Question

Fill in the blanks in each of the following statements: a. Which logical unit of the computer receives information from outside the computer for use by the computer? _______ b. The process of instructing the computer to solve specific problems is called _______ c. What type of computer language uses English-like abbreviations for machine- language instructions? _______ d. Which logical unit of the computer sends information that has already been processed by the computer to various devices so that the information may be used outside the computer? _______ e. Which logical unit of the computer retains information? _______ f. Which logical unit of the computer performs calculations? _______ g. Which logical unit of the computer makes logical decisions? _______ h. The level of computer language most convenient to the programmer for writing programs quickly and easily is _______ i. The only language that a computer directly understands is called that computer's _______ J. Which logical unit of the computer coordinates the activities of all the other logical units? _______

Short answer

a. Input unit; b. Programming; c. Assembly language; d. Output unit; e. Memory unit; f. ALU; g. ALU; h. High-level language; i. Machine language; j. Control unit.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the receiving unit

The logical unit of a computer that receives information from outside the computer is known as the **input unit**. This unit handles interfaces like keyboards and mice that allow users to input data into the computer.

Define solving problems through instructions

The process of instructing the computer to solve specific problems is called **programming**. This involves writing code to instruct a computer on how to perform a task.

English-like computer language

A computer language that uses English-like abbreviations for machine-language instructions is called an **assembly language**. It serves as a more readable way to express operations compared to binary code.

Identify the sending unit

The logical unit of a computer that sends out processed information is known as the **output unit**. It communicates results to output devices like monitors and printers.

Identify unit that retains information

The logical unit of the computer responsible for retaining information is the **memory unit**. It stores data and instructions for the CPU to process.

Identify the calculation unit

The logical unit of a computer that performs calculations is known as the **arithmetic logic unit (ALU)**. It handles all arithmetical operations and logical decisions.

Logical decision-making unit

The unit that handles logical decisions, in addition to performing calculations, is also the **arithmetic logic unit (ALU)**.

Convenient level of computer language

The level of computer language most convenient for programmers to write programs quickly is typically referred to as **high-level language**. Languages like Java, Python, and C++ fall into this category.

Direct language for the computer

The only language a computer directly understands is known as **machine language**. It consists of binary code that the computer's processor can execute directly.

Coordinating logical unit

The logical unit that coordinates the activities of all the other logical units within the computer is the **control unit**. It directs the flow of data within the CPU.

Key concepts

Input Unit

The Input Unit is the gateway through which a computer receives data and instructions from the outside world. Think of it as the ears and eyes of the computer system. This unit includes devices like keyboards, mice, and scanners. These devices translate user actions and commands into data that the computer can process.

• Conversion: Input devices convert user inputs into machine-readable formats.
• Transmission: The inputted data is then transferred to other parts of the computer, particularly the memory or processing units, for further actions.

Without the Input Unit, the computer would not know what tasks need to be performed, nor would it be capable of receiving any form of data from the user.

Output Unit

Once a computer processes data, it needs a way to communicate results back to the user, and that’s where the Output Unit comes in. This part of the computer architecture is crucial for any interaction between the user and the machine.

• Translation: It translates the computer’s types of data into a human-readable form.
• Devices: Typical output devices include monitors, printers, and speakers.

Imagine typing a document and printing it. The input happens via the keyboard, and when your document comes out of the printer, that’s the output—processed and formatted text ready for human use.

Control Unit

The Control Unit is essentially the "brain" within the computer that makes everything tick. This unit doesn't perform any calculations or store data but is absolutely crucial in ensuring all processes run smoothly.

• Coordination: It coordinates how data moves between the computer’s various units—memory, input, output, and the ALU.
• Instruction Fetching: The Control Unit fetches instructions from the computer's memory and decodes them to be executed.
• Command Execution: It turns instructions into a series of control signals that guide the operation of the system.

In essence, the Control Unit is like the director of a play, orchestrating when and how each component of the computer contributes to the performance.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Found at the core of the computer's processing power, the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is where magic happens. It’s responsible for executing all arithmetic and logical operations.

• Calculations: It performs basic computations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Logic Operations: The ALU also makes decisions based on logic operations that involve comparing numbers, such as greater than, less than, or equal to.

The ALU's ability to perform these critical functions makes it a fundamental component in computer processing, turning raw data into meaningful information and outcomes.