Chapter 1

Types and components of computer systems

Hardware and Software
Hardware
• Physical components of a computer system
• Internal hardware devices
• (e.g. processor, motherboards, random access
memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM),
video cards, sound cards and internal hard disk
drives)
• External hardware devices and peripherals
• (such as monitors, keyboards, mice, printers as
input and output devices and external storage
devices in general)
Software
• Programs for controlling the operation of a
computer or processing of electronic data
• There are two types of software – applications
software and system software
• Applications software
• (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, database
management systems, control software,
measuring software, applets and apps, photo
editing software, video editing software,
graphics manipulation software)
• System software
• (e.g. compilers, linkers, device drivers,
operating systems and utilities)
The main components of computer systems
• central processing unit (CPU) and its role
• internal memory, i.e. ROM and RAM
RAM ROM
Random Access Memory Read only memory
Volatile Non-volatile
Contents can be changed Contents cannot be changed
Stores data temporarily Stores data permanently
Can be written to or read from Can only be read from
Stores data and programs in current use Stores startup instructions
System BIOS
• input and output devices and describe the difference between them
• Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone,…
• Printer, Monitor, Speaker, Motor, Buzzer,…
• define secondary/backing storage
• HDD, SSD, CD, Memory stick
Operating systems
• CLI
• Command Line Interface
• User types commands to perform
tasks
• Commands need to be learned
and memorised
• Commands should be precise
• Commands cannot be edited once
entered
• GUI
• Graphical User Interface
• Creates WIMP environment
• Windows, Icons, Menu, Pointer
• User can make selections from
icons (as shortcuts to programs)
• Programs are displayed in
windows
• User can select options from
menus
• Pointer displays mouse position
on screen
Benefits and drawbacks of CLI and GUI:
• CLI
• Benefits:
• Occupies less memory
• Faster response
• Does not need a pointing device
• Drawbacks:
• User has to type commands
• User need to memorise commands
• Commands need to be precise
• Has to know exact names and
locations of programs and files
• Commands cannot be edited once
entered
• GUI
• Benefits:
• Can make selections from icons or
menus rather than typing
• No need to memorise commands
• Suitable for beginners
• Drawbacks:
• Occupies larger memory space
• Slower response than CLI
Types of computer
• Personal/Desktop Computer
• Laptop Computer
• Tablet Computer
• Smart Phone
Impact of emerging technologies
• Emerging technologies are having an impact on everyday life:
• Artificial intelligence
• Biometrics
• Vision enhancement
• Robotics
• Quantum cryptography
• Computer-assisted translation
• 3D and holographic imaging
• Virtual reality
This is my New Slide (Backing Storage)
• HDD • Why Backing storage:
• SSD • RAM is volatile, looses info when
computer is switched off
• CD/DVD • Backing storage keeps data for
• Portable, cheap later use
• Flash memory • Higher storage capacity than RAM
• Backing storage may be portable
• Blu-Ray
VR systems
• Examples • Hardware
• Medical staff training • Headsets
• Learning • Speakers
• Entertainment(Games and • Tactile sensors/gloves(motion
Movies) sensors)
• Virtual museum tours • VR goggles
• Virtual zoo • Joysticks/game controller
• Monitors