The main memory of the computer consists of two types: random access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM). Registers are used for the most frequently required data to avoid accessing main memory every time the data is needed. The CPU contains a special set of memory cells called registers (their number depends on the type of CPU) that can be read and written into more rapidly than the main memory area. Modern computers have billions or even trillions of bytes of memory. In modern computers each memory cell is set up to store binary numbers in groups of eight bits. The information stored in memory may represent characters (letters, numbers, symbols) and even computer instructions. Superscalar computers may contain multiple ALUs and, as a result, can process several instructions simultaneously.Ī computer memory can be described as a list of cells where numbers can be placed. The ALU may also compare numbers and boolean values (true or false) and it depends on whether one is equal to, greater than or less than the other. However, any computer that performs the simplest operations can be programmed to break down complex operations into simple steps. Some of them can only operate on integers while others use floating point to represent real numbers. The set of arithmetic operations that ALU supports is: to add and subtract, multiply or divide, trigonometry functions (sine, cosine) and square roots. The arithmetic logic unit performs two types of operations - arithmetic and logic. Instructions that modify the program counter are known as «jumps». The main function of the control system is to identify the simplified description of the next instruction. A key component, common to all CPUs, is the program counter, a special memory cell that keeps track of the next instruction which must be read after the processed one. In advanced computers, the control unit may change the order of instructions to improve performance.
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The control unit manages various components of the computer, i.e., it reads and interprets the program instructions, transforms them into a series of control signals which activate other parts of the computer. Early CPUs were composed of many separate components but since the mid-1970s CPUs have been combined into a single integrated circuit called a microprocessor. The control unit, ALU, registers and basic I/O are known as a central processing unit (CPU). Read and translate the following text.Ī general-purpose computer has four main components which are interconnected by busses often made of groups of wires: the arithmetic logic unit, the control unit, the memory and the input and output devices (I/O). What is the main function of a central processing unit? What components does a standard computer configuration consist of?ģ. Before reading the text try to answer these questions:ġ. Practise reading the following words:Ĭomponent, unit, device, interconnected, microprocessor, register, integrated, manage, improve, performance, simplify, description, identify, perform, support, integers, arithmetic, sine, cosine, compare, superscalar, represent, equal, rapidly, area, store, single, software, responsibility, significance, increase, trigonometry.