Unit 2 Assignment 1 Computing Level 3

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Processor Diagram: The diagram shows what the CPU can do in basic visual terms. The CPU can do 4 main tasks the control unit is what it says and allows the CPU to control any input given to it. Then the CPU can carry out mathematic equations and decisions (Arithmetic Logic Unit), the arithmetic/logic unit also performs logical operations. A logical operation is usually a comparison. The unit can compare numbers, letters, or special characters. The computer can then take action based on the result of the comparison. It then has a memory unit which allows the CPU via the operating system to calculate the amount of memory needing to be allocated to each programme and where to put the memory in use if unallocated. The processor can also control backing storage this is sometimes knows as secondary storage this is the name for all other data storage devices in computer i.e. a hard drive, etc. Backing storage is non – volatile this means it is used to store data for a long time and is not lost when the computer is switched off. The central processing unit (CPU) is essential in all PC’s it is known as the brain of the computer. The CPU sends signals to control the other parts of the computer in basic terms. The CPU is an electronic machine that works on a list of things to do, called 'instructions'. It reads the list of instructions, one instruction at a time, and does each one in order. To understand these instructions every programme run on the computer is converted into binary (0’s & 1’s) as this is the language that the processor understands to complete them. The speed that a CPU works at is measured in "Gigahertz", "GHz", for all modern computers. One gigahertz is one billion hertz. When buying processors you can come across the term “cores” most modern computers have 2 cores or more however some may have one. This means there are multiple

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