Yangon Technological University

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Basic Computer Organization

By Dr. Thanda Win
Professor
Department of Computer Engineering and Information Technology
Yangon Technological University

“Computer Fundamentals”, Pradeep K. Sinha and Priti Sinh, 6th Edition, 2011.
 Learning Objectives
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• To understand the basic functions of a computer system

• To understand the basic organization of a computer system
• To understand the input unit and output unit and their functions
• To understand the storage units and its functions
• To understand the system concept

“Computer Fundamentals”, Pradeep K. Sinha and Priti Sinh, 6th Edition, 2011.
 Outlines
• Basic functions of a computer system 3/15

• Basic organization of a computer system

• Input Unit
• Output Unit
• Storage Unit
• Arithmetic Logic Unit
• Control Unit
• Central Processing Unit
• Computer System

“Computer Fundamentals”, Pradeep K. Sinha and Priti Sinh, 6th Edition, 2011.
 Five Basic Functions of a Computer System
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 Inputting-the process of entering data and instructions into a computer system.

 Storing-the process of 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 result for a user.

 Controlling-directing the manner and sequence in which the above operations are

performed.
“Computer Fundamentals”, Pradeep K. Sinha and Priti Sinh, 6th Edition, 2011.
Basic Organization of a Computer System
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“Computer Fundamentals”, Pradeep K. Sinha and Priti Sinh, 6th Edition, 2011.
 Input Unit
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 Input unit of a computer system performs the following instructions:

 It accepts instructions and data from outside world.

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

 It supplies the converted instructions and data to the computer system for further
processing.

“Computer Fundamentals”, Pradeep K. Sinha and Priti Sinh, 6th Edition, 2011.
 Output Unit
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 An output unit of a computer system performs the following functions:

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

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

 It supplies the converted results to outside world.

“Computer Fundamentals”, Pradeep K. Sinha and Priti Sinh, 6th Edition, 2011.
 Storage Unit
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 The storage unit of a computer system stores the following:

 Data and instructions required for processing (received from input devices).

 Intermediate results of processing.

 Final results of processing, before they are released to an output device.

• Two types of storage

 Primary storage

 Secondary storage

“Computer Fundamentals”, Pradeep K. Sinha and Priti Sinh, 6th Edition, 2011.
 Primary Storage
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 Used to hold running program instructions

 Used to hold data, intermediate results and results of ongoing processing of

jobs

 Fast in operation

 Small capacity

 Expensive

 Volatile (losses data on power dissipation)

“Computer Fundamentals”, Pradeep K. Sinha and Priti Sinh, 6th Edition, 2011.
 Secondary Storage
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 Used to hold stored program instructions

 Used to hold data and information of stored jobs

 Slower than primary storage

 Large capacity

 Cheaper than primary storage

 Retains data even without power

“Computer Fundamentals”, Pradeep K. Sinha and Priti Sinh, 6th Edition, 2011.
 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) & Control Unit (CU)
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 Arithmetic Logic Unit

 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) of a computer system is the place where the actual
executions of instructions take place during processing operation.

 Control Unit

 Control Unit (CU) of a computer system manages and coordinates the operations
of all other components of the computer system.

“Computer Fundamentals”, Pradeep K. Sinha and Priti Sinh, 6th Edition, 2011.
 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
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 It is the brain of a computer system.

 It is responsible for controlling the operations of all other units of a computer

system.

Arithmetic Logic Unit Control Unit Central Processing Unit

(ALU)
+ (CU)
= (CPU)

“Computer Fundamentals”, Pradeep K. Sinha and Priti Sinh, 6th Edition, 2011.
 System Concept
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 A system has following three characteristics:

 A system has more than one element.

 All elements of a system are logically related.

 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.

“Computer Fundamentals”, Pradeep K. Sinha and Priti Sinh, 6th Edition, 2011.
 Next Lecture
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 Position number system

 Non-position number system

 Decimal number system

 Binary number system

 Octal number system

 Hexadecimal number system

“Computer Fundamentals”, Pradeep K. Sinha and Priti Sinh, 6th Edition, 2011.
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ANY QUESTIONS?

“Computer Fundamentals”, Pradeep K. Sinha and Priti Sinh, 6th Edition, 2011.