Download Unit 1 d. Processing

Processing
Hardware
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Processing is when the data that has been input is
turned into information.
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Processing
Processing may
involve calculations
on data, for example
exam results for a
year group are
calculated and sorted
into order.
It may change the
appearance of the
data, perhaps by
plotting a graph.
This processing is carried by microprocessors.
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Central processing unit
Microprocessors are found in many types of electronic
equipment including washing machines, microwaves,
cameras and video recorders.
In a computer the microprocessor is also known as the
CPU or central processing unit. It is often referred to as
the ‘brain’ of the computer.
It is a complete computation engine built on a single
chip. A chip is also called an IC or Integrated Circuit.
It is a very thin layer of silicon that has the transistors
etched on it that make up the CPU.
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The central processing unit can do five basic things:
make calculations using its ALU (Arithmetic/Logic Unit)
move data from one memory location to another
make decisions and jump to a new set of instructions
based on those decisions
carry out program instructions using the control unit
store data and programs the computer is using at that
moment using the immediate access memory.
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CPU
ALU
Input device
Control unit
Output device
Immediate
access
memory
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Processor speed
The number of instructions carried out in a certain time
depends on the microprocessor’s clock speed. This is
measured in megahertz (MHz). The graph below gives you
an idea of how processor speed has increased over the
years.
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Graphics card
A graphics card takes digital data from the computer and
turns it into something we can see.
It changes digital data to analogue output for CRT
monitors, but doesn’t need to for LCD monitors, as these
are digital.
It creates signals that control
the colour of each pixel on the
screen – quite a job when you
think that each dot might have
a choice of 16.8 million colours
which can change 72 times
each second!
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Sound card
A sound card works in a similar way to the graphics
card, turning digital computer data into analogue
audio signals. These can be played back through
speakers and headphones to be heard as sounds.
It can also do this the other way round – taking
analogue sound from a microphone and turning it
into digital computer data.
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Motherboard
The motherboard is a circuit board that provides a place
for most of the other devices on the computer to plug
into.
Everything inside the
computer is in some
way connected to the
motherboard. The
CPU, graphics card
and sound card all
slot into the
motherboard.
Other devices, including hard
drives, are also connected to
the motherboard.
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Motherboard
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Summary
Processing is when the data that has been input is
turned into information.
The CPU or central processing unit is often referred to
as the ‘brain’ of the computer.
Processor speed is measured in megahertz (MHz).
A graphics card takes digital data from the computer
and turns it into something we can see.
The sound card turns digital computer data into audio
signals that are analogue.
The motherboard is a circuit board that provides a
place for most of the other devices on the computer to
plug into.
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