How Computers Work + Important Hardware

What are the four main core computer functions that make human interaction possible?

Input, Processing, Storage (or Memory) , and Output.

What is “input”?

The computer receives data, through interaction with physical sensors (or devices) such as a keyboard or mouse, for processing.

Information must be translated to what language for a computer to understand?

Machine language or binary code (0s and 1s).

What is “processing”?

When the CPU interprets and manipulates input data, then executes instructions for output.

Why is CPU referred to as “the brain” of the computer?

It interprets and executes programming instructions, controlling all components between hardware and software.

What is the Control Unit (CU)?

It regulates operations within the CPU by receiving information from software and directing that data to the relevant hardware.

What are some functions of the Control Unit (CU)?

The Control Unit (CU) determines where instructions will go for processing, sends timing signals for synched operations, and manages memory operations.

What is the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)?

The fundamental building block of CPU responsible for performing arithmetic and logic operations.

What are some examples operations that the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) completes?

The Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) completes operations such as addition, subtraction, and comparisons.