Accounting

Information Systems (AIN1501)

Part 2 - Topic 2

Study Unit 5 – Hardware

Computer hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer system.

Internal hardware devices, also referred to as components, include the mother- board,
central processing unit (CPU), Random Access Memory (RAM), hard disk drive, and the
BD/DVD/CD (optical disc) drive.

External hardware devices, also referred to as peripheral devices, include the monitor,
keyboard, mouse, speakers, printer and scanner.

Role of hardware

The function and purpose of computer hardware is to assist users with the input
(capturing of data), processing, data storage, and output activities of an information
system.

Hardware components

Computer hardware includes input devices (keyboard, mouse, scanner), a central

processing unit (also called the CPU) that processes data into information, a primary
memory that provides working storage space for the CPU for program instructions and
data to be processed, secondary storage for storing data and information, and output
devices (monitor, printer, speakers).

Input devices

Input devices refer to the physical peripheral devices used for data entry and input and
are used to provide control signals for the user interface.

• Keyboard
• Computer mouse
• Imaging and video input devices
• Touch-sensitive screens (monitor)
• Audio input devices

AIN1501 E-tutor: H Carrim

PROCESSING - THE CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU) AND PRIMARY MEMORY

Data and instructions are entered into a computer for processing. This processing is
carried out by the CPU, which utilises the primary memory for storing and retrieving
data.

Central processing unit (CPU)

The CPU is the component of a computer system that carries out the instructions of
computer programs, and is the primary component of a computer.

A CPU consists of three components:

-The arithmetic/logic unit (ALU), which performs mathematical calculations and logical
operations

-The control unit, which fetches program instructions, decodes them and directs the
instructions in and out of the ALU, the registers, the primary and secondary storage, and
the output devices

-Registers (primary memory) are temporary high-speed storage areas used to hold
program instructions before, during and after their execution by the CPU

Executing instructions

Executing instructions involves two phases:

The first phase, consisting of steps 1 and 2, is called the instruction phase.

Step 1: Fetch instruction. Step 2: Decode instruction.

The second phase, consisting of steps 3 and 4, is called the execution phase. Step 3:
Execute instruction.

Step 4: Store results.

Clock speed

Clock speed, also called clock rate, is the speed at which a CPU executes instructions.

Primary memory

Primary memory or main memory is also just called ``memory''.

AIN1501 E-tutor: H Carrim

Two types of memory technology implement primary memory. The first is called
random access memory (RAM) and the other is read only memory (ROM).

Secondary storage

Secondary storage, also called permanent storage, refers to storage devices or media
that are able to store large amounts of data, instructions and information permanently,
unless erased.

Secondary storage media and devices include the following:

• Magnetic hard disk drives

• Optical disks
• Flash memory
• Other secondary storage devices and media
• Tertiary storage

Output devices

Output devices are the physical peripheral devices used to communicate the results of
data processed by a computer to the users.

• Monitor/display screen
• Printer
• Speakers

Other hardware components

• Computer case
• Motherboard
• Power supply
• Video card
• Sound card
• Network card

Types of computer systems

Computers differ in terms of:

• size
• functionality

AIN1501 E-tutor: H Carrim

Mobile devices

Mobile device is a term used for a variety of small portable computer devices. These
include:

• Laptops
• Netbooks
• Tablet PCs
• Smart phones and PDAs (personal digital assistants)

Desktop computers

Desktop computers are inexpensive computers that are powerful enough to perform
most business computing tasks.

Workstations

A workstation is simply a desktop computer that may contain special hardware

enhancements such as a more powerful processor, additional memory and
enhanced capabilities for performing specific or specialised tasks

Servers

A server is a computer that is dedicated to providing a specific service or performing

a specific task.

Mainframe computers

Mainframe computers are large powerful computers used in organisations to service

multiple users using smaller, single user machines.

Supercomputers

Supercomputers are the most powerful computer systems of all. These computers
have the fastest processing speed and the best performance. Supercomputers are
used for performing calculation-intensive tasks such as weather forecasting, fluid
and aero dynamics, nuclear simulations, and complex scientific computations.

AIN1501 E-tutor: H Carrim

Computer system hardware selection and upgrading

Selecting the correct computer hardware will require an understanding of the

information needs of the organisation and the computer software needed to perform
the specific tasks the organisation requires.

Certain hardware considerations are listed below.

Processor speed

Primary or main memory

Secondary storage

Output devices

Network devices/internet connectivity

Summary

Computer hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer system. Computer

hardware includes input devices, a CPU for processing data into information, primary
memory providing working storage space for the CPU, secondary storage for storing
data and information, and output devices. Computers also differ from one another in
terms of size and functionality. All of the above need to be considered when selecting a
computer system, thus keeping the information system needs of the organisation in
mind.

AIN1501 E-tutor: H Carrim