The input unit accepts data and instructions from external devices and converts them to a binary format understood by the computer. Common input devices include the keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, microphone, and touchscreen. The output unit converts the computer's binary output to a human readable format and presents it via output devices such as monitors, printers, speakers, projectors, and plotters. The processor, or CPU, fetches instructions from memory, decodes and executes them, and writes results back to memory in four steps: fetch, decode, execute, and write back. It controls the overall functioning of the computer.