These advances made it possible to place the entire CPU of a computer on a single chip. All computers share the same basic architecture. The CPU of a microcomputer performs all the arithmetic, logic, and data handling functions of the microcomputer. The most common input device used with microcomputers is the keyboard. Output can be directed to a video monitor, printer, or disk drive.
Composite monitors are capable of displaying text and low resolution graphics.
TTL and RGB monitors can display high resolution graphics. Dot matrix printers produce hardcopy at high speed with varying degrees of resolution, whereas fully formed character printers produce letter quality copy. RAM memory is the workspace used by the CPU for storing data and programs. It is volatile. ROM memory holds instructions supplied by the manufacturer.