Components of Computer System

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YOUR NOTES
IGCSE ICT CIE 
1.2 Components of Computer Systems
CONTENTS
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Memory
Input Devices & Direct Data Entry
Output Devices
Storage
Page 1 of 14
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Central Processing Unit (CPU) YOUR NOTES


Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the computer's "brain" responsible for processing
instructions entered into the computer
The CPU processes instructions and performs calculations in order to produce an output
CPU Functions
Fetches instructions from memory
Decodes the instructions to determine the required operation
Executes the operation
Stores the result back in memory or sends it to an output device
CPU Components
The CPU is made up of 3 main components:
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Control Unit (CU)
Registers
Page 2 of 14
Memory YOUR NOTES


Memory
Memory is used to store data and instructions temporarily for the computer to process
Characteristics of ROM and RAM
ROM RAM
Non-volatile (retains data when Volatile (loses data when powered

Volatility
powered off) off)
Read-only (data cannot be
Access Read-write (data can be modified)
modified)
Stores essential instructions (e.g. Stores data and instructions in use
Main Purpose
BIOS) by CPU
Differences between ROM and RAM

ROM is non-volatile, while RAM is volatile
ROM is read-only, while RAM is read-write
ROM stores essential instructions, while RAM stores data and instructions currently in use
 Worked Example
State two characteristics of RAM
[2]
Two of:
RAM can be read from and written to [1]
RAM is volatile memory [1]
RAM is temporary storage [1]
 Exam Tip
Make sure you know the difference between RAM & ROM - it's easy to get them
mixed up
Page 3 of 14
Input Devices & Direct Data Entry YOUR NOTES


Input Devices
Characteristics of Input Devices
Input devices: allow users to enter data or instructions into a computer system e.g.:
Keyboard
Mouse
Scanner
Microphone
Touch screen
Differences between Input & Output Devices
Input devices send data or instructions to the computer, while output devices receive data
from the computer
Input devices are used for user interaction and data entry, while output devices display or
produce the results of data processing
Input Device Use Advantages Disadvantages
Keyboard & Fast and accurate The steeper learning

Numeric Entering text and numbers input for experienced curve, repetitive strain
Keypad users injury
Pointing Navigate and interact with Intuitive and precise Requires flat surface,
Devices computer interfaces control the strain on the wrist
Control devices from a Convenient, no direct
Limited range, may
Remote Control distance, e.g., TVs and media physical contact is
require line-of-sight
players needed
Enhances gameplay Expensive, limited use
Joystick/Driving
Simulation and driving games experience, realistic outside of gaming,
Wheel
control bulky
Intuitive, no need for a The screen may get
Direct interaction with the
Touch Screen separate pointing dirty, less precise than
screen using fingers or a stylus
device a mouse
Accurate Quality depends on
Scanners and Capture images and convert
reproduction, easy to resolution, which can
Cameras them into digital format
share and store be expensive
Hands-free input can May pick up
Capture a sound for recording
Microphone be used for voice background noise, the
or communication purposes
recognition quality varies
Page 4 of 14
Sensors and
Sensors detect changes in the Can automate tasks, May require calibration, YOUR NOTES
environment; light pen interacts provides real-time affected by the 
Light Pen
with screens information environment
 Exam Tip
Note that a mouse isn't built into a laptop - instead, it would be another pointing
device e.g. trackpad
All the devices listed here are input devices. Some people think microphones
and webcams are output devices
Page 5 of 14
Direct Data Entry YOUR NOTES


Direct Data
Use Advantages Disadvantages
Entry Device
Reading information stored Data can be easily

Magnetic Stripe Fast, simple to use,
on magnetic stripes, e.g., erased, and limited
Reader reliable
credit cards, ID cards storage capacity
Chip and PIN Processing debit and credit Secure, quick

Requires PIN input,
Reader transaction, reduced
card transactions in stores potential for skimming
fraud risk
Reading information from No line-of-sight is The expensive system,
RFID Reader RFID tags, e.g., inventory needed, multiple tags and potential privacy
tracking, access control are read simultaneously concerns
OMR (Optical Reading marked areas on Limited to specific
Fast processing,
Mark forms, e.g., multiple-choice forms, cannot read
reduced human error
Recognition) exams handwriting
OCR (Optical Converting printed text into Can struggle with
The fast and accurate,
Character digital text, e.g., digitising complex layouts, font
searchable digital text
Recognition) books dependent
Scanning barcodes to
Fast and accurate, low Requires line-of-sight,
Barcode Reader retrieve product
cost limited data storage
information and prices
Scanning QR codes for Requires a smartphone
Can store more data,
QR Scanner information retrieval or or specific scanner,
versatile uses
linking to websites quality dependent
Page 6 of 14
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

For each of the following uses of data capture, name one appropriate direct data
entry device. The devices must be different in each case
a. Contactless credit cards
[1]
Radio Frequency Identification/RFID reader [1]
b. Multiple choice answers in an examination paper
[1]
Optical Mark Reader/OMR [1]
c. To scan items at a computerised till
[1]
Bar Code reader/scanner [1]
Page 7 of 14
Output Devices YOUR NOTES


Output Devices
Characteristics of Output Devices
Output devices: display or produce the results of data processing from a computer
system e.g.:
Monitor
Printer
Speakers
Projector
Differences between Input & Output Devices
Input devices send data or instructions to the computer, while output devices receive data
from the computer
Input devices are used for user interaction and data entry, while output devices display or
produce the results of data processing
Output
Use Advantages Disadvantages
Device
Displaying computer-generated Real-time display, Power consumption,

Monitor
visual information on a screen adjustable settings potential glare
Touch Displaying visual information and Susceptible to
Screen allowing user interaction with the Intuitive, space-saving smudges, potential
(Output) screen calibration issues
Projecting computer-generated
Multimedia Large display, good for Requires darkened
images and videos onto a larger
Projector presentations room, expensive bulbs
surface
Fast, high-quality
Laser Printing high-quality text and Expensive initial cost,
prints, lower cost per
Printer graphics quickly limited to flat surfaces
page
Inkjet Printing text and graphics using Lower initial cost, high- Slower, higher cost per
Printer liquid ink quality prints page, ink may smudge
Printing text and simple graphics
Dot Matrix Low cost, can print
using a print head that strikes an Noisy, low print quality
Printer multi-part forms
ink-soaked ribbon
Creating large-format graphics, High accuracy, can
Slow, expensive, large
Plotter such as architectural plans and print on various
size
engineering designs materials
Page 8 of 14
Creating three-dimensional
Customisable designs, Limited materials, slow
YOUR NOTES
3D Printer objects by adding material layer 
rapid prototyping process
by layer
Range of sizes and
Converting digital audio signals Can be power-hungry,
Speaker power outputs,
into sound the sound quality varies
immersive audio
Converting electrical signals into Requires power,
Precise movement,
Actuator physical movement, e.g., motors potential mechanical
programmable
and valves in robotics wear
Holographic imaging
Holographic imaging is a technique that creates three-dimensional images by recording
and reconstructing light waves
These images provide a realistic and immersive visual experience
This could be used in medicine to create:
MRI scan images
Ultrasound images
3D views of our internal organs
Page 9 of 14
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

Complete the following sentences using the most appropriate items from the list
below.
A 3D printer An ADC A compiler An interpreter A microphone
A numeric
A monitor A speaker A switch A USB
keypad
a. ________ is a device used to input a pin
[1]
A numeric keypad [1]
b. ________ analyses and executes a program line by line
[1]
An interpreter [1]
c. ________ produces output in the form of solid objects
[1]
A 3D printer [1]
d. ________ produces output in the form of sound
[1]
A speaker [1]
 Exam Tip
Make sure you know which printer is which. Some people get mixed up between
dot matrix and laser
Detail is needed in the description in order to achieve full marks. Relating the
answer back to the scenario is important as some printers would not work in the
given scenario
Page 10 of 14
Storage YOUR NOTES


Storage
Characteristics of Backing Storage
Backing storage: long-term storage used to store data, files, and programs when not in
use e.g.:
hard disk drives (HDD)
solid-state drives (SSD)
USB flash drives
optical discs (CDs, DVDs)
Backing storage is typically slower than internal memory but has a larger capacity
It is non-volatile, meaning it retains data when the computer is powered off
Differences between Backing Storage & Internal Memory
Backing Storage Internal Memory
Long-term storage of files, Temporary storage of data and essential

Function
programs, and data instructions while the computer is running
HDD, SSD, USB flash drives,
Examples RAM, ROM
optical discs (CDs, DVDs)
Access
Slower Faster
Speed
Capacity Larger Smaller
Non-volatile (retains data when
Volatility RAM: volatile, ROM: non-volatile
powered off)
Storage Media
Storage
Examples Use Advantages Disadvantages
Media
Long-term data Slower access time,

Magnetic Hard disks, High capacity,
storage, backup, and moving parts,
Drives Magnetic tape low cost per GB
archiving susceptible to magnets
Data storage, audio, Portable,
Optical CD, DVD, Blu- Limited capacity,
video, and software durable, low
Discs ray susceptible to scratches
distribution cost
Page 11 of 14
Memory cards YOUR NOTES

Solid- (SD, xD, Fast data storage for Fast access 
More expensive, limited
State CFast), USB portable devices and time, no moving
write cycles
Media Drives, Solid modern computers parts
State Drives
 Worked Example
Give two error messages that may appear when trying to save to a CFast solid-
state memory card.
[2]
Two of:
Medium is full [1]
Corrupt card [1]
Write error [1]
Card error [1]
Card not initialised [1]
Virus found on the card [1]
Device not recognised [1]
Storage Devices
Storage
Use Media Advantages Disadvantages
Devices
High capacity Slower access time,

Magnetic Long-term data storage,
Magnetic (10TB), low cost moving parts,
Drive backup, and archiving
per GB susceptible to magnets
Fixed General-purpose Large storage

Magnetic Moving parts, vulnerable
Magnetic storage in computers capacity (5TB),
Hard Disk to physical damage
Hard Drive and servers relatively fast
Portable Portable (5TB), Slower than SSDs,

External storage for data Magnetic
Magnetic large storage vulnerable to physical
transfer and backup Hard Disk
Hard Drive capacity damage
Page 12 of 14
Magnetic
Backup and archiving,
Magnetic
High storage
Slow access time,
YOUR NOTES
especially for large capacity (10TB), 
Tape Drives Tape sequential access
volumes of data low cost
Audio and data storage, Affordable, widely Low capacity (700MB),

CD CD
software distribution compatible susceptible to scratches
Higher capacity storage Higher capacity Susceptible to

DVD for data, video, and DVD than CD (8.5GB), scratches, lower
software distribution affordable capacity than Blu-ray
High capacity
High-definition video More expensive, and
(50GB), high-
Blu-ray and high capacity data Blu-ray requires specific
resolution video
storage hardware
storage
Fast access time,

Fixed Solid-
Fast internal storage for Solid- no moving parts, More expensive, limited
State Drive
modern computers State high capacity write cycles
(SSD)
(30TB)
Fast access time,

External storage for fast Solid- portable, no More expensive, limited
Portable SSD
data transfer and backup State moving parts, high write cycles
capacity (2TB)
Portable data storage Small size, fast Limited capacity

Solid-
Pen Drive and transfer for various read/write speeds, compared to other
State
devices high capacity (1TB) storage devices
Page 13 of 14
YOUR NOTES
 Worked Example

A program collects a large amount of data and this could be stored using either a
fixed solid-state drive (SSD) or cloud storage.
a. Describe four advantages to the school of using cloud storage rather than using
the SSD
[4]
Four of:
The cloud has greater storage capacity [1]
The data could be sent directly to/from the cloud from any computer/device [1]
Storage capacity can be increased without adding additional physical devices [1]
Many people can share the data [1]
The school would only pay for the storage used [1]
There is an automatic backup of data [1]
b. Describe three disadvantages to the school of using cloud storage rather than
using the SSD
[3]
Three of:
More security issues as multiple copies of the data are stored [1]
The school loses control over the storage of the data [1]
Cloud storage has an ongoing cost [1]
Users must have a reliable internet connection to store data [1]
Users must have an internet connection to access data [1]
Page 14 of 14

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1.2 Components of Computer Systems

Central Processing Unit (CPU) YOUR NOTES

Memory YOUR NOTES

Non-volatile (retains data when Volatile (loses data when powered

Differences between ROM and RAM

Input Devices & Direct Data Entry YOUR NOTES

Input Device Use Advantages Disadvantages

Keyboard & Fast and accurate The steeper learning

Direct Data Entry YOUR NOTES

Reading information stored Data can be easily

Chip and PIN Processing debit and credit Secure, quick

Output Devices YOUR NOTES

Displaying computer-generated Real-time display, Power consumption,

Storage YOUR NOTES

Backing Storage Internal Memory

Long-term storage of files, Temporary storage of data and essential

Long-term data Slower access time,

Memory cards YOUR NOTES

High capacity Slower access time,

Fixed General-purpose Large storage

Portable Portable (5TB), Slower than SSDs,

Audio and data storage, Affordable, widely Low capacity (700MB),

Higher capacity storage Higher capacity Susceptible to

Fast access time,

Fast access time,

Portable data storage Small size, fast Limited capacity

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