Basic Structure of Computer Hardware and Software

Front

What is a digital computer?

Back

A fast electronic calculating machine that accepts digitized input information, processes it according to a list of internally stored instructions, and produces the resulting output information.

Front

What is a computer program?

Back

The list of instructions that the computer follows.

Front

What is computer memory?

Back

The internal storage where programs and data are stored.

Front

What are the five functional units of a computer?

Back

1. Input Unit 2. Memory Unit (Primary Storage) 3. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) 4. Output Unit 5. Control Unit (CU)

Front

What does the Input Unit do?

Back

Accepts coded information from human operators or other computers.

Front

What is Random-Access Memory (RAM)?

Back

Any location can be reached in a short, fixed amount of time.

Front

What is the function of the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)?

Back

Performs arithmetic and logic operations.

Front

What is the role of the Control Unit (CU)?

Back

Controls and coordinates the execution of program instructions.

Front

What is secondary storage?

Back

Used for storing large amounts of data permanently.

Front

What is the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

Back

Composed of the Arithmetic-Logic Unit (ALU) and the Control Unit (CU).