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Importance and Uses of Processing Devices

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A Brief Introduction to Procession Devices

Processing devices process data by using some programing instructions, manipulating functions, performing calculations and by controlling other hardware devices.  They play an important role in computer processing operations. They are the hardware component of a computer that helps handle the storage and retrieval of information. To know and learn about the various functions of the different types of processing devices, read through the article. 


 List of Processing Devices

  • CPU/Processor

  • GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

  • Graphics Card

  • Motherboard

  • Sound card


Details About the Listed Processing Devices

1. CPU/Processor: Processor stands for Central Processing Unit (CPU). The CPU is the brain of the computer and is located on the motherboard. We use the computer to calculate the attempt of anything we do on the computer, which is known to the computer because processing does everything we do on the computer. 

The computer receives a command from the program files when we select an icon from the software and put it. Later, the computer opens the program and displays the output on an output device such as a monitor.


CPU (Central Processing Unit)


CPU (Central Processing Unit)


2. GPU: GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is used to process good videos and images but it is not the main part of the computer because the computer uses integrated graphics connected to the motherboard and handles standard graphics. A person who plays video games and creates high-quality videos with this device will probably need a GPU to handle heavy in-game graphics and high-quality videos, so they need a GPU for that.


GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)


GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)


3. Graphics Card: A graphics card is similar to a GPU, but has less processing power than a GPU. Graphics cards are built directly into computer motherboards; so it's like a small part of the GPU that works slowly.


Graphics card


Graphics Card


4. Motherboard: This is the basic device of the computer; with the help of this device, all other devices are connected to the laptop or desktop computer. A motherboard is a piece of PCB (Printed Circuit Board) that is used to connect all other components through it.


Motherboard


Motherboard


5. Sound Card: With this card we can play any sound stored in our device. The computer is capable of storing all types of audio binary code for decoding; a sound card is available in the laptop, mobile phone, and speaker.


Sound card


Sound Card


Uses of Processing Devices

  • CPU (Central Processing Unit) - It is the intelligent part of the computer system that carries out the instructions of the computer program as well as all the functions of the computer. It is responsible for every operation performed in a computer system.

  • Motherboard - A motherboard is a circuit board inside a computer that contains the CPU, memory, buses, and other components. It is the biggest board of the computer that communicates between CPU, RAM and devices.

  • GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) - GPU stands for "Graphics Processing Unit", which is a computer integrated chip that helps render graphics and images by performing fast mathematical calculations. It is used for both purposes in personal and professional computers. The GPU is responsible for rendering 2D and 3D images, video and animations

  • Graphics Card - This is similar to a GPU, but with significantly less processing power for creating images and videos. Pictures, images and graphics are clearer when using graphics cards. These graphics cards allow users to view on-screen graphics with greater clarity.

  • Sound Card - The sound card helps us play sounds on the computer. The audio is stored in binary so before we can play this audio.


Points to Remember

  • Processing devices are the basic devices of computer systems that are responsible for processing and manipulating the instructions and tasks assigned to them.

  • Without a CPU, a computer cannot perform any of the operations it is designed for.

  • A computer system receives its data, instructions and information from input devices such as the keyboard. This raw data is further processed by the CPU to obtain the desired result and output.

  • The computer processor is aware of all the operations and activities that happen inside the computer system.

  • The CPU is installed inside the computer, actually on the motherboard.

  • Some examples of computer processing devices are: GPU, Microprocessors, Sound card, Graphic card, processor, Clock, Chipset, Motherboard, Data bus, Expanding slots, Address bus.


Learning by Doing

Write True or False:

  1. Without a processing device we will not be able to get any output from any device. 

  2. Keyboard is a processing device.

  3. The CPU is known as the "brain" or "heart" of the computer system.

  4. Graphic cards have more processing power for creating images and videos then GPU

  5. Flash memory is an example of storage devices.


Sample Questions

1. Write the importance of processing devices.

Ans: Data received from an input device must be modified and changed before being sent to a computer's output device. This is done by computer processing devices through the implementation of certain instructions and calculations. 


2. Name the devices in which we can find sound cards.

Ans: Sound cards can be found in laptops, mobile phones and speakers.


3. Write alternative names for graphic cards.

Ans: A graphics card is an expansion card that is built into the computer's motherboard. A graphics card has other alternative names such as "Display Adapter",  "Video Adapter", "Video Board" or "Video Controller".


Summary

Processing devices help computers to process and give us the desired output. The CPU is the most important processing device located on the motherboard of every computer. Graphic card and sound card are two important processing devices to process images and sound respectively. In this article, we have discussed the different types of processing devices and their functions. We hope to have helped you with your queries. Try out the solved and practise questions to enhance your conceptual understanding.

FAQs on Importance and Uses of Processing Devices

1. What is the most important processing device of a computer?

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is considered the most important processing device.

2. What are computer input and output devices?

Input devices help computers receive raw data and information from the outside using a keyboard and mouse. This raw data is further processed with the help and assistance of the CPU.


Computer output devices are responsible for providing human-readable output using output devices such as printers and monitors.

3. Write the function of processing devices with examples.

The functions of processing devices are as follows:

  • In a computer system, processing devices process all coded data that users enter through input devices such as mouse, keyboard, trackball, etc.

  • After processing, this data is converted into useful information and then transferred to output devices such as monitor, speaker, printer, etc.

  • First, data is picked up from the input devices passing through the intermediate level before outputting to the appropriate output devices

For example, the central processing unit (CPU) receives input data and performs mandatory processing, including calculations, and stores it in the computer's memory.