The basic elements of the computing process can be listed as the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), the control unit, the memory and the input/output devices. Each of these elements are essential to computer processing and have an important role to play within the different stages.
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU).
This is the unit, or digital circuit, that performs the arithmetic and logical operations. It is required by even the simplest of microprocessors in order to carry out purposes such as maintaining timers. Modern computer processing systems and graphic processing units contain a much more complex ALU that is required to carry out much more complex operations.
The control unit is the central part of the computer process that controls its operations. It coordinates the inputs and outputs of a computer system and fetches the information required from the microprograms. It also controls the operation of other units using timing and control signals.
The memory within a computer processing system is where information about the data and processes a computer carries out is stored. The memory may be kept temporarily or permanently and can be stored quickly in primary memory or slowly in secondary memory.
Inputs into the computer processor are found in the form of data. This data is then processed so that it can be retrieved as understandable information by the end user. This output can then be used in a physical form by a person. The input and output devices are essential as without them there would be no way of getting data into the processor or information out.
These basic elements of computer processing each have an equally important role. They can be found in computer processes both simple and complex and are essential to the running of a computer system.
