MAIN MEMORY AND CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT

Main memory stores programs and data for processing and the Central Processing Unit, or CPU, controls all computer operations. The CPU reads data into main memory from an input device, processes the data according to program instructions, and produces information by activating an output device.

The CPU is the “brains” of the computer system. The unit that houses main memory and the CPU must be linked by cables (or by communication channels such as telephone lines) to all input and output devices in the computer system.

The program, or set of instructions for processing data, is read into main memory by the CPU before data can be entered and processed and information generated.

Comments