Hardware Components

Processor

 

The processor also called the microprocessor this devices main functions is to take input data and convert it into output. Microprocessors are found in many electrical devices these days, types of this are mobile phones, microwaves and washing machines. Microprocessors operate on a system called the binary numeral system.

 

Memory

 

Memory is where you can store information temporary or permanently. This where all your files and programs are stored. There are two types of memory these are called primary and secondary. Primary is where information in physical systems which function at high speed are stored. Secondary is for physical devices for program and data storage.

Cache

The cache is where previous data it stored, this means if that data is needed it can be accessed quicker. To be efficient and cheap the cache is normally small. 

Ram

 

Ram short for Random Access Memory is a type of memory that the computer can access stored data in any random order. Ram is associated with volatile memory this is when you turn off your computer you lose the information stored on it.    






Rom

 Rom short for Read Only Memory is where your software that is tied to specific hardware components. This software does not need frequent updates. Read Only Memory is non-volatile, this means that when you shut you computer down the data will not be lost.

ALU  

 

An ALU is a device that performs arithmetic and logical operations. The ALU is the building blocks of the CPU, without this the computer could not function. ALU’s perform adding, subtracting and multiplication of two integers.