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1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems

The document defines and describes the main components of a computer system including the central processing unit (CPU), main memory (RAM and ROM), input/output devices, and secondary/backing storage. The CPU processes data and its speed is measured in GHz. RAM temporarily stores active data and instructions while ROM holds startup instructions. Input devices take data into the computer while output devices share data out. Secondary storage permanently saves files and data.

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Ghazal Alkahlan
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54 views11 pages

1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems

The document defines and describes the main components of a computer system including the central processing unit (CPU), main memory (RAM and ROM), input/output devices, and secondary/backing storage. The CPU processes data and its speed is measured in GHz. RAM temporarily stores active data and instructions while ROM holds startup instructions. Input devices take data into the computer while output devices share data out. Secondary storage permanently saves files and data.

Uploaded by

Ghazal Alkahlan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

2 the main components of computer


systems
1. Describe the central processing unit including its role

2. Describe internal memory, i.e. ROM and RAM and the differences
between them

3. Define input and output devices and describe the difference


between them

4. Define secondary/backing storage


Describe the central processing unit including its role

• The CPU is the 'brain' of the computer.

• It is where all the searching, sorting, calculating and decision


making takes place.

• The speed of the CPU is measured in Gigahertz (GHz).

• A 1 GHz CPU can carry out 1 billion instructions per second!

• Intel and AMD are the most popular CPU brands.


Main Memory
Applications are installed in the Secondary Storage (Hard drive).

Temporary data from Applications in use are held in the Main Memory.

The CPU will first check the Cache for the required piece of the data so
that it can be processed.

If the data is not in the cache then the CPU will check the RAM and
transfer data to the CPU.

The Cache will then transfer the next piece of data from the RAM into
Cache.

The CPU will again check the Cache for the next piece of data. This time the
CPU will be able to get the data from the Cache Memory.
Main Memory
Cache

1. Cache is the fastest type of Memory.

2. It is located between the processor and the RAM.

3. Cache collects data from the RAM.

4. Holds onto commonly used data.

5. The Cache will automatically transfer the next set


of data from the RAM in to the Cache so that it can
be processed by the CPU.
RAM (Random Access Memory)

• RAM stands for Random Access Memory

• RAM is the part of the computer that temporarily


stores the instructions that the computer is running
whilst the data is being processed by the CPU.

• RAM is volatile which means that when the


computer is turned off all data is lost
ROM (Read Only Memory)

• ROM stands for Read Only Memory

• ROM is a built in memory that can not be changed


(Read Only).

• ROM normally holds the ‘boot up’ instructions to


start the computer – without it the computer
wouldn’t know what to do when on button is
switched on (e.g. the operating system will not
start).

• ROM is non-volatile memory which means that


memory is not lost when computer is turned off.
Input and Output devices
Devices need to be connected to a computer to allow data to be inputted and
outputted.

The general name for these extra devices is ‘peripheral devices’. They are
usually categorised into input devices, output devices and storage devices.

Input Output Storage

An input device is a device that can pass date into the computer

Devices that take data from the computer are known as output devices.
Define secondary/backing storage

Backing storage is also known as secondary storage

Backing storage is non-volatile which means that


data is not lost when computer is turned off.

Backing storage is used to store data for a long time


(data can be read from and written to)

Users tend to make copies of original files on


backing storage.

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