Stages of Processing

 When a computer is given instructions, a series of tasks must take place in order for a result to be accomplished  To accomplish these tasks, a computer has to process data

 In order to process data to convert it to information the computer uses THREE stages: ◦ Input ◦ Processing ◦ Output

InputProcessingOutput

 Processing occurs in the Central Processing Unit or CPU  This important part of the computer is also call the processor and can be considered the ‘Brain’ of the entire system

 This part of the computer system has the responsibility of taking data provided by the user and converting it to usable information  The data provided by the user is converted to information by following a set of instructions in the form of programs.  It is responsible for the movement of data and instructions from itself to the main memory and the ALU and back

 The Central Processing Unit consists of TWO smaller components called the: ◦ Control Unit (CU) ◦ Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) CUALUCPU

 This component is considered to be the major part of the CPU  The Control Unit’s responsibilities include: ◦ Directing and coordinating all activities of the CPU ◦ Determining the sequence in which instructions are executed ◦ Sending data and instructions to the ALU ◦ The CU executes instructions (page 4)

 The CU contains a number of registers  A register is a temporary storage location that holds a single instruction of data item  These are used by the CU to store data and instructions currently being used in order to speed up the processing time

 This part of the CPU is responsible for performing all the arithmetic and logic functions in a computer  Page 4

 What is the difference between data and information?  Give 3 reasons why a bank would have computers  Explain the use of the CU and ALU