Lecturer: MR MOHALE

I N T R O D U C T I O N T O COMPUTER SKILLS 2

CHAPTER 9/ PROCESSING

In this chapter:

a) Define the term CPU

b) Define CPU operations
c) Discuss the function of the motherboard
d) Discuss the processing speed/system clock
e) Discuss the function of the bus

CPU (Central processing Unit)/Processor

CPU is considered as the brain of the computer. CPU performs all types of data
processing operations. It stores data, intermediate results and instructions (program). It
controls the operation of all parts of computer.

CPU consists of the following features:

• CPU is considered as the brain of the computer.

• CPU performs all types of data processing operations.

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• It stores data, intermediate results and instructions (program).

• It controls the operation of all parts of computer.

Input Unit
This unit contains devices with the help of which we enter data into computer. This unit
makes link between user and computer. The input devices translate the information into
the form understandable by computer.

CPU itself has following three components

• ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)

• Memory Unit

• Control Unit

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Output Unit
Output unit consists of devices with the help of which we get the information from
computer. This unit is a link between computer and users. Output devices translate the
computer's output into the form understandable by users.

MEMORY OR STORAGE UNIT

This unit can store instructions, data and intermediate results. This unit supplies
information to the other units of the computer when needed. It is also known as internal
storage unit or main memory or primary storage or Random access memory (RAM).

Its size affects speed, power and capability. Primary memory and secondary memory
are two types of memories in the computer. Functions of memory unit are:

• It stores all the data and the instructions required for processing.

• It stores intermediate results of processing.

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• It stores final results of processing before these results are released to an output
device.

• All inputs and outputs are transmitted through main memory.

CONTROL UNIT
This unit controls the operations of all parts of computer but does not carry out any
actual data processing operations.

Functions of this unit are:

• It is responsible for controlling the transfer of data and instructions among other
units of a computer.

• It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer.

• It obtains the instructions from the memory, interprets them, and directs the
operation of the computer.

• It communicates with Input/Output devices for transfer of data or results from

storage.

• It does not process or store data.

ALU (ARITHMETIC LOGIC UNIT)

This unit consists of two subsections namely

• Arithmetic section

• Logic Section
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ARITHMETIC SECTION
Function of arithmetic section is to perform arithmetic operations like addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division. All complex operations are done by making
repetitive use of above operations.

LOGIC SECTION
Function of logic section is to perform logic operations such as comparing, selecting,
matching and merging of data.

MOTHERBOARD
The motherboard serves as a single platform to connect all of the parts of a computer
together. A motherboard connects CPU, memory, hard drives, optical drives, video card,
sound card, and other ports and expansion cards directly or via cables. It can be
considered as the backbone of a computer.

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Features of Motherboard
A motherboard comes with following features:

• Motherboard varies greatly in supporting various types of components.

• Normally a motherboard supports a single type of CPU and few types of

memories.

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• Video Cards, Hard disks, Sound Cards have to be compatible with motherboard
to function properly

• Motherboards, cases and power supplies must be compatible to work properly

together.

Description of Motherboard
The motherboard is mounted inside the case and is securely attached via small screws
through pre-drilled holes. Motherboard contains ports to connect all of the internal
components. It provides a single socket for CPU whereas for memory, normally one or
more slots are available. Motherboards provide ports to attach floppy drive, hard drive,
and optical drives via ribbon cables. Motherboard carries fans and a special port
designed for power supply.

There is a peripheral card slot in front of the motherboard using which video cards, sound
cards and other expansion cards can be connected to motherboard.

On the left side, motherboards carry a number of ports to connect monitor, printer,
mouse, keyboard, speaker, and network cables. Motherboards also provide USB ports
which allow compatible devices to be connected in plug-in/plug-out fashion for example,
pen drive, digital cameras etc.

Processing speed/system speed

A clock "tick" is the smallest unit of time in which processing happens, and is sometimes
called a cycle; some types of work can be done in one cycle while others require many.
The ticking of these clocks is what drives the various circuits in the PC, and the faster
they tick, the more performance you get from your machine (other things being equal).

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Bus

A bus is a set of electrical conductors that carry signals, usually to convey data or to
specify an address (a number, like a page number).

INTERNAL BUSES

The internal bus, also known as internal data bus, memory bus, system bus
or Front-Side-Bus, connects all the internal components of a computer,
such as CPU and memory, to the motherboard. Internal data buses are also
referred to as a local bus, because they are intended to connect to local
devices. This bus is typically rather quick and is independent of the rest of
the computer operations.

EXTERNAL BUSES

The external bus, or expansion bus, is made up of the electronic pathways

that connect the different external devices, such as printer etc., to the
computer

Bibliography & References