· Central Processing Unit (CPU) controls the flow of instructions and data and performs the necessary manipulation of data.
· Primary storage (memory) is used to store information for immediate access by the CPU.
· Note that there are many levels of cache used in primary storage.
· Secondary storage devices (e.g., the hard drive, CD-ROM drives, tapes, etc.) provide permanent storage of large amounts of data, but are much slower than primary storage.
· Input and Output devices provided interfaces between the computer and the user.
