Overview of a Computer - Hardware

·        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.