NOTE 1

DEFINITION OF A COMPUTER
A computer is defined as an electronic machine or device that accepts data, processes and
produces information.

COMPONENTS OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM

The Computer system consists of the following SIX (6) components:

1. Hardware The physical parts of the computer system.

E.g. System unit, input & output devices, secondary storage devices and
communication devices.

2. Software A set of instructions written in computer language (binary codes),

called programs, that control the operation of the hardware components according
to procedures and direct the computer to perform routine tasks.
E.g. move data, save, find totals and arrange in alphabetical order.

3. People Persons who program, use and maintain the computer system.

4. Procedures A sequence of instructions (strategies, policies, methods and rules)

for using and managing the computer system.

5. Database Data used by application software.

6. Communications The transmission of data from one drive to another (e.g. from
C Drive to A Drive) OR from one program to another (e.g. from Word to
PowerPoint) OR from one computer to another (e.g. effective networks and
transmission of e-mail).

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NOTE 1

PARTS OF THE PERSONAL COMPUTER SYSTEM

The personal computer (PC) system consists of the following parts:
1) Input Devices ** - to enter data into the computer system.

2) Processing Devices housed in the System Unit a metal casing which is

either wide or high.
The System Unit contains a motherboard which comprises:
a) Central Processing Unit (CPU) - referred to simply as the processor or
central processor, the CPU is where most calculations take place. In terms
of computing power, the CPU is the most important element of a computer
system. It is also referred to as the Brain of the computer.
The CPU consists of two (2) typical components:
i. Control Unit (CU) The extracts instructions from memory and
decodes and executes them, calling on the ALU when necessary.
ii. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) Performs operations on data and
stores the results in memory or registers.

b) Registers Fast working storage area to hold instructions and data

currently being used.

c) Memory (Immediate Access) primary or internal storage to hold data

for immediate use.
3) Output Devices ** - to present processed information on screen or in print or
in sound.

4) Secondary Storage Devices to store data permanently for later use.

5) Communication Devices to connect the computer to communication

networks.

** Input / Output (I/O) Devices are known as peripherals.

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