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Processing

Hardware

For more detailed instructions, see the Getting Started presentation.

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Processing is when the data that has been input is turned into information.

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Processing

Processing may involve calculations on data, for example exam results for a year group are calculated and sorted into order.

It may change the appearance of the data, perhaps by plotting a graph.

This processing is carried by microprocessors.

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In a computer the microprocessor is also known as the CPU or central processing unit. It is often referred to as the ‘brain’ of the computer.

Central processing unit

It is a complete computation engine built on a single chip. A chip is also called an IC or Integrated Circuit. It is a very thin layer of silicon that has the transistors etched on it that make up the CPU.

Microprocessors are found in many types of electronic equipment including washing machines, microwaves, cameras and video recorders.

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The central processing unit can do five basic things:

make calculations using its ALU (Arithmetic/Logic Unit)

move data from one memory location to another

make decisions and jump to a new set of instructions based on those decisions

carry out program instructions using the control unit

store data and programs the computer is using at that moment using the immediate access memory.

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ALU

Control unit

Immediate access memory

Input device Output device

CPU

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Processor speed

The number of instructions carried out in a certain time depends on the microprocessor’s clock speed. This is measured in megahertz (MHz). The graph below gives you an idea of how processor speed has increased over the years.

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A graphics card takes digital data from the computer and turns it into something we can see.

Graphics card

It changes digital data to analogue output for CRT monitors, but doesn’t need to for LCD monitors, as these are digital.

It creates signals that control the colour of each pixel on the screen – quite a job when you think that each dot might have a choice of 16.8 million colours which can change 72 times each second!

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A sound card works in a similar way to the graphics card, turning digital computer data into analogue audio signals. These can be played back through speakers and headphones to be heard as sounds.

Sound card

It can also do this the other way round – taking analogue sound from a microphone and turning it into digital computer data.

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The motherboard is a circuit board that provides a place for most of the other devices on the computer to plug into.

Motherboard

Everything inside the computer is in some way connected to the motherboard. The CPU, graphics card and sound card all slot into the motherboard.

Other devices, including hard drives, are also connected to the motherboard.

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Motherboard

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Summary

Processing is when the data that has been input is turned into information.

The CPU or central processing unit is often referred to as the ‘brain’ of the computer.

Processor speed is measured in megahertz (MHz).

A graphics card takes digital data from the computer and turns it into something we can see.

The sound card turns digital computer data into audio signals that are analogue.

The motherboard is a circuit board that provides a place for most of the other devices on the computer to plug into.