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Understanding CPU and Computer Memory

The CPU, or central processing unit, is known as the brain of the computer as it controls the execution of program instructions and handles processing operations. The three main parts of the CPU are the ALU, control unit, and main memory. The ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations, while the control unit interprets instructions and directs other computer components. Main memory temporarily stores active data and instructions for processing. RAM and ROM are two types of computer memory, with RAM providing short-term storage that is erased on shutdown and ROM providing permanent, non-changeable storage. Removable storage devices come in magnetic, optical, and flash memory forms and are used to transfer data between computers or make backups.

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207 views15 pages

Understanding CPU and Computer Memory

The CPU, or central processing unit, is known as the brain of the computer as it controls the execution of program instructions and handles processing operations. The three main parts of the CPU are the ALU, control unit, and main memory. The ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations, while the control unit interprets instructions and directs other computer components. Main memory temporarily stores active data and instructions for processing. RAM and ROM are two types of computer memory, with RAM providing short-term storage that is erased on shutdown and ROM providing permanent, non-changeable storage. Removable storage devices come in magnetic, optical, and flash memory forms and are used to transfer data between computers or make backups.

Uploaded by

Jed Sorolla
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is CPU?

CPU (Central Processing Unit)


A part of the computer that executes
program instructions is known as the
processor. This is also known as the brain of
the computer. It controls the execution of the
program of instructions and actually handles
the processing operations.
Three parts of CPU
ALU
Control Unit
Main Memory
ALU (Arithmetic- Logic Unit)

-performs two types of operations- arithmetic


and logical.

Arithmetic Operation- are the fundamental


mathematical operations consisting of addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division.

Logical Operation- perform other processing


operations such as sorting and classifying
Control Unit
Tells the rest of the computer system how to carry
out a program’s instructions.

It acts as the manager over all the operations of


the computer.

It interprets the instructions in the computer


program and directs the operations of the computer’s
other devices in the execution of the program
instructions.

It also operates as a communication link between


the person operating the computer.
Main Memory

Also known as Primary Storage Unit, Primary


Memory, Main storage or Internal Storage holds the
program instructions.

The computer retrieves one or more instructions


at a time from storage, performs the operations
called for, and returns the instructions to the storage
unit so that they are available when needed again.
Main memory stores active input data that is to be
processed and the processing results until they are
transferred to an output device.
COMPUTER MEMORY

RAM (Random Access Memory)


ROM (Read-Only Memory)
RAM- It usually refers to "temporary"
memory, which is when the system is shut
down, the memory is lost. This is why the
memory is referred to as being "random“.

The first of the many RAMs to come in the


market was created in 1951 and was used
until the late 1960s and early 1970s.
ROM- Read-Only Memory or ROM is an
integrated-circuit memory chip that contains
configuration data . ROM is commonly called
firmware because its programming is fully
embedded into the ROM chip. As such, ROM is a
hardware and software in one.
RAM versus ROM

Both RAM and ROM provide the user random


access to stored data. However, RAM provides only
short-term memory since data stored in RAM is lost
when power is turned off.

ROM, on the other hand, provides long-term


storage since data is permanently etched into the
ROM chip.

One other difference between the two is that


RAM's data can frequently and speedily be altered
and changed at will. ROM cannot be reconfigured
at all.
Storage Device-sometimes called portable
storage. The software you buy to install on your
computer comes on removable storage media and
people will always have a need for making backups
and archiving important data or transporting data
between computers.

Removable storage is not a new concept in the


computer industry. Since the early 1980's we have
seen the standard floppy disk drives with the
removable 3.5 inch diskettes. As computers and
technologies have advanced over the years,
removable storage technology has moved right
along as well.
Removable storage can be broken down into
three categories, based on the technology used by
the device to record and store data on the
removable media.

Magnetic Drives
Some Common Types of Magnetic Drives

-Floppy Drive
-Hard Drive
-SuperDisk:
-Jaz Drive
-Magnetic Tape
Optical Drives
Common Types of Optical Drives

-WORM
-Magneto-Optical Drives
-CD-ROM & CD rewritable
-DVD-ROM & DVD rewritable
Removable Flash Memory

Some Common Types of Removable Flash


Memory

-SmartMedia
-CompactFlash
-USB Flash Drives  

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