registers or main memory
Other components of the CPU include
System clock; determines the speed at which the CPU operates. CPU speed is measured in
hertz.
Buses; the bus is a common electrical path, that enables data flow between the various system
components. A bus allows the various devices inside and attached to the system unit to
communicate with each other. All buses consist of two parts:
The data bus which transfers actual data bits and the address bus which transfers
information about where the data should go in memory.
THE SYSTEM UNIT
This is a box-like casing that houses the internal electronic components of the computer that
are used in data processing. The components in the system unit are connected to the
motherboard.
The components housed by the system unit include the following:-
 Motherboard; It provides points of attachment to hold other components, e.g. CPU,
RAM, expansion slots, etc. it is also called printed circuit board/system board. It
contains buses.
 A bus is an electronic pathway that allows data to travel among the different
component attached to the motherboard.
 RAM chips; store instruction, data and results when the computer is running.
 CPU; manages most operations of the computer.
 Power supply; converts alternating current (a.c) to direct current (d.c) which is
needed to run the computer.
 Heat sinks; cools the CPU when the computer is on.
 Fan; cools the temperature within the system unit when the computer is on.
 CD-Drive/DVD-Drive; used to record (write) and retrieve (read) data from CD/DVD.
 CMOS Battery; provides power to CMOS memory that holds date and time together
with hardware configuration, i.e. BIOS settings.
 Hard disk drives; used to store the operating system, application programs and files.
 Expansion slots; is a socket on the motherboard onto which an adapter card is
attached.
 Adapter cards/expansion cards; these provide extra connection options to external
devices (peripherals). Commonly used adapter cards and their functions include the
following.
 Sound card- connects speakers or microphones
 Network Interface Card (NIC) - connects other computers and peripherals to form a
network
 USB card- connects USB devices, e.g. keyboard, mouse, flash disk, etc.
 Video card (Video Graphics Adapter- VGA) - connects a monitor/projector
 TV tuner card- allows viewing of TV channels on the monitor
 Modem card- connects other computers through telephone or cable TV lines
 Fire wire card; connects fire wire devices
 MIDI card; connects musical instruments, like electronic piano, guitar, etc.
Ports and Connectors;
A port is an interface between the system unit and peripheral devices. A connector is the part
of the cable that plugs into a port so as to facilitate communication between the connected
devices. Ports and connectors are either male or female. Examples of ports include the
following;- USB port, MIDI port, serial port, parallel port, network port (Ethernet port), VGA
port, fire wire port, sound port, PS/2 ports, HDMI port.
NOTE
Plug and play is the computer’s ability to automatically configure peripherals connected
when the computer is still running. Plug and play devices automatically install drivers hence
directly communicating with the operating system of the computer.
Peripheral device is hardware externally connected to the system unit through the ports to
offer more functionality to the computer system e.g. scanner, printer, projector, modem,
digital camera, gamepad, microphone, barcode reader. (Not mouse, keyboard or monitor).