Desktop Computers Unit 1

Questions and Answers

What are the main components of a desktop computer?

Processing unit, storage unit, visual display, audio output unit, keyboard, and mouse.

What is the function of the Input Unit?

To accept digital information from the user using input devices like keyboard and mouse.

What types of memory devices form a memory unit?

Primary storage memory device and secondary storage memory device.

What does the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) do?

Performs arithmetic and logical operations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Control Unit in the CPU?

Coordinates and controls activities among the functional units. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Program Counter (PC)?

Stores the address of the next instruction to be executed. Signup and view all the answers

The Memory Address Register (MAR) holds the data to be transferred.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory is used for temporary storage of data in the CPU?

Registers. Signup and view all the answers

The ___ is considered the brain of the computer system.

CPU Signup and view all the answers

Match the following CPU register names with their functions:

Program Counter (PC) = Holds the address of the next instruction Instruction Register (IR) = Holds the instruction currently being executed Memory Address Register (MAR) = Holds the address for data transfer Memory Data Register (MDR) = Contains data to be transferred to or from memory Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Structure of Desktop Computers

Desktop computers typically found on home or office desks consist of five key units: processing unit, storage unit, input units (keyboard, mouse), output units (visual display, audio), and control unit.
Input Unit: Accepts digital information via devices like keyboards, mice, and microphones. Information can be stored in memory or used immediately for operations.
Memory Unit: Composed of primary (main) memory and secondary storage. Primary memory is fast but has limited capacity; secondary storage (magnetic tapes, disks) is slower but holds larger amounts of data.
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and logical operations (AND, OR, NOT).
Output Unit: Delivers processed results through devices such as video monitors, printers, and plotters, with monitors providing visual output and printers producing hard copies.
Control Unit: Coordinates activities among units, fetching instructions from memory, identifying operations, and generating control signals for execution.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU acts as the brain of the computer, supervising all system operations, interpreting instructions, and controlling device interactions.
It temporarily stores data and instructions during processing in its memory unit and sends results to the output unit.
Components of CPU:
- Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
- Control Unit
- Memory (CPU registers)

General Register Organization

Registers: High-speed temporary storage for data, addresses, and instructions, accessed directly without addresses.
Special Purpose Registers:
- Program Counter (PC): Stores address of the next instruction to execute.
- Instruction Register (IR): Holds the currently executing instruction; contents assist in generating control signals.
- Memory Address Register (MAR): Holds the address for data transfer between main memory and processor.
- Memory Data Register (MDR): Contains data to read from or write to a specific main memory location, also known as Memory Buffer Register (MBR).
Accumulator (AC): Stores results produced by the ALU during operations.
General Purpose Registers: Hold operands for arithmetic and logic operations and store operation results, known for their low access time and frequent data usage.

Description

Explore the essential components of desktop computers in this quiz. Learn about the processing unit, storage unit, and various input/output devices essential for operation. Test your understanding of how these parts work together within a home or office setting.