Fill in the blanks in each of the following statements:
a) The logical unit of the computer that receives information from outside the computer
for use by the computer is the_________.
b) The process of instructing the computer to solve a problem is called_____.
c) ________is a type of computer language that uses English-like abbreviations for machine-language instructions.
d) _________________is a logical unit of the Computer that sends information which has already
been processed by the computer to various devices so that it may be used outside the
computer.
e) ________and________are logical units of the computer that retain information.
f) _________is a logical unit of the computer that performs calculations.
g) __________is a logical unit of the computer that makes logical decisions.
h) __________languages are most convenient to the programmer for writing programs
quickly and easily.
i) The only language a computer can directly understand is that computer's _______.
j) ________is a logical unit of the computer that coordinates the activities of all the other
logical units.
a. To provide a name for the logical unit in the computer that receives information from outside the computer.
Input unit
All data, information or instructions are received in computer from input units. Input units are responsible for receiving data from users and sending this data to the central processing unit where it can be processed.
Therefore, the logical unit of the computer that receives information from outside for further processing by computrer is the “input unit”.
b. To name the process of instructing the computer to solve a problem.
Programming
Certain sets of instructions to accomplish a task are provided to computer in form of programs. The process of writing these instructions is known as programming. Therefore, the process of instructing the computer to solve a problem is called “programming”.
c. To name the type of computer language that uses English-like abbreviations for machine-language instructions.
Assembly language
Machine language can be directly understood by the computer. A machine language consists of only 0s and 1s since the computer can understand only these two symbols. Due to this, Machine language is difficult to understand and it is hard to provide the simplest instructions to the computer using this language. Therefore, assembly language was introduced to act as an interface between machines and humans. Assembly language uses English-like abbreviations, which makes it easier to be understood by humans. The instructions written in assembly language are converted to machine language for further processing.
Therefore, “Assembly language” is a type of computer language that uses English-like abbreviations for machine-language instructions.
d. To name the logical unit of the computer that sends already processed information to the outside world.
Output unit
One part of the logical unit is responsible for shipping the processed data of the computer to the users. This unit is known as the output unit
Therefore, the “Output unit” is a logical unit of the computer that sends information that has already been processed by the computer to various devices so that it may be used outside the computer.
d. To name the logical units of computer that retains information.
Memory Unit and Secondary storage unit
The memory unit holds the data that is to be used by the central processing unit (CPU). The memory unit has fast data transfer speed and therefore is in direct contact with CPU. Memory unit is temporary storage and loses its data as soon as the computer is turned off.
The secondary storage unit is responsible for holding data for a longer period of time as compared to the memory unit. The data transfer rate of the secondary storage unit is much smaller as compared to the memory unit. In this unit, data is not lost even after computer power is turned off. So, Secondary storage unit is for long term usage.
Therefore, “Memory unit” and “Secondary storage unit” are logical units of the computer that retain information.
f. To name the logical unit of the computer that performs calculations.
Arithmetic logic unit
All calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, etc. are performed by Arithmetic logic unit (ALU).
Therefore, “Arithmetic logic unit” is a logical unit of the computer that performs calculations.
g. To name the logical unit of the computer that performs logical decisions.
Arithmetic logic unit
Along with performing arithmetic calculations, the Arithmetic logic unit is also responsible for performing logical decisions inside a computer system such as comparing whether any two items from computer memory are equal or not.
Therefore, “Arithmetic logic unit” is a logical unit of the computer that makes logical decisions.
h. To name the languages which are most convenient to the programmer for writing programs quickly and easily.
High-level
Programming languages can be categorized into three, they are machine language, assembly language and high-level language. Among these, high-level language is the most user-friendly as it follows English like syntax. Programming with high-level languages makes it easier for programmers to provide an efficient program.
Therefore, “High-level” languages are most convenient to the programmer for writing programs quickly and easily.
i. To name the computer language that a computer can directly understand.
Machine language
Machine language is represented by two symbols, i.e., 0 and 1. A computer can understand only machine language. Programs written in any language are first converted to machine language before being executed.
Therefore, the only language a computer can directly understand is the computer’s “Machine language”.
j. To name the logical unit of the computer that coordinates all the activities of all logical units.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
CPU is considered as an administrative unit for a computer. It tells the input unit when information should be read into the memory and sent for processing by ALU. It also instructs the output unit about when to transfer data to the user.
Therefore, the “Central Processing Unit (CPU)” is a logical unit of the computer that coordinates the activities of all the other logical units.